Most Advance Auto Parts locations close on Thanksgiving, but some stay open with reduced hours
Advance Auto Parts does not operate on a single national schedule for Thanksgiving. Most stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day itself, but some locations in certain areas stay open with reduced hours. The only way to know whether your specific store is open is to check directly — either by calling the store, visiting the Advance Auto Parts website and using their store locator, or stopping by in person.
The company does not publish a unified Thanksgiving schedule online. Individual store managers set their own hours based on local demand and staffing. A store in a busy urban area might open for a few hours, while a suburban location might close completely. This means you cannot rely on a general rule, and calling ahead is the only reliable method.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts does not have a company-wide Thanksgiving closure policy, so hours depend on your individual store location.
- The fastest way to confirm whether your store is open is to call the store directly rather than relying on the website or store locator.
- If your local store is closed, nearby locations or other auto parts retailers like AutoZone or O'Reilly may have different hours.
- Planning ahead by picking up parts the day before Thanksgiving eliminates the need to search for open stores on the holiday.
- Basic auto supplies are also available at Walmart and Target, which may have different Thanksgiving hours than specialty auto retailers.
How to check if your Advance Auto Parts is open on Thanksgiving
Start by going to the Advance Auto Parts website and using their store locator tool. Enter your zip code or city name, and the tool will show you nearby locations with their regular hours. However, the regular hours listed may not reflect Thanksgiving Day changes, so this is only a starting point.
After you find your store, call the location directly. The phone number appears in the store locator results. Ask whether they will be open on Thanksgiving and what time they open and close. Store staff can give you a definitive answer because they know their own schedule. If you reach an automated message, try calling back during regular business hours to speak with someone.
If you cannot reach anyone by phone, visit the store in person a day or two before Thanksgiving. Ask a staff member directly about Thanksgiving hours. This also gives you a chance to confirm they have the part you need in stock, so you are not making a wasted trip on the holiday.
What to do if your store is closed on Thanksgiving
If your local Advance Auto Parts is closed, you have several options. Other auto parts chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts may have different hours at their nearby locations. Call ahead to confirm they are open before driving there, since their policies also vary by store.
Walmart and Target both carry basic auto supplies — windshield wipers, batteries, oil, coolant, and fuses — at many locations. Some Walmart stores are open on Thanksgiving, though hours vary widely. Check their website or call your local store to confirm before you go.
If you need a part that is not urgent, the simplest approach is to pick it up the day before Thanksgiving. This avoids the uncertainty of holiday hours and gives you time to install it before the holiday rush. You will also have a full selection to choose from.
Planning ahead to avoid Thanksgiving store closures
The best strategy is to identify what you need and get it before Thanksgiving week. If you know your car needs maintenance or repairs, handle it earlier in the week when all stores are definitely open and you have full selection and staff availability.
If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, check your destination area's auto parts stores before you leave home. Look up their locations and hours so you know where to go if something goes wrong on the road. Write down a few store addresses and phone numbers in case you need them while traveling.
Keep a basic emergency kit in your car — jumper cables, a spare tire, a jack, oil, coolant, and a flashlight. This reduces the chance you will need to find an open store in the first place. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to need emergency parts on a holiday.
Other retailers that may be open on Thanksgiving
Beyond Walmart and Target, some gas stations and convenience stores carry limited auto supplies. These locations often have longer hours on holidays than specialty retailers. However, their selection is typically limited to the most common items like oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and batteries.
If you are in a pinch and need something specific, call ahead to confirm availability. Gas station attendants can tell you what they have in stock without you having to drive there. Some chains like Sheetz and Wawa operate 24 hours and carry basic supplies at many locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Advance Auto Parts locations closed on Thanksgiving?
No. Most locations close, but some stores in certain areas stay open with shorter hours. You must check your specific store to know for certain. Call ahead or visit the store locator on their website to confirm your location's status.
What time does Advance Auto Parts open the day after Thanksgiving?
Advance Auto Parts returns to regular hours the day after Thanksgiving (Friday). Hours vary by location, so check your store's normal schedule on their website or call to confirm what time they open that day.
Can I order parts online and pick them up on Thanksgiving?
Most Advance Auto Parts locations do not offer in-store pickup on Thanksgiving because the stores are closed. You can order online for delivery or for pickup on another day, but confirm the delivery date before ordering to avoid delays.
What if I need a car part and everything is closed?
Check Walmart, Target, or gas stations for basic supplies like oil, batteries, and wipers. If you need something more specialized, you may have to wait until the day after Thanksgiving, or call ahead to nearby locations in other towns to see if they are open.
Should I call or visit in person to check Thanksgiving hours?
Calling is faster and more reliable than visiting in person. You get an when ready answer without driving to the store. If you cannot reach anyone by phone, visiting a day or two before Thanksgiving gives you time to find an alternative if they are closed.