Advance Auto Parts locations in Virginia Beach and what they stock

Advance Auto Parts operates multiple locations across Virginia Beach, with stores in neighborhoods including Oceanfront, Kempsville, and near the military bases. You can find the exact addresses and hours by visiting advanceautoparts.com and entering your zip code, or by calling 1-800-ADVANCE. Most Virginia Beach locations are open seven days a week, though hours vary by store.

The chain stocks common maintenance items and repair supplies: oil and filters, batteries, belts and hoses, spark plugs, air filters, coolant, brake fluid, and replacement bulbs. They also carry tools for DIY work—socket sets, wrenches, diagnostic equipment—and parts for routine repairs. If you need something specific, you can check stock at your nearest location before driving there, either online or by phone.

Advance Auto Parts is a retail parts supplier, not a repair shop. You buy parts here and either install them yourself or take them to a mechanic. Some independent shops and dealerships will accept parts you bring in, though others require you to buy from them directly. Call ahead to confirm your mechanic's policy before purchasing.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance Auto Parts has multiple Virginia Beach locations you can find by zip code on their website, with most open seven days a week.
  • The store stocks routine maintenance parts like oil, filters, batteries, and belts, plus basic tools for DIY repairs.
  • You purchase parts here and install them yourself or bring them to a mechanic—Advance Auto Parts does not perform repairs.
  • Check stock online or by phone before visiting to avoid a wasted trip, and confirm your mechanic will accept outside parts before buying.

How to find the right part for your vehicle

Bring your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size when you visit, or look up this information in your owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb. Staff can cross-reference this to find the correct part—a battery for a 2015 Honda Civic is different from one for a 2015 Ford F-150, for example. If you are unsure what part you need, describe the problem (the engine won't turn over, the headlight is out, the oil pressure warning light is on) and they can narrow it down.

You can also order parts online through advanceautoparts.com and pick them up at your nearest Virginia Beach location, usually within a few hours. This is useful if the store does not have the part in stock but can transfer it from another location, or if you want to confirm availability before making the trip.

Return and exchange policy

Advance Auto Parts allows returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase with a receipt. Parts must be unused and in original packaging. If you bought the wrong part or it does not fit your vehicle, you can swap it for the correct one at any Virginia Beach location. Without a receipt, returns are more limited, so keep your receipt until you have confirmed the part works.

If you installed a part and it failed prematurely, contact the store where you bought it to discuss the issue. Some parts carry manufacturer warranties that cover defects, and Advance Auto Parts can help you file a claim. Warranty coverage varies by part and brand.

Advance Auto Parts credit card and loyalty programs

Advance Auto Parts offers an in-store credit card and a rewards program called AAP Rewards. The rewards program is free to join and gives you points on purchases that you can redeem for discounts. You can sign up in-store or online. The credit card offers additional benefits like special financing on larger purchases, but carries interest if you do not pay the balance in full each month.

Neither program is required to shop there. If you prefer to pay cash or use a debit card, you can do that without joining anything. The rewards program is worth considering if you buy parts regularly, but read the terms carefully so you understand how points expire and what discounts they unlock.

When to buy parts at Advance Auto Parts versus other retailers

Advance Auto Parts competes with AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts, all of which have Virginia Beach locations. Prices vary by part and store, so if you are buying something expensive—a battery, alternator, or starter—it is worth calling two or three stores to compare. Advance Auto Parts sometimes runs sales on specific categories, which you can check on their website or by signing up for email alerts.

For routine items like oil, filters, and bulbs, the price difference between retailers is usually small. For specialty parts or tools, NAPA tends to stock more industrial-grade equipment, while Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone focus on consumer DIY work. If your mechanic has a preferred supplier, ask whether they offer a discount if you buy through them—some do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a part if I installed it and it did not work?

You can return unused parts within 30 days with a receipt. If you installed the part and it failed, contact the store to discuss whether it is a defect covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Warranty claims are handled differently than regular returns and may require documentation of the failure.

Does Advance Auto Parts install parts?

No. Advance Auto Parts sells parts only. You install them yourself or take the part and your vehicle to a mechanic. Some mechanics will install parts you bring in, but call ahead to confirm—many require you to buy from them directly.

What if the part I need is not in stock?

You can order it online for pickup, or the store can transfer it from another Virginia Beach location. Call the store or check advanceautoparts.com to see how long the transfer takes. Some parts arrive within hours; others may take a day or two.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to the store to buy a part?

No. Bring your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size—written down or in your owner's manual—and staff can identify the correct part. You do not need to bring the vehicle itself unless you want to test-fit something before buying.

Are there any Advance Auto Parts locations near the Virginia Beach military bases?

Yes, there are locations near Naval Station Norfolk and other base areas. Search advanceautoparts.com by zip code to find the closest store to your base or home. Hours and stock vary by location, so confirm before visiting.