Advance Auto Stores sells automotive parts and accessories at hundreds of locations across the United States
Advance Auto Parts operates roughly 4,700 stores nationwide, making it one of the largest chains for do-it-yourself and professional mechanics to buy replacement parts, tools, and maintenance supplies. You can walk into a store, order online for pickup, or have parts shipped to your home. The chain carries everything from oil and filters to batteries, brake pads, alternators, and specialty tools.
The stores are organized by category — engine, cooling, fuel, electrical, transmission, suspension, and more — so you can find what you need by system rather than hunting through a general inventory. Staff at the counter can help you locate a part if you know what you're looking for, though the level of technical information varies by location and employee experience.
Advance Auto also runs a rewards program called AAP Rewards that tracks your purchases and offers discounts on future buys. Membership is free and you can join in-store or online.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Stores stock parts for most common repairs, but availability depends on your vehicle's year, make, and model — call ahead or check online before making a trip.
- You can return unopened parts within 30 days with a receipt, but return policies for opened or installed parts are stricter and vary by item type.
- Prices are often higher than online-only retailers, but you get the part when ready and can ask staff questions about fitment before you buy.
- The AAP Rewards program is free and gives you discounts on most purchases, so joining takes two minutes and saves money over time.
- Advance Auto does not install parts — you either install them yourself or take the part to a separate repair shop.
How to find the right part for your vehicle
Before you go to the store or search online, you need to know your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. This information is on your registration, insurance card, or the driver's side door jamb. Advance Auto's website has a "Find Parts" tool where you enter these details and it shows you what's in stock at your nearest location.
If you're not sure which part you need — for example, you know your car won't start but don't know if it's the battery or alternator — describe the problem to the counter staff. They can narrow it down, though a diagnosis from a mechanic is more reliable than a parts store guess. Some Advance Auto locations have a battery tester you can use for free to check if your battery is dead or if the problem is elsewhere.
You can also bring the old part with you. If you've already removed a worn-out filter, belt, or sensor, showing it to staff makes it much easier to find the exact replacement.
Pricing and how it compares to other retailers
Advance Auto's prices are typically higher than Amazon, RockAuto, or other online-only parts retailers, but lower than dealership parts departments. The difference matters most on expensive items like alternators or transmissions, where you might save $50 to $150 by ordering online. For routine items like oil, filters, and wiper blades, the gap is smaller.
The trade-off is immediacy: you walk out with the part the same day instead of waiting for shipping. If you're in the middle of a repair and need something now, that convenience has value. The AAP Rewards program also reduces the effective price — members typically get 10 to 20 percent off select items depending on the week, which can close some of the gap with online pricing.
Prices vary slightly by location and change frequently, so checking the website or calling your local store before you go is worth the time if you're buying something expensive.
Return policies and what you can send back
Advance Auto accepts returns of unopened, unused parts within 30 days of purchase if you have your receipt. You get a refund to your original payment method or store credit. This covers most situations where you bought the wrong part or changed your mind.
Opened or installed parts are harder to return. Batteries, for example, can be returned within 30 days even if they've been used, but only if they're defective — not if you straightforward changed your mind. Filters, fluids, and gaskets typically cannot be returned once opened for safety and contamination reasons. Electrical components like alternators or starters can sometimes be returned if defective, but the store will test them first.
Keep your receipt and ask about the return policy for the specific part before you leave the store. Policies can vary by item and location, and staff can tell you upfront whether you'll be able to return it if something goes wrong.
When to order online versus shopping in-store
Order online for pickup if you know exactly what you need and want to confirm it's in stock before you drive to the store. You can place the order on your phone, and most locations have it ready within a few hours. This saves you from making a wasted trip if the part is out of stock.
Shop in-store if you're unsure which part you need or want to see the item in person before buying. You can also ask staff about fitment issues — for example, whether a particular battery will fit in your engine bay, or whether you need an adapter for a new part to work with your existing setup. In-store staff can sometimes catch fitment problems that online descriptions miss.
Use home delivery if you don't have a car to drive to the store or need multiple parts and don't want to carry them. Shipping times vary, but most orders arrive within a few days. Delivery costs depend on your location and order size.
What Advance Auto does not do
Advance Auto sells parts but does not install them. You either install the part yourself or take it to a separate repair shop. Some independent mechanics and chain shops like Firestone or Jiffy Lube will install parts you bring to them, though they may charge a higher labor rate than if you bought the part from them.
Advance Auto also does not perform diagnostics beyond basic battery testing. If your car has a warning light or strange noise and you don't know what's wrong, you need a mechanic with a diagnostic scanner, not a parts store counter.
Tools and equipment you can rent or borrow
Many Advance Auto locations have a tool rental program where you can borrow or rent specialty tools — engine hoists, transmission jacks, brake bleeders, and diagnostic equipment — for a day or longer. Rental costs are usually $10 to $30 per day depending on the tool. Some tools are free to borrow if you buy the part from that store.
Call your local store to ask what tools are available and whether you need a deposit. Not all locations have the same inventory, so what's available depends on where you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a part if I installed it and it didn't fix my problem?
Not usually. Once a part is installed, Advance Auto considers it used and will not take it back unless it's defective. If the part failed to solve your problem, the issue may be something else — a mechanic can diagnose whether the part itself is bad or whether you need a different repair.
Do I need to be a member of AAP Rewards to shop at Advance Auto?
No, membership is optional. But it's free to join and you'll get discounts on most purchases, so there's no reason not to sign up. You can join in-store or online in about two minutes.
What if the part I need is not in stock at my local store?
You can order it online for delivery to your home, or ask the store to transfer it from another location if one nearby has it in stock. Transfer times vary, but many stores can get a part within a day or two. Call ahead to confirm before you make a trip.
Does Advance Auto price match with online retailers?
Advance Auto does not have a formal price-match policy for online competitors. However, AAP Rewards members get regular discounts that sometimes match or beat online prices on specific items. Check the weekly ads or ask staff about current promotions before you buy.
Can I return a part without a receipt?
It's much harder without a receipt. You may be able to return it if you have your credit card statement showing the purchase, but the store will verify the transaction and may offer store credit instead of a refund. Always keep your receipt for at least 30 days after a parts purchase.