What Advance Auto Parts is and how to use it
Advance Auto Parts is a retail chain that sells both OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and aftermarket parts for cars, trucks, and SUVs. You can walk into a store, order online for pickup or delivery, or order by phone. The company operates over 4,000 locations across the United States, so most people have one nearby.
The main reason to shop there is convenience and speed. If your car needs a part today, you can often get it the same day. If you order online, you can pick it up at a store within hours or have it shipped to your home. They also offer installation services at some locations through a partnership with local shops, though you can always take your parts elsewhere to have them installed.
Advance Auto Parts sells everything from batteries and oil filters to brake pads, alternators, water pumps, and suspension components. They carry both their own house brand (which is usually cheaper) and name brands like Bosch, Motorcraft, and ACDelco. The price difference between house brand and OEM can be significant, so it matters which one you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts stocks both OEM parts (made by your car's manufacturer) and cheaper aftermarket alternatives, so compare prices before you buy.
- You can buy in-store same-day, order online for store pickup within hours, or have parts shipped to your home, depending on what you need and how fast.
- Their house brand parts cost less than name brands but may not carry the same warranty or last as long, so read the warranty before you commit.
- Some Advance Auto Parts locations offer installation through partner shops, but you can take your parts to any mechanic or do the work yourself.
- Prices vary by location and change frequently, so calling ahead or checking online before you go saves time and money.
OEM parts versus Advance Auto Parts house brands
When you order a part at Advance Auto Parts, you will usually see two or three options: the OEM part made by your car's manufacturer, a name-brand aftermarket part like Bosch or Motorcraft, and the Advance Auto Parts house brand. The house brand is almost always the cheapest. The OEM part is usually the most expensive. The name brands fall in the middle.
The difference matters for safety-critical parts. For brakes, suspension, and steering components, an OEM part or a trusted name brand is worth the extra cost because these parts affect how your car stops and handles. For consumables like air filters, oil filters, and wiper blades, the house brand is usually fine—these parts wear out and get replaced regularly anyway. For electrical components like alternators or starters, check the warranty. A house brand alternator with a one-year warranty is a bigger risk than a Bosch alternator with a three-year warranty, because if it fails after 14 months, you pay to replace it again.
Read the warranty label before you buy. It will tell you how long the part is covered and what the company will do if it fails. Some warranties cover parts only; others cover parts and labor. Some are transferable if you sell the car; others are not. This information is usually printed on the box or displayed on the website.
How to find the right part for your car
Advance Auto Parts uses your vehicle identification number (VIN) to pull up the correct parts for your car. You can enter your VIN on their website, tell it to a store employee, or give it over the phone. The VIN is a 17-character code stamped on the driver's side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield) and printed on your registration and insurance card.
Using the VIN is faster and more accurate than guessing based on your year, make, and model, because two cars of the same year and model can have different engines, transmissions, or suspension setups. If you walk into a store without your VIN, the employee can still help you, but you may end up with the wrong part if your car has options or upgrades that change what fits.
If you are ordering online, enter your VIN in the search box at the top of the website. The system will show you parts that fit your specific car. If you are in a store, give the VIN to the employee at the counter. If you are calling, have your VIN ready when you dial.
Pricing, warranties, and return policies
Advance Auto Parts prices vary by location and change frequently based on sales and inventory. The same part may cost more at one store than another, even within the same city. This is why calling ahead or checking the website before you go saves money. You can also ask about current sales or promotions when you call.
Most parts sold at Advance Auto Parts come with a warranty. The length and terms depend on the part and the brand. House brand parts typically have shorter warranties (often one year) than OEM or name-brand parts (often three years or longer). The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, not damage from misuse or installation error.
If you need to return a part, Advance Auto Parts allows returns within 30 days with a receipt. Some parts, like batteries, may have a core charge—a deposit you pay upfront that gets refunded when you return the old part. If you do not return the old part, you lose the core charge. This is standard across the industry and helps shops recycle old batteries and other components safely.
Installation services and where to get work done
Some Advance Auto Parts locations offer installation through a network of local repair shops. You buy the part at Advance Auto Parts, then take it to a partner shop to have it installed. The installation cost is separate from the part cost and varies by shop and by job. Not all locations offer this service, so call ahead to see if yours does.
You are not required to use Advance Auto Parts' installation partners. You can take your part to any mechanic, independent shop, or dealership. Many people do this because they already have a mechanic they trust, or because the local shop offers better pricing on labor. If you install the part yourself, keep your receipt in case you need to use the warranty later.
If you are doing the work yourself, ask the store employee whether the part requires any special tools or knowledge. Some jobs—like replacing an air filter or wiper blades—are straightforward. Others, like replacing an alternator or water pump, require more skill and the right tools. If you are unsure, it is safer and faster to have a professional do it.
Online ordering, pickup, and delivery options
Advance Auto Parts offers three ways to get parts: in-store purchase, online pickup, and home delivery. In-store purchase is fastest if you need the part today and your local store has it in stock. Online pickup usually takes a few hours to a few days, depending on the store's inventory and how busy they are. Home delivery takes longer but is convenient if you cannot get to a store or prefer not to drive.
When you order online, the website shows you which stores have the part in stock and how long pickup will take. You can also see the delivery date before you complete the order. If the part is not in stock locally, you can order it for delivery to your home or to a store for pickup. Some parts ship faster than others, so check the estimated delivery date before you order.
Delivery costs vary based on your location and the size of the order. Some orders may have access to for free delivery; others have a shipping fee. The website shows the total cost, including delivery, before you check out. If you are a member of Advance Auto Parts' rewards program, you may get free or discounted delivery on some orders.
When to buy from Advance Auto Parts versus other sources
Advance Auto Parts makes sense when you need a part quickly and do not want to wait for shipping from an online retailer. It also makes sense when you want to compare OEM and aftermarket options in person before you buy. The downside is that prices are often higher than online retailers like RockAuto or Amazon, and the selection is limited to what fits in a store.
If you have time to wait, online retailers often have lower prices and a wider selection of brands and quality levels. If you want OEM parts only, the dealership is your only option, though dealerships are usually more expensive than Advance Auto Parts. If you want professional information on which part to buy, a local mechanic or independent shop can often recommend a part and install it for less total cost than buying from Advance Auto Parts and paying for installation elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a part if I changed my mind?
Yes, Advance Auto Parts allows returns within 30 days with a receipt. If the part has a core charge (like a battery), you must return the old part to get the deposit back. If you opened the part or installed it, the return may be refused or subject to a restocking fee.
What is a core charge and why do I have to pay it?
A core charge is a deposit you pay upfront when you buy certain parts like batteries, alternators, or starters. When you return the old part, the deposit is refunded. The charge exists because shops recycle these parts and recover valuable materials. If you do not return the old part, you keep the charge.
Do I need my VIN to order a part?
You do not need it, but it is the fastest way to make sure you get the right part. Without a VIN, you can order by year, make, model, and engine size, but you may end up with the wrong part if your car has options or upgrades. Having the VIN ready saves time and mistakes.
Can I use a part from Advance Auto Parts at a dealership?
Most dealerships will install aftermarket parts you bring in, though some charge a higher labor rate or refuse to warranty the work. Call your dealership first to ask their policy. OEM parts from Advance Auto Parts are the same as OEM parts from the dealership, so there is no difference in quality.
What if a part fails after I buy it?
If the part is still under warranty, take it back to Advance Auto Parts with your receipt. The company will replace it or refund your money, depending on the warranty terms. If the part is no longer under warranty, you will have to buy a replacement. This is why checking the warranty length before you buy matters for parts that are expensive or hard to replace.