Advance Auto Parts lends specialized tools for free to customers who buy parts from them
Advance Auto Parts runs a loaner tool program that lets you borrow tools at no cost when you purchase may have access to parts. You don't need a membership or credit check — the program is open to any customer who meets the store's basic requirements. The tools stay yours to use for the duration of the job, then you return them to the same location where you borrowed them.
The program exists because many repair jobs require tools most people don't own. Rather than force you to buy a $40 or $60 tool for a one-time use, Advance Auto Parts lets you borrow it. This works especially well for engine diagnostics, suspension work, and fluid system repairs where the tool cost often exceeds the part cost.
Key Takeaways
- You must purchase a part from Advance Auto Parts to borrow a tool; the part and tool don't have to be related, but the purchase is required.
- Loaner tools are available at most Advance Auto Parts locations, but not all stores carry the same inventory, so call ahead to confirm.
- You typically have the tool for the duration of your repair job, usually a few days to a week, depending on store policy and tool demand.
- A refundable deposit — usually $20 to $50 — is held on your credit card or debit card until you return the tool in working condition.
- Tools must be returned to the same store location where you borrowed them, and the deposit is released once the tool is inspected and accepted.
What tools Advance Auto Parts actually loans out
The loaner inventory varies by store location and includes common diagnostic and repair tools rather than basic hand tools. Typical loaner tools include engine code readers, battery chargers, fuel pressure gauges, compression testers, and suspension tools like spring compressors. Some locations also loan out specialty items like brake bleeding kits and transmission fluid extractors.
Advance Auto Parts does not loan out small hand tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, or pliers — those are inexpensive enough that the store expects you to own them or buy them. The program focuses on tools that are expensive to own but needed only occasionally. Availability changes by location, so the tool you need at one store may not be available at another.
You can call your local Advance Auto Parts store directly to ask whether they have a specific tool in stock. Many stores maintain a list of loaner tools on their website or can tell you over the phone what's currently available. If your store doesn't have what you need, they may be able to transfer a tool from a nearby location or tell you when one is expected back.
How to borrow a tool and what the deposit covers
The process is straightforward: you go to the store, find the tool you need, make a purchase (any part qualifies), and ask the cashier about borrowing the tool. The cashier will run your credit or debit card for a refundable deposit, which is typically $20 to $50 depending on the tool's value. The deposit is not charged to your account — it's held as a security measure and released when you return the tool.
The deposit covers damage or loss. If you return the tool in the same condition you borrowed it, the hold is released when ready or within one business day. If the tool is damaged, missing parts, or not returned, Advance Auto Parts may charge the deposit to your card. Normal wear and tear from use doesn't usually trigger a charge, but damage from misuse or neglect does.
You'll receive a receipt showing the tool, the deposit amount, and the expected return date. Keep this receipt — you'll need it when you return the tool. Some stores may ask you to sign a brief agreement stating you understand the deposit terms and the condition the tool should be in when returned.
Return important date and what happens if you keep a tool too long
Most Advance Auto Parts stores set a return window of 3 to 7 days, though this can vary by location and tool type. High-demand tools like code readers may have shorter windows. The store will tell you the specific important date when you borrow the tool, and it will be printed on your receipt.
If you don't return the tool by the important date, the deposit charge becomes permanent. Some stores may also charge a daily rental fee after the important date passes, though this is less common. If you need the tool longer, call the store before the important date and ask if an extension is possible — many stores will grant one if the tool isn't in high demand.
Returning the tool is straightforward: bring it back to the same store location during business hours, in the same condition you borrowed it. The cashier will inspect it, confirm it works, and release your deposit. If you lose the tool or return it damaged beyond normal use, be prepared for the deposit to be charged.
Comparing Advance Auto Parts loaner tools to other options
Other auto parts retailers offer similar programs. AutoZone has a loaner tool program with comparable terms — free borrowing with a refundable deposit. O'Reilly Auto Parts also loans tools, though their inventory and deposit amounts vary by location. Home Depot and Lowe's loan tools as well, but their selection focuses on home repair rather than automotive work.
Tool rental shops like Home Depot Tool Rental or local equipment rental companies charge daily or weekly rental fees, typically $5 to $20 per day depending on the tool. These shops often have a wider selection and longer loan periods, but you pay for the convenience. For a one-time repair, Advance Auto Parts' free loaner program is usually the cheapest option if you're already buying a part.
Buying the tool outright is an option if you think you'll use it again. A basic code reader costs $25 to $100, a battery charger $30 to $80, and a compression tester $20 to $50. If you plan to do your own repairs regularly, owning these tools makes sense. If this is a one-time job, borrowing is almost always cheaper.
What to know before you borrow
Not every Advance Auto Parts location participates in the loaner program, and participation has changed over time. Call ahead to confirm your store offers it. Some franchise locations or smaller stores may not have the program, while larger locations and company-owned stores typically do.
You need a valid credit or debit card to hold the deposit. Prepaid cards, gift cards, and cash won't work because the store needs to place a hold on the card. If your card is declined or you don't have one, you won't be able to borrow the tool.
The tool must be used for its intended purpose. If you damage it through misuse — dropping it, using it incorrectly, or exposing it to conditions it wasn't designed for — the deposit may be charged. Normal wear from legitimate use is covered, but intentional damage or negligence is not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy something specific to borrow a tool?
No. You must make a purchase to borrow a tool, but the part doesn't have to be related to the repair. You could buy a quart of oil and borrow an engine code reader. The purchase requirement exists to may support you're a customer, not someone just borrowing tools.
What if the tool doesn't work when I return it?
If the tool was working when you borrowed it and stops working during your use, tell the cashier when you return it. The store will inspect it to determine whether the damage is from normal use or misuse. If it's normal wear, your deposit is released. If it's damage from misuse, the deposit may be charged.
Can I return a tool to a different Advance Auto Parts location?
Most stores require you to return the tool to the same location where you borrowed it. This is because each store tracks its own inventory and deposits. Call the store where you borrowed the tool if you need to return it elsewhere — they may make an exception or arrange a transfer.
What if I need the tool for longer than the return important date?
Call the store before the important date and ask for an extension. Many stores will grant one if the tool isn't in high demand. If an extension isn't possible, you can return the tool, get your deposit back, and borrow it again if it's still available. Some stores may charge a daily rental fee after the important date, so ask about that when you call.
Is there a limit to how many tools I can borrow at once?
Most stores don't have a strict limit, but borrowing multiple high-value tools at once may raise questions. The store wants to may support tools are returned, so they may ask about your repair project or require multiple deposits. Call ahead if you need more than one or two tools to confirm the store can accommodate you.