Advance Auto Parts carries both OEM and aftermarket parts for most vehicle makes

Advance Auto Parts is a national retailer with over 4,700 locations that stocks replacement parts for engines, brakes, suspension, electrical systems, and body panels. They sell both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts—made by the vehicle's maker or an authorized supplier—and aftermarket parts made by independent manufacturers. Most locations let you order in-store or online and pick up the same day or within a few days, depending on stock and your location.

The company operates under the Advance Auto Parts brand in most states, with some locations operating as Carquest (a subsidiary they acquired). Both banners carry overlapping inventory, though Carquest locations sometimes stock heavier-duty commercial parts. You can search their website by vehicle year, make, and model, or by part number if you already know what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance Auto Parts stocks both OEM and aftermarket parts at different price points, so comparing the two options on their site shows you the cost difference for the same repair.
  • You can order online and pick up at your nearest store within hours or days, or have parts shipped to your home or a local shop.
  • Their website lets you filter by brand and price, which helps you compare aftermarket manufacturers side by side before buying.
  • Advance Auto Parts does not install parts, but they can tell you which shops in your area accept their parts if you need labor help.

How to find the right part on their website

Start by going to advanceautoparts.com and entering your vehicle's year, make, and model in the search bar at the top. The site will show you categories like "Engine," "Brakes," "Suspension," and "Electrical." Click the category that matches your repair, and you'll see a list of parts with photos, part numbers, and prices.

Each part listing shows whether it's OEM or aftermarket, the brand name, and customer reviews if available. You can filter results by brand, price range, and whether you want in-stock items only. If you're comparing a Bosch alternator to a Duralast alternator, for example, you can see both side by side with their prices and ratings. This makes it straightforward to decide whether the cheaper aftermarket option is worth the risk or whether the OEM part's warranty justifies the higher cost.

Pickup, shipping, and delivery options

Advance Auto Parts offers three main ways to get your part. In-store pickup is fastest: order online and pick up at a nearby location, usually within a few hours to one business day. Home delivery ships to your address; timing depends on your location and current order volume, but most orders arrive within three to seven business days. Shop delivery lets you have the part sent directly to a repair shop, which is useful if you're having someone else do the work and want to avoid a trip to the store.

Shipping costs vary by location and order size. Orders over a certain amount sometimes may have access to for free shipping, but check the site before checkout to see the exact cost for your zip code. If you need a part urgently and don't have a local store nearby, calling ahead to confirm stock before ordering online saves time and frustration.

OEM versus aftermarket pricing at Advance Auto Parts

OEM parts typically cost 20 to 50 percent more than aftermarket equivalents for the same repair. For example, an OEM Honda water pump might cost $120, while an aftermarket pump from a brand like Dorman or Motorcraft might be $70 to $85. The trade-off is that OEM parts carry the vehicle manufacturer's warranty (usually one to three years), while aftermarket warranties vary by brand and can be as short as 30 days.

Advance Auto Parts' website shows both options for most common repairs, so you can compare prices directly. For wear items like brake pads, air filters, and wiper blades, the performance difference between OEM and quality aftermarket brands is usually small, making aftermarket the better value. For complex parts like transmissions, fuel injectors, or engine sensors, many owners prefer OEM to reduce the risk of a failed repair.

What to do if you need installation help

Advance Auto Parts does not install parts in-store. However, their website has a "Find a Shop" tool that shows independent repair shops and dealerships near you that accept Advance Auto Parts parts. You can call these shops directly to ask about labor rates and scheduling. Some shops charge less if you bring your own parts, while others charge the same rate regardless of where the part came from.

If you're buying from Advance Auto Parts and having a shop install the part, confirm with the shop beforehand that they'll accept it. Most will, but some dealerships prefer to install only OEM parts they source themselves. Getting this agreement in writing or via email protects you if a problem arises after installation.

Warranties and return policies

Advance Auto Parts' return window is typically 30 days with a receipt, though some items have shorter windows. OEM parts usually come with the manufacturer's warranty, which is separate from Advance Auto Parts' return policy—if an OEM part fails after 30 days, you can often contact the manufacturer directly for a replacement. Aftermarket parts vary: some brands offer one-year warranties, others 30 days. Check the product listing or ask in-store before buying if warranty length matters to your decision.

If you buy a part and it doesn't fit or you ordered the wrong one, bring it back unused with your receipt and you can exchange it or get a refund. If you've installed it and it's defective, the process depends on whether it's OEM or aftermarket and which brand made it. Advance Auto Parts can usually help you contact the manufacturer for a warranty claim, but the timeline and outcome depend on the brand's policy.

Comparing Advance Auto Parts to other retailers

Advance Auto Parts competes with AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts, plus online-only retailers like RockAuto and Amazon. Advance Auto Parts' advantage is store density—most people have a location within 10 minutes—and the ability to pick up same-day. AutoZone and O'Reilly have similar store networks and pickup options. NAPA focuses more on commercial and professional shops but serves retail customers too. RockAuto often has lower prices but ships everything, so you wait for delivery.

If you need a part today and want to compare prices, call or check the websites of all three local retailers (Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, and O'Reilly) to see which has it in stock and at what price. If you have time to wait, RockAuto or Amazon may save you money, especially on bulk orders or less common parts. For OEM parts, dealerships sometimes match or beat Advance Auto Parts' prices, particularly on popular repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a part if I installed it and it didn't work?

If the part is defective, yes—bring it back with your receipt and the store can help you file a warranty claim with the manufacturer. If you installed it incorrectly or it was the wrong part, the return depends on the store's policy and whether the part is damaged. Call your local store or check your receipt for the exact return window and conditions.

Does Advance Auto Parts price match competitors?

Advance Auto Parts does not have a formal price-match policy, but individual stores may negotiate on price if you show them a competitor's quote. Call ahead and ask the manager; some locations are more flexible than others. Online prices sometimes differ from in-store prices, so check both before visiting.

What's the difference between Advance Auto Parts and Carquest?

Carquest is a subsidiary of Advance Auto Parts that operates separately in some regions. Both carry similar inventory, but Carquest locations sometimes stock more commercial and heavy-duty parts. If you have both nearby, check their websites to see which has the part you need in stock.

Can I order a part online and pick it up at a different store location?

Yes. When you order online, you can choose any Advance Auto Parts location for pickup. Select the store closest to where you'll be when you need the part, and the system will show you the estimated pickup time based on current stock.

Do I need a membership to shop at Advance Auto Parts?

No membership is required to buy parts. However, Advance Auto Parts offers a rewards program (Advance Pro) that gives discounts and points on purchases. Signing up is free and can save you money if you buy parts regularly.