Advance Auto Parts is a national retailer selling both OEM and aftermarket parts for most vehicle types

Advance Auto Parts operates over 4,000 locations across the United States, plus an online store. The company stocks original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts — the same parts your vehicle's maker uses on the assembly line — alongside aftermarket alternatives made by third-party manufacturers. You can walk into a store, order online for pickup, or have parts shipped to your home.

The retailer serves both do-it-yourself mechanics and professional shops. If you're replacing a part yourself, Advance Auto Parts can tell you what fits your specific year, make, and model. If you're taking your vehicle to a mechanic, you can sometimes buy the part there and have the shop install it, though policies vary by location and shop.

Advance Auto Parts also rents or loans certain tools — items like engine hoists, battery chargers, and diagnostic equipment — which can save you money if you only need a tool for one job. Tool rental availability varies by store location.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance Auto Parts stocks both OEM parts (made by your vehicle's manufacturer) and aftermarket parts (made by third parties), so you can compare prices and brands before buying.
  • You can find what fits your vehicle by entering your year, make, model, and engine size on the website or asking a store employee, which takes a few minutes and prevents buying the wrong part.
  • Prices for the same part vary between OEM and aftermarket options, and Advance Auto Parts frequently runs sales and coupons that you can find online or in their weekly ads.
  • Some Advance Auto Parts locations offer tool rental, which costs less than buying a tool you'll use only once, though availability depends on your local store.

How to find the right part for your vehicle

Start by knowing your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. You'll find the engine size on your registration or in your owner's manual. On the Advance Auto Parts website, enter this information into the parts finder, and the system will show only parts that fit your vehicle. This step prevents ordering a part that won't work.

In a physical store, an employee can do this lookup for you if you bring your vehicle identification number (VIN) — a 17-character code on your registration or dashboard — or straightforward tell them your year, make, and model. Many stores have a parts counter where you can ask questions before you buy.

If you're unsure what part you need, describe the problem to the employee. They can't diagnose mechanical issues, but they can help you narrow down which part category to look at — for example, whether you need a battery, alternator, or starter if your vehicle won't start.

OEM versus aftermarket parts at Advance Auto Parts

OEM parts carry the logo of your vehicle's manufacturer and are made to the exact specifications your vehicle was built with. They typically cost more than aftermarket alternatives. Advance Auto Parts stocks OEM parts for most common vehicles, though availability for older or less common models may be limited.

Aftermarket parts are made by companies other than your vehicle's manufacturer. They must meet industry standards, but quality and durability vary by brand. Some aftermarket brands are well-regarded and cost significantly less than OEM; others are budget options that may not last as long. Advance Auto Parts carries multiple aftermarket brands at different price points, so you can compare.

Neither choice is automatically "better" — it depends on the part, the brand, your budget, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. A mechanic or online reviews for the specific part can help you decide.

Pricing, sales, and payment options

Advance Auto Parts prices vary by location and change frequently. The same part may cost different amounts at different stores or online. Check the website or call your local store for the current price before you go.

The company runs regular sales and offers coupons through email, their mobile app, and weekly ads. These discounts can be substantial — sometimes 20 to 50 percent off specific categories or items. If you don't have a coupon, ask at the counter; employees sometimes have additional discounts available.

Advance Auto Parts accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and cash. They also offer a rewards program called Advance Auto Parts Plus, which gives you points on purchases that you can redeem for discounts. Membership is free, and you can join in-store or online.

Ordering online versus buying in-store

Online ordering through the Advance Auto Parts website lets you compare prices, read product descriptions, and check stock before you commit. You can choose to pick up the part at a nearby store (usually within a few hours to one business day) or have it shipped to your home. Shipping times vary based on your location and the part's availability.

Buying in-store means you get the part when ready and can ask an employee questions face-to-face. However, you see only what that location has in stock. If the store doesn't have the part, employees can often order it for pickup the next day or have it shipped to the store.

Returns are generally accepted within 30 days with a receipt, though policies can vary. Check the return policy on the website or ask in-store before you buy, especially if you're unsure about the part.

Tool rental and other services

Many Advance Auto Parts locations rent tools for a daily or weekly fee. Common rental items include battery chargers, engine hoists, floor jacks, diagnostic scanners, and compression testers. Rental costs are typically lower than buying the tool outright if you need it for only one job.

Tool rental availability depends on your location. Call your local store or check the website to see what tools are available and the rental rates. You'll usually need to leave a deposit and provide identification.

Some locations also offer services like battery testing, wiper blade installation, and battery installation — sometimes free, sometimes for a small fee. Ask your local store what services they provide.

When Advance Auto Parts may not be your best option

If you need a part for an older, rare, or specialty vehicle, Advance Auto Parts may not stock it. In that case, a salvage yard, a specialty parts supplier, or an online retailer focused on your vehicle type may have better selection.

If you need professional installation, Advance Auto Parts does not install parts — you'll need to take your vehicle to a mechanic or shop. Some independent mechanics will install parts you buy elsewhere, but many prefer to source parts themselves. Call ahead and ask before you buy.

If you need technical information about which part will solve a specific mechanical problem, Advance Auto Parts employees can point you toward the right category but cannot diagnose your vehicle. A mechanic or technician is the right resource for that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a part if it doesn't fit or work?

Yes, Advance Auto Parts generally accepts returns within 30 days with a receipt. Some items, like electrical components or certain sealed parts, may have restrictions. Ask about the return policy before you buy, especially if you're uncertain about the part.

Do I need to know my VIN to order a part online?

No. You can enter your year, make, model, and engine size instead. Your VIN is helpful if you have it, but the parts finder works without it. If you're unsure of your engine size, check your registration or owner's manual.

What's the difference between a part that says "OEM" and one that says "OEM equivalent"?

An OEM part is made by your vehicle's manufacturer. An OEM equivalent is an aftermarket part designed to meet the same specifications. OEM equivalents often cost less but may come from a different maker. Check the product description to see who manufactures it.

Can I buy a part at Advance Auto Parts and have my mechanic install it?

Many independent mechanics will install parts you buy elsewhere, but some prefer to source parts themselves to control quality and warranty. Call your mechanic before you buy and ask whether they accept customer-supplied parts.

How long does it take to pick up an online order?

Store pickup is usually available within a few hours to one business day, depending on whether the part is in stock at your local store. The website shows estimated pickup time when you place the order. Shipping to your home takes longer and depends on your location.