What Advance Auto Parts Is and How to Use It
Advance Auto Parts is a retail chain that sells vehicle maintenance and repair supplies — parts, tools, batteries, fluids, and accessories for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. You can shop in person at a physical store, order online for delivery or in-store pickup, or use their same-day delivery option in some areas. The company operates over 4,000 locations across the United States, so most people have a store within a short drive.
When you walk into a store or visit their website, you can search for parts by vehicle year, make, and model, or by part name if you already know what you need. Store staff can help you identify the right part if you describe the problem or bring in the old part. You pay at checkout, either in person or online, and take the item home the same day or wait for delivery depending on which option you choose.
Advance Auto Parts also runs a rewards program called Speed Perks that gives you points on purchases, discounts on future orders, and early access to sales. Membership is free and you can sign up in-store or online with an email address.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts sells vehicle parts, tools, and maintenance supplies at over 4,000 U.S. locations and online.
- You can shop in person, order online for pickup, or use same-day delivery in select areas.
- Store employees can help you identify the correct part if you describe the problem or bring in the old one.
- The free Speed Perks rewards program gives you points on purchases and access to member-only discounts.
- Return policies typically allow 30 to 60 days depending on the item type, with a receipt or proof of purchase.
Finding the Right Part for Your Vehicle
The fastest way to find a part is to search by vehicle. On the Advance Auto Parts website or in the store's computer system, enter your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size if prompted. The system will show you parts that fit your specific vehicle. If you are not sure of your vehicle's exact year or model, check your registration or owner's manual — the year and make are printed on your dashboard registration sticker as well.
If you already know the part name — such as "alternator" or "brake pads" — you can search by that instead. The search results will show you options at different price points and from different manufacturers. Read the product description to confirm it fits your vehicle, because some parts are universal and others are specific to certain models or engine types.
If you are unsure which part you need, bring the old part to the store or describe the symptom to a staff member. For example, if your car won't start, you might need a battery or starter. If your brakes feel soft, you might need brake fluid or brake pads. Store employees can narrow down the options and point you toward the right item.
Shopping In Person vs. Online
Shopping in person lets you see the part before you buy it, ask questions face-to-face, and take it home when ready. This is useful if you need the part urgently or want to confirm the fit before paying. You can also return items more easily if something is wrong — you can walk back into the store with the receipt.
Shopping online on the Advance Auto Parts website or mobile app gives you access to the full inventory, including items that may not be in stock at your local store. You can order for in-store pickup, usually within a few hours, or for home delivery. Same-day delivery is available in some areas if you order before a certain time in the morning. Online shopping also makes it easier to compare prices and read customer reviews before you decide.
Shipping costs vary depending on your order total and location. Orders over a certain amount sometimes ship free, but smaller orders may have a delivery fee. Check the website for current shipping thresholds and delivery times in your area.
Pricing, Discounts, and the Speed Perks Program
Advance Auto Parts prices vary by part type and brand. A basic air filter might cost $10 to $20, while a battery could range from $80 to $200 depending on the vehicle and battery type. Prices are usually competitive with other auto parts retailers, but it is worth comparing if you are buying an expensive item.
The Speed Perks rewards program is free to join and earns you points on every purchase — typically one point per dollar spent. You can redeem points for discounts on future purchases, usually in $5 or $10 increments. Members also receive exclusive coupons, early notice of sales, and birthday discounts. Sign up at the register, on the website, or through the mobile app using your email address.
Advance Auto Parts regularly runs sales and promotions, especially around holidays and seasonal maintenance periods. You can check the website or sign up for email notifications to learn about upcoming deals. Some sales are advertised in-store only, so it is worth asking staff if there are current promotions on the item you are buying.
Returns, Exchanges, and Warranties
Most items at Advance Auto Parts can be returned within 30 to 60 days with a receipt or proof of purchase. Batteries and core items — parts that require you to return the old one — have different return windows, usually 30 days. Opened or used items may not be returnable depending on the product type, so ask before you buy if you are unsure.
If you bought the wrong part or it does not fit, you can exchange it for the correct one at any Advance Auto Parts location. Bring your receipt and the part in its original condition. If the part is defective or fails prematurely, some manufacturers offer warranties that cover replacement or repair — check the product packaging or ask staff about warranty coverage.
Core charges explore to certain items like batteries, alternators, and starters. A core charge is a deposit you pay upfront, usually $10 to $50, that you get back when you return the old part to the store. This encourages recycling and proper disposal of used automotive components.
Using Advance Auto Parts for Tools and Equipment Rental
Beyond parts and supplies, many Advance Auto Parts locations offer tool rental through a partnership with ToolUp. You can rent items like battery chargers, engine hoists, diagnostic scanners, and floor jacks by the day or week. Rental costs vary by tool and location, but are typically lower than buying a tool you will use only once.
To rent a tool, visit a participating store location and ask about tool rental availability. You will need to provide a valid ID and a credit card for the deposit. Tools are usually available for same-day pickup, and you return them to the same location when you are done. Check the Advance Auto Parts website or call your local store to confirm whether tool rental is available in your area.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
If you are buying a part for a specific vehicle, bring your vehicle registration or owner's manual so you can confirm the year, make, and model. If you are returning or exchanging a part, bring your receipt or the credit card you used to pay. For core items like batteries, bring the old part you are replacing so the store can process the core charge refund.
If you are unsure what part you need, bring the old part itself if you can remove it safely. This is the fastest way for staff to identify the correct replacement. If you cannot remove it, write down the symptom or problem — for example, "engine light is on" or "headlight is dim" — and staff can help you narrow down the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a part if I opened the box but did not use it?
Most unopened or unused items can be returned within 30 to 60 days with a receipt. If you opened the box but did not install the part, ask staff whether it is returnable — policies vary by product type. Batteries and core items have stricter return rules, so confirm before you leave the store.
What is a core charge and do I have to pay it?
A core charge is a deposit on items like batteries, alternators, and starters. You pay it upfront and get it back when you return the old part to the store. If you do not return the old part, you keep the charge. This is standard across auto parts retailers.
How do I know if a part will fit my vehicle?
Search by your vehicle's year, make, and model in the store system or on the website. The system will show only parts that fit your specific vehicle. If you are buying online, read the product description to confirm fitment. If you are unsure, ask a store employee or call ahead with your vehicle information.
Is same-day delivery available everywhere?
Same-day delivery is available in select areas only. Check the website when you place an order to see if it is available in your zip code. If not, in-store pickup is usually available within a few hours, or standard shipping takes a few business days.
Do I need a Speed Perks membership to shop at Advance Auto Parts?
No, membership is optional. You can shop and buy without joining. However, membership is free and gives you points on every purchase plus access to exclusive discounts, so it is worth signing up if you shop there regularly.