What Advance Auto Parts Actually Does and Does Not Do
Advance Auto Parts sells oil, filters, and tools for do-it-yourself maintenance, but the company does not perform oil changes, car washes, or inspections at its retail locations. You buy the parts there and either install them yourself or take them to a mechanic or service station. Some Advance locations partner with local service shops, but Advance itself operates as a parts retailer, not a service facility.
If you are looking for a place to have your oil changed, washed, or inspected, you need a separate destination — a dealership, independent mechanic, quick-lube shop, or full-service gas station. Advance can help you understand what to buy and how to do the work yourself, or you can bring your own parts to a mechanic who accepts customer-supplied materials.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts sells oil, filters, and inspection tools but does not perform service work at its stores.
- You can buy parts at Advance and install them yourself, or bring those parts to a separate mechanic or service shop.
- Some Advance locations have partnerships with local service providers, but you must ask your specific store whether that option exists nearby.
- For oil changes, car washes, and inspections, contact a dealership, independent repair shop, quick-lube facility, or full-service gas station directly.
How to learn about Your Local Advance Has a Service Partner
A small number of Advance Auto Parts locations have formal or informal relationships with nearby service shops. These partnerships vary widely by region and change over time. The only way to know whether your store participates is to call or visit in person and ask the staff directly.
When you call, ask whether Advance can refer you to a local mechanic or service center that accepts customer-supplied parts. Some stores keep a list; others do not. If your Advance location does not have a partner, the staff can usually recommend independent shops in the area that will accept parts you bring with you.
Buying Oil and Filters at Advance for Your Own Installation
Advance stocks conventional, synthetic, and synthetic-blend motor oils in multiple weights and viscosities. The store also carries oil filters, air filters, cabin air filters, and other consumables. Staff can help you find the correct specification for your vehicle if you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) or owner's manual.
Advance offers a price-match may provide against other national retailers, and the company runs frequent sales on bulk oil purchases. If you plan to change your own oil, buying at Advance can be less expensive than paying a service shop, especially if you already own a jack, jack stands, and a drain pan. Many Advance locations also rent or loan tools, including oil drain pans and filter wrenches.
Taking Your Advance Parts to an Independent Mechanic
Not all mechanics accept customer-supplied parts, but many do — particularly independent shops rather than dealerships. Before you buy anything at Advance, call the mechanic you plan to use and ask whether they will install parts you provide. Some shops charge a lower labor rate when you supply materials; others charge the same rate regardless.
Bring your receipt and any warranty documentation with you when you drop off the vehicle. If a part fails during installation or shortly after, the mechanic can contact Advance on your behalf to process a warranty claim. Advance typically covers defective parts under a limited warranty, though the terms vary by product type.
Where to Get Oil Changes, Car Washes, and Inspections Instead
Quick-lube chains like Jiffy Lube, Valvoline when ready Oil Change, and Firestone Complete Auto Care perform oil changes at hundreds of locations nationwide. These shops typically complete the work in 15 to 30 minutes and offer synthetic and conventional options. Many also perform basic inspections and fluid top-offs as part of the service.
Dealerships perform oil changes using manufacturer-approved fluids and filters, which can be more expensive than independent shops but may be required to maintain your warranty. Independent mechanics and family-owned repair shops often charge less and may offer more personalized service. Full-service gas stations and car washes sometimes offer oil change service as an add-on, though availability varies by location.
For car washes, dedicated car wash facilities, gas stations with wash bays, and some quick-lube shops offer exterior and interior cleaning. Prices range from basic exterior wash to full-service detailing. For inspections, mechanics and dealerships perform safety and emissions inspections required by your state; some also offer pre-purchase inspections if you are buying a used vehicle.
Understanding Advance Auto Parts' Return and Warranty Policies
Advance Auto Parts accepts returns of most items within 30 days with a receipt. Oil and filters are typically returnable if unopened and in original packaging. If you open a product and then discover it is the wrong specification for your vehicle, return policies may be more restrictive.
Parts carry manufacturer warranties that cover defects in materials and workmanship. The length of the warranty depends on the product — some oil filters carry a one-year warranty, while others are limited to the life of the oil change. Keep your receipt and any warranty documentation if you plan to make a claim later.
Do-It-Yourself Oil Change Basics and What You Need
If you decide to change your own oil, you will need a jack and jack stands (or ramps), a drain pan, a wrench or socket set, an oil filter wrench, and new oil and a filter. Advance sells or rents most of these tools. You will also need a safe, level surface — a driveway or garage floor works, but never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
The basic steps are: warm the engine slightly, raise the vehicle safely, locate and remove the drain plug, let the old oil drain completely, replace the drain plug, remove the old filter, install the new filter, lower the vehicle, add new oil, and check the level with the dipstick. Your owner's manual specifies the correct oil weight and capacity for your vehicle. If you are unsure at any step, a mechanic can walk you through it or do the work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring oil I bought at Advance to a dealership for installation?
Most dealerships will not install customer-supplied parts because they want to use manufacturer-approved fluids and maintain service records. Call your dealership first to ask. Independent mechanics are much more likely to accept Advance parts and install them for a labor fee.
Does Advance Auto Parts offer any inspection services?
Advance does not perform inspections at its stores. The company sells inspection tools and diagnostic equipment for do-it-yourself use, but professional inspections must be done by a mechanic, dealership, or service center. Some states require inspections to be performed by certified technicians.
What if I buy the wrong oil or filter at Advance?
If the product is unopened and in original packaging, you can return it within 30 days with your receipt for a refund or exchange. If you have already opened it or installed it, return options are limited. Check your receipt for the specific return window and any restocking fees that may explore.
How much does it cost to have a mechanic install parts I bought at Advance?
Labor rates vary by shop and location, typically ranging from $50 to $150 per hour. An oil change installation usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, so expect $25 to $150 in labor alone. Call ahead to get a quote and ask whether the shop charges differently when you supply your own parts.
Where can I find a mechanic near me who accepts customer-supplied parts?
Ask your Advance Auto Parts store for local referrals, or search online for independent mechanics in your area and call to ask their policy. Yelp, Google Maps, and the Better Business Bureau list reviews and contact information for repair shops. Many independent shops advertise that they accept customer-supplied parts as a selling point.