What Advance Auto Parts is and how to use it
Advance Auto Parts is a retail chain that sells automotive parts, tools, and accessories at physical store locations and online. You walk in or order online, find the part you need (or ask an employee), pay, and take it with you or have it shipped. The company does not perform repairs — it sells the components you or a mechanic will install.
The chain operates thousands of locations across the United States. You can find your nearest store using their website or mobile app, check whether a specific part is in stock before you go, and place online orders for in-store pickup or home delivery. Many locations offer same-day or next-day pickup on common items.
Advance Auto Parts also runs a rewards program called Speed Perks that gives you points on purchases, coupons, and early access to sales. Membership is free and you can sign up in-store or online.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts sells parts and tools but does not install them — you will need a mechanic or do the work yourself.
- You can shop in person at a physical location, order online for pickup, or have parts shipped to your home.
- The Speed Perks rewards program is free and earns you points on every purchase that you can redeem for discounts.
- Store employees can help you identify the right part if you know your vehicle's year, make, and model, but they cannot diagnose mechanical problems.
- Return policies typically allow 30 to 90 days depending on the item, so keep your receipt if you buy the wrong part.
Finding the right part for your vehicle
Before you shop, have your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size ready. You can find this information on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or the driver's side door jamb. Advance Auto Parts uses this information to show you parts that fit your specific vehicle.
If you know the part name — alternator, battery, brake pads, water pump — you can search for it by name on the website or ask an in-store employee. If you only know what is wrong — your car won't start, your lights are dim, your brakes feel soft — describe the symptom to an employee and they can help narrow down which part might be the cause. They cannot diagnose the problem with certainty, so if you are unsure, bring your vehicle to a mechanic first.
Many common parts come in different qualities and price ranges. An employee can explain the differences, but the choice depends on your budget and how long you want the part to last. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are made by your vehicle's manufacturer and typically cost more. Aftermarket parts are made by other companies and are usually cheaper but vary widely in quality.
Pricing, payment, and pickup options
Advance Auto Parts prices vary by location and item. You can see the price online before you buy, and prices are usually the same in-store and online, though regional differences do occur. The company frequently runs sales and coupons — check the website or app for current offers before you shop.
You can pay with cash, credit card, debit card, or digital payment methods like Apple Pay. If you order online, you can pick up at a store (usually within a few hours to one business day) or have the part shipped to your home. Shipping costs depend on the item and your location; orders over a certain amount sometimes may have access to for free shipping, but this varies.
If you are a Speed Perks member, you earn points on every dollar spent. You can redeem points for discounts on future purchases. The program also sends you personalized coupons and alerts you to sales on items you buy regularly.
What to do if you buy the wrong part
Advance Auto Parts generally accepts returns within 30 to 90 days depending on the item type. Some parts — like batteries, alternators, and starters — may have longer return windows or core charges (a deposit you get back when you return the old part). Keep your receipt and the original packaging when possible.
If you realize the part does not fit before you leave the store, tell an employee right away. If you discover the problem at home, bring the part back with your receipt. Some items may be restocked as-is; others may be opened or tested before you can return them, which can affect the return window.
If you ordered online and the part arrives damaged or wrong, contact Advance Auto Parts customer service through their website or app. They will typically send a replacement or process a refund, though the exact process depends on whether you picked up in-store or had it shipped.
Using Advance Auto Parts with a mechanic
Many people buy parts from Advance Auto Parts and have a mechanic install them. This can save money compared to buying parts through the mechanic's shop, though some mechanics charge a labor fee for installing customer-supplied parts or may not warranty the work if the part fails.
Before you buy a part elsewhere, ask your mechanic whether they accept customer-supplied parts and what their labor policy is. Some shops require you to buy parts from them so they can stand behind the work. Others are happy to install parts you bring in. Getting this answer first prevents wasted trips and returns.
If your mechanic diagnoses the problem and tells you the exact part you need, write down the part name and number. Bring that information to Advance Auto Parts or search for it online to make sure you get the right item. A part number is more reliable than a description because the same name can refer to different parts for different vehicles.
Tools and equipment you can rent or buy
Advance Auto Parts sells tools and equipment for do-it-yourself repairs, from basic hand tools to specialized diagnostic equipment. They also rent certain tools — like engine hoists, transmission jacks, and brake bleeding kits — at a daily or weekly rate if you only need them once.
Tool rental availability varies by location. Call your local store or check the website to see what is available near you and what the rental cost is. You will typically need to leave a deposit and return the tool by a set time or be charged an additional fee.
If you are new to working on your own vehicle, ask an employee which tools you actually need for the job. Buying or renting unnecessary tools wastes money. YouTube videos and repair manuals can also show you what tools a specific job requires.
Online ordering and delivery
Advance Auto Parts' website and mobile app let you search for parts, check stock at nearby stores, and place orders for pickup or delivery. You can create an account to save your vehicle information, which makes future searches faster.
In-store pickup is usually the fastest and cheapest option — many locations offer same-day or next-day pickup on items in stock. Home delivery times and costs vary by location and item size. Large or heavy items may have longer delivery windows or higher fees.
If you order online and the item is out of stock, you can usually request a notification when it comes back in stock, or the website will show you nearby stores that have it. You can also place a special order for items not in stock, though this takes longer and may have a minimum order value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Advance Auto Parts tell me what is wrong with my car?
No. Employees can help you identify which part might match a symptom you describe, but they cannot diagnose mechanical problems. If you are unsure what is wrong, take your vehicle to a mechanic for a diagnosis first, then buy the part you need.
Will Advance Auto Parts install the part for me?
No, Advance Auto Parts does not perform installations. You will need to install the part yourself or take it to a mechanic. Some mechanics will install customer-supplied parts for a labor fee, but ask first because some shops do not accept outside parts.
What if I order a part online and it does not fit?
Most parts can be returned within 30 to 90 days with your receipt. If you picked up in-store, return it to that location. If it was shipped, contact Advance Auto Parts customer service through their website or app to arrange a return or exchange.
Do I need a membership to shop at Advance Auto Parts?
No. You can buy parts without joining Speed Perks. But the rewards program is free and earns you points on every purchase, so signing up costs nothing and saves you money over time through discounts and personalized coupons.
Can I return a part if I opened the box?
Usually yes, within the return window, but some items have restrictions. Batteries, alternators, and starters may be tested before return or have core charges. Ask about the return policy for your specific item before you buy, or check your receipt when you get home.