What Advance Auto offers for oil changes
Advance Auto Parts runs periodic discounts on oil change services, but the company does not perform oil changes in-store. Instead, Advance Auto sells the oil, filters, and supplies you need, and you either change the oil yourself or take the car to a separate service shop. When Advance Auto advertises an "oil change special," it typically means a discount on the oil and filter bundle you buy from them — not a service performed at their location.
The actual discount varies by season, region, and current promotion. Advance Auto often runs sales around holidays or seasonal maintenance periods (spring tune-ups, fall preparation). The best way to find the current offer is to check their website, visit a local store, or call ahead. Prices and promotions change frequently, so a discount advertised last month may not be running now.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts sells oil and filters at a discount during promotional periods, but does not perform oil changes at their stores.
- You will need to change the oil yourself or pay a separate mechanic or quick-lube shop to do it for you.
- Current specials vary by location and season, so you should check the Advance Auto website or call your local store to confirm what is running now.
- Buying the supplies from Advance Auto during a sale can save money compared to buying them elsewhere or having a shop mark up the cost of materials.
Where to find the current promotion
Advance Auto's website homepage usually displays active sales and specials. You can also read their mobile app, which sometimes shows location-specific deals. If you prefer to shop in person, staff at your local Advance Auto can tell you what oil change bundles are on sale that week.
You can also call ahead: Advance Auto's customer service line can direct you to your nearest store and confirm whether a specific oil type or filter brand is discounted. Having this information before you shop saves time and helps you decide whether the savings are worth the trip.
What you need to buy for an oil change
A basic oil change requires three things: motor oil (the correct type and amount for your vehicle), an oil filter, and an oil drain pan to catch the old oil. Advance Auto sells all three. The oil type matters — your owner's manual or a quick online search will tell you whether your car needs 5W-30, 10W-40, or another grade. Buying the wrong type can affect engine performance.
You may also want an oil filter wrench (a tool that grips the filter to unscrew it) and jack stands if you need to lift the car to reach the drain plug underneath. Advance Auto carries these as well. If you are unsure what you need, bring your vehicle's year, make, and model to the store, and staff can point you to the right products.
Doing the oil change yourself versus paying someone else
If you change the oil yourself, you save the labor cost — typically $30 to $75 at a quick-lube shop or dealership. The trade-off is time and physical work. You need a safe place to work (a driveway or garage), basic tools, and comfort getting under the car. If this is your first time, set aside an hour or two and watch a video specific to your vehicle model first.
If you take the supplies to a mechanic or quick-lube shop, you pay their labor fee on top of the cost of the oil and filter. Some shops charge less if you bring your own materials, but others charge the same rate regardless. It is worth calling ahead to ask. A quick-lube chain like Jiffy Lube or Valvoline may charge $40 to $80 for labor alone, while an independent mechanic might charge $50 to $100 depending on location and the shop's rates.
How to use a Advance Auto coupon or membership discount
Advance Auto offers a rewards program called Advance Auto Rewards. Members earn points on purchases, which convert to coupons and discounts on future shopping. Signing up is free and happens in-store or online. You provide an email address and zip code, and you can start earning points when ready on your next purchase.
Advance Auto also sends email coupons to members — often $5 or $10 off purchases over a certain amount. These stack with the oil change special, so you might buy a discounted oil and filter bundle and then explore an additional coupon code at checkout. Check your email after signing up, and enable notifications so you do not miss time-limited offers.
Timing your purchase around seasonal sales
Advance Auto typically runs larger promotions around spring (March through May, when people prepare for warmer weather) and fall (August through October, before winter driving). Holiday weekends sometimes trigger sales as well. If you are not in a rush to change your oil, waiting for one of these periods can mean bigger savings than a regular weekly promotion.
That said, if your oil is already overdue for a change, do not delay just to chase a sale. Driving on old oil damages the engine and can cost thousands in repairs. A $5 or $10 discount is not worth an engine problem. Change the oil on schedule, and use whatever promotion is running at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return opened oil or a filter if I change my mind?
Advance Auto's return policy typically does not allow returns on opened oil or used filters. Before you buy, make sure you have the right oil type and filter size for your vehicle. If you are unsure, ask a staff member to confirm before you pay.
Does Advance Auto price match other stores?
Advance Auto does not officially price match competitors. However, their sales and promotions change frequently, so comparing prices between Advance Auto, AutoZone, O'Reilly, and NAPA at the time you shop is worth doing. One store may have a better deal on the specific oil or filter you need that week.
What if the oil change special does not include the filter I need?
Most oil change specials bundle a popular filter size with the oil, but your vehicle might use a different one. You can buy the correct filter separately at regular price and still use the discounted oil. Ask staff whether the promotion applies to individual items or only to the bundled package.
How often should I change my oil?
Most modern cars need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. Some newer vehicles can go 10,000 miles between changes. Check your owner's manual for your car's specific interval. Changing it more often does not hurt, but changing it less often can shorten engine life.