Advance Auto Spark Plugs: What They Are and Where to Find Them
Advance Auto Parts is a retail chain that sells spark plugs under its own brand and carries major brands like Champion, Bosch, and ACDelco. When you search for "Advance Auto spark plugs," you are looking for either plugs sold at Advance Auto Parts stores or plugs made by Advance Auto's private label. The store operates over 4,000 locations in the United States, and you can buy spark plugs in person, online for in-store pickup, or online for home delivery.
Advance Auto Parts does not manufacture most of the spark plugs it sells—it stocks products from established makers and also sells plugs under the Advance Auto house brand. The house brand plugs are typically made by a third-party manufacturer and repackaged with Advance Auto labeling. This is common in auto parts retail and does not mean the plugs are lower quality, but it does mean you are buying a private label product rather than a name brand.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts carries both major brands (Champion, Bosch, ACDelco) and its own house brand spark plugs at varying price points.
- You can find the right spark plug by entering your vehicle's year, make, and model on the Advance Auto website or asking a store associate for a cross-reference.
- Advance Auto house brand plugs are typically cheaper than name brands but are made by third-party manufacturers, not by Advance Auto itself.
- Spark plug prices at Advance Auto range widely depending on the type (standard, iridium, platinum) and brand, so comparing options before you buy makes sense.
How to Find the Right Spark Plug for Your Vehicle
The first step is knowing what spark plug your vehicle needs. Every car, truck, or motorcycle has a specific plug type based on its engine design, and using the wrong one can damage the engine or cause it to run poorly. You can find this information in your owner's manual, on a sticker under the hood, or by entering your vehicle details into the Advance Auto website.
On the Advance Auto website, you can enter your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size, and the site will show you compatible spark plugs. In a store, an associate can look this up for you using the same method. Once you know the part number or type you need, you can compare options—Advance Auto typically shows you the house brand, name brands, and the price difference between them.
Do not guess at the spark plug type. Installing the wrong plug wastes money and can cause starting problems, rough idling, or poor fuel economy. If you are unsure after checking your manual, ask an Advance Auto associate or call the store before you buy.
Types of Spark Plugs Advance Auto Carries
Spark plugs come in three main types, and Advance Auto stocks all of them. Standard copper plugs are the least expensive and typically last 25,000 to 30,000 miles. Platinum plugs cost more but last longer—usually 50,000 to 100,000 miles—because platinum resists wear better than copper. Iridium plugs are the most expensive and last the longest, often 100,000 miles or more.
Which type you need depends on your vehicle's engine design and what your owner's manual recommends. Some engines are built to run on standard plugs; others require platinum or iridium. Buying a more expensive plug than your engine needs does not improve performance, but buying a cheaper plug than recommended can shorten the time between replacements and cost you more over time.
Advance Auto's house brand typically offers standard and platinum options. Name brands like Champion and Bosch offer all three types. The price difference between house brand and name brand is usually $2 to $5 per plug, depending on the type.
Advance Auto Pricing and When to Buy
Spark plug prices at Advance Auto vary by brand and type. A single standard copper plug from the house brand might cost $3 to $6, while a name brand standard plug costs $5 to $10. Platinum plugs range from $8 to $15 for house brand and $12 to $25 for name brands. Iridium plugs start around $15 for house brand and go up to $30 or more for premium name brands.
Advance Auto runs sales and promotions throughout the year, and prices also vary by location. You can check current prices on the website before you visit a store. If you are buying multiple plugs at once (most vehicles need four to eight), the total cost adds up quickly, so comparing the per-plug price across brands makes sense.
Advance Auto also offers a rewards program called AAA (Advance Auto Rewards), which gives you points on purchases that you can redeem for discounts. If you shop there regularly, signing up for the program can lower your long-term costs.
Installation: What Happens After You Buy
Advance Auto sells spark plugs but does not install them at most locations. You will need to install them yourself, take the vehicle to a mechanic, or visit a service center. Some Advance Auto locations partner with local mechanics or offer installation through third-party services, but this varies by store.
If you plan to install the plugs yourself, you will need basic tools—usually a spark plug socket, a ratchet, and a gap tool (though most plugs come pre-gapped). Your owner's manual or an online video for your specific vehicle can walk you through the process. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, a mechanic typically charges $50 to $200 for labor, depending on how straightforward the plugs are to reach in your engine.
Before you buy, consider whether you will install them or pay for installation. This affects the total cost of the job and may influence which type of plug you choose—a longer-lasting iridium plug might make sense if you are paying a mechanic to install it, since you will not need replacement as often.
Comparing Advance Auto to Other Retailers
Advance Auto is one of several places where you can buy spark plugs. AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts all carry similar brands and types at comparable prices. Walmart and Target carry spark plugs in some locations, usually at lower prices but with fewer options. Online retailers like Amazon also sell spark plugs, often with home delivery.
The main advantage of buying at Advance Auto is convenience—with over 4,000 stores, there is likely one near you, and you can pick up plugs the same day. The main disadvantage is that prices are sometimes higher than online retailers. If you know exactly what you need and are not in a hurry, shopping online may save money. If you need the plugs today or want to ask questions in person, Advance Auto is a practical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Advance Auto house brand spark plugs as good as name brands?
House brand plugs are made by third-party manufacturers and perform the same basic function as name brands. They carry the same warranty and meet the same specifications for your vehicle. The main difference is price—you pay less for house brand. Some people prefer name brands for peace of mind; others find house brand plugs work just as well and cost less.
How do I know if my spark plugs need replacing?
Check your owner's manual for the recommended replacement interval—usually 25,000 to 100,000 miles depending on the plug type. You can also have a mechanic inspect them. Signs of worn plugs include hard starting, rough idling, or poor fuel economy, but these can also indicate other problems, so do not assume plugs are the cause without checking.
Can I return spark plugs to Advance Auto if I buy the wrong ones?
Advance Auto has a return policy that typically allows returns within a set timeframe with a receipt. Check the store's current return policy or ask an associate when you buy. If you are unsure about which plug you need, ask before you purchase rather than buying and returning.
Do I need to gap spark plugs before installing them?
Most spark plugs sold today come pre-gapped and ready to install. However, some plugs may need adjustment, and your owner's manual will tell you the correct gap for your vehicle. If you are unsure, ask an Advance Auto associate or a mechanic before you install them.
What is the difference between a spark plug and a spark plug wire?
A spark plug is the part that screws into the engine and creates the spark. Spark plug wires (or coil packs on newer vehicles) carry the electrical current to the plug. Advance Auto sells both, but they are separate parts. You may need to replace wires at the same time as plugs if they are worn, but this depends on your vehicle's age and condition.