Advance Auto Parts is a retail chain that sells replacement parts, tools, and maintenance products for cars, trucks, and light vehicles

Advance Auto Parts operates over 4,000 stores across the United States, plus an online ordering system. You can walk into a physical location, order online for delivery or in-store pickup, or use their website to check part availability before you go. The company stocks both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts — made by your car's manufacturer — and aftermarket parts made by third-party suppliers.

The distinction matters. OEM parts are engineered to your vehicle's exact specifications and carry the manufacturer's warranty. Aftermarket parts are often cheaper but vary in quality depending on the brand. Advance Auto Parts carries both, so you need to know which one you're looking for before you shop.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance Auto Parts stocks brake pads, filters, batteries, belts, hoses, spark plugs, and other wear items you replace regularly during vehicle ownership.
  • You can order parts online, pick them up in-store the same day, or have them delivered, depending on what you need and where you live.
  • The store's website lets you search by vehicle year, make, and model so you get the right part for your specific car rather than a universal fit.
  • Advance Auto Parts also rents or sells specialty tools — like battery chargers, code readers, and jack stands — that help you do maintenance work yourself.
  • Staff at the counter can help you identify what you need, but you should know your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size before you ask.

What kinds of parts Advance Auto Parts actually stocks

The inventory breaks into two categories: consumables you replace on a schedule, and components that fail and need replacement. Consumables include oil and oil filters, air filters, cabin air filters, spark plugs, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid. These wear out or degrade over time and are part of normal maintenance.

Replacement parts include brake pads and rotors, batteries, alternators, starters, water pumps, thermostats, belts, hoses, and suspension components like struts and control arms. These fail at different rates depending on your driving, climate, and how well you maintain the car. Advance Auto Parts carries these in both OEM and aftermarket versions, and the price difference can be significant — sometimes 30 to 50 percent less for aftermarket.

The store also stocks wiper blades, light bulbs, fuses, relays, and smaller electrical components. For tools, you can buy basic hand tools outright or rent specialty equipment like battery chargers, code readers that diagnose check-engine lights, floor jacks, and jack stands.

How to find the right part for your vehicle

The most reliable way is to search by your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. On the Advance Auto Parts website, there is a "Find Parts" section where you enter this information. In a physical store, give the same details to the counter staff. This filters the results to parts that fit your specific car, not universal parts that may or may not work correctly.

If you already know the part number — from your owner's manual, a repair estimate, or a previous purchase — you can search by that number directly. Part numbers are specific and unambiguous, so this is the fastest route if you have one.

Do not rely on the salesperson to know your vehicle. Bring your vehicle identification number (VIN) if you can; it is printed on your registration and on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb. The VIN contains your vehicle's exact specifications, and some stores can look it up to confirm what you need.

OEM versus aftermarket parts at Advance Auto Parts

OEM parts come from your vehicle's manufacturer or an authorized distributor. They cost more — sometimes significantly — but they are may provide to fit and function exactly as the manufacturer designed. If something goes wrong with an OEM part, the manufacturer's warranty covers it. OEM parts are the safest choice for critical systems like brakes, steering, and suspension, especially if your car is still under warranty.

Aftermarket parts are made by independent suppliers and sold under their own brand names. Advance Auto Parts carries well-known aftermarket brands like Bosch, Dorman, and Duralast, as well as house brands. Quality varies. A reputable aftermarket brand may perform identically to OEM at a lower price, but a cheap aftermarket part may fail sooner or fit poorly. Read reviews on the Advance Auto Parts website before you buy, and ask the counter staff which brands they see come back for warranty claims.

For wear items like brake pads and filters, a quality aftermarket part is usually fine and saves money. For structural or safety-critical components, OEM is the safer bet unless you know the aftermarket brand has a strong reputation.

Ordering online versus shopping in-store

Online ordering through the Advance Auto Parts website lets you check stock, compare prices, and read reviews before you commit. You can choose delivery to your home or in-store pickup. Pickup is usually available within a few hours to one business day, depending on stock and location. Delivery times vary by zip code and item availability.

Shopping in-store means you can see the part in person, get when ready help from staff, and leave with it the same day. The downside is you cannot easily compare prices or read reviews while you are there, and staff knowledge varies by location. If you know exactly what you need, in-store is faster. If you want to research first, online is better.

Both routes charge the same price for the same part. Advance Auto Parts occasionally runs sales or promotions that explore to both channels, so check their website or sign up for their email list if you shop there regularly.

Using Advance Auto Parts for do-it-yourself maintenance

If you plan to do your own maintenance or repairs, Advance Auto Parts sells the tools you need. Basic hand tools — wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers — are available for purchase. Specialty tools like battery chargers, code readers, and floor jacks can be rented by the day or week, which is cheaper than buying if you only need them once.

Before you rent or buy a tool, make sure you know how to use it safely. A floor jack without jack stands, for example, can collapse and injure you. Advance Auto Parts staff can explain what a tool does, but they cannot teach you how to use it safely. Watch instructional videos online or consult your vehicle's service manual before you start work.

Code readers are useful if your check-engine light is on. A basic code reader shows you the diagnostic trouble code, which tells you what system is triggering the light. This helps you decide whether to fix it yourself or take the car to a mechanic. Advance Auto Parts rents these for a small daily fee, and many locations will read the code for you for free if you ask.

What to bring and know before you go to Advance Auto Parts

Bring your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. If you have your VIN, bring that too — it is on your registration and on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb. If you know the part number you need, write it down. If you have a repair estimate from a mechanic, bring that as well; it often lists the exact parts needed.

Know what problem you are trying to solve. "My car is making a noise" is not specific enough. "My car squeaks when I turn the steering wheel" or "My brakes are grinding" gives the counter staff something to work with. If you are not sure what is wrong, a code reader rental can help if your check-engine light is on, but for other problems you may need to see a mechanic first.

Understand that Advance Auto Parts is a parts retailer, not a repair shop. They sell parts and tools, but they do not install them. If you are not comfortable doing the work yourself, you will need to take the car to a mechanic and either bring the parts you bought or have the mechanic source them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a part I bought at Advance Auto Parts if it does not fit?

Yes. Advance Auto Parts allows returns within 30 days with a receipt. If the part is defective or does not fit your vehicle, bring it back with proof of purchase. If you ordered online, you can return it to a store or arrange a return through the website.

Does Advance Auto Parts install parts for you?

No. Advance Auto Parts sells parts and tools but does not perform installation. Some locations partner with local repair shops that offer installation services, but you would need to contact your local store to ask. Most customers either do the work themselves or take the parts to their own mechanic.

What is the difference between a Duralast part and a name-brand aftermarket part?

Duralast is Advance Auto Parts' house brand. It is made by various manufacturers and sold only at Advance Auto Parts. Duralast parts are generally competitively priced and carry a warranty, but they do not have the long-term reputation of established brands like Bosch or Dorman. Read reviews on the website before you buy.

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, not just the one nearest you. Availability varies by location, so the website will show you which stores have the part in stock and when you can pick it up.

Does Advance Auto Parts price match other retailers?

Advance Auto Parts does not have a formal price-match policy, but prices are often competitive with other retailers. Check online before you shop, and ask the counter staff if they can match a price you found elsewhere — some locations will negotiate on larger purchases.