What Advance Auto Parts is and how to use it
Advance Auto Parts is a retail chain that sells new aftermarket and OEM parts for cars, trucks, and light-duty vehicles. You can shop in their physical stores, order online for delivery, or use their in-store pickup option. The company stocks common replacement items like batteries, filters, belts, brake pads, fluids, and electrical components — parts you might need for routine maintenance or repairs.
When you walk into a store or visit their website, you'll need to know what vehicle you own (year, make, model, and engine size) to find the right part. Advance Auto Parts uses this information to filter their inventory so you see only parts that fit your car. If you're unsure what you need, store staff can help you identify the right part, though they cannot perform the installation work itself.
Pricing varies by location and part type. Advance Auto Parts runs regular sales and offers a loyalty program called Speed Perks that gives members discounts and rewards points on purchases. You can join Speed Perks for free in-store or online.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Auto Parts sells both OEM parts (made by your vehicle's manufacturer) and aftermarket parts (made by third-party suppliers), so you can compare options and prices before you buy.
- You need your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size to search their inventory and may support the part will fit.
- Store staff can help you identify which part you need, but they do not install parts — you'll need a mechanic or do the work yourself.
- Speed Perks membership is free and gives you discounts and rewards points on purchases.
- You can buy in-store, order online for home delivery, or order online and pick up in-store, usually within a few hours.
Finding the right part for your vehicle
Start by knowing your vehicle's exact year, make, model, and engine size. This information is on your vehicle registration, in your owner's manual, or on a sticker inside your driver's side door jamb. When you search Advance Auto Parts' website or tell a store employee what you need, they will use these details to show you only parts that fit your car.
If you know the part name — such as "cabin air filter" or "alternator" — you can search by that. If you only know what's wrong — such as "my battery is dead" or "my brakes are squeaking" — store staff can walk you through what part you likely need. They can also look up parts by your vehicle's information alone.
Once you've found the part, you'll see the price, the brand, and whether it's in stock at your local store. If it's not in stock, you can order it for delivery or ask if another nearby store has it and can hold it for you.
OEM versus aftermarket parts at Advance Auto
Advance Auto Parts carries both OEM parts (original equipment manufacturer parts made by your vehicle's maker) and aftermarket parts (made by independent suppliers). OEM parts are typically more expensive but are may provide to match your vehicle's original specifications. Aftermarket parts are usually cheaper and come from brands with varying reputations for quality.
The website and in-store displays show you both options side by side so you can compare price and brand. Some aftermarket brands sold at Advance Auto Parts have strong track records; others are budget options. Reading customer reviews on the website can help you decide whether a cheaper part is worth the savings or whether spending more on a known brand makes sense for your situation.
If you're not sure which to choose, store staff can tell you what brand they see customers buy most often for your vehicle, though they cannot recommend one over the other.
Ordering online and in-store pickup
You can order parts online at advanceautoparts.com and pick them up at your nearest store, usually within a few hours. During checkout, you'll enter your zip code or store location, and the website will show you which parts are in stock at that location. If a part is not in stock, you can still order it for pickup, but it will take longer — typically one to three business days.
When you pick up your order, bring your receipt or the order confirmation number from your email. Store staff will retrieve your parts from the back and ring them up at the counter. If you ordered multiple items, they'll be bundled together.
In-store pickup is free. If you prefer home delivery instead, Advance Auto Parts offers that as well, though delivery times and fees vary by location and order size.
Pricing, sales, and the Speed Perks loyalty program
Prices at Advance Auto Parts vary by location and change based on sales and promotions. The website shows you the current price at your local store. Advance Auto Parts regularly runs sales on specific categories — such as batteries in winter or air filters in spring — so prices for the same part can differ week to week.
Speed Perks is Advance Auto Parts' free loyalty program. When you sign up, you get a member number that you can use in-store or online. Members earn rewards points on every purchase, which you can redeem for discounts on future orders. Speed Perks members also get early access to sales and exclusive member-only pricing on certain items.
To join, you can sign up in-store at the register, on the website, or through the Advance Auto Parts mobile app. You'll need an email address and zip code. There is no cost to join, and you can cancel anytime.
What to do if you need help installing the part
Advance Auto Parts does not install parts. Once you buy the part, you're responsible for having it installed. You have three main options: do the installation yourself if you have the tools and knowledge, take the vehicle to an independent mechanic, or take it to a dealership.
If you're doing the work yourself, Advance Auto Parts staff can sometimes point you toward online resources or videos that show how to install the part you bought. Some parts — like air filters or wiper blades — are straightforward enough for a beginner. Others — like alternators or transmissions — require mechanical skill and special tools.
If you take your vehicle to a mechanic, you can usually bring the part you bought at Advance Auto Parts and ask them to install it. Some mechanics charge a lower labor rate if you supply the part yourself, though others may charge the same rate regardless. Call ahead and ask about their policy before you buy.
Returns and warranties
Advance Auto Parts allows returns within 30 days of purchase if the part is unused and in its original packaging. You'll need your receipt. If you've installed the part and it doesn't work or doesn't fit, return policies become more complicated — some parts can still be returned, but others cannot. Ask at the counter or check the receipt for the specific return window and conditions for the part you bought.
Many parts come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects. The warranty period varies — some are 30 days, others are one year or longer. The paperwork that comes with the part will explain what the warranty covers and how to file a claim if the part fails.
If you buy a part online and it arrives damaged, contact Advance Auto Parts customer service with a photo of the damage. They will typically send a replacement or issue a refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a part if I installed it and it doesn't fit?
It depends on the part and the reason it doesn't fit. If you ordered the wrong part because you entered your vehicle information incorrectly, Advance Auto Parts may allow a return if you have your receipt and the part is unused. If you installed it and it doesn't fit, return policies are stricter. Contact the store or customer service with your receipt and explain the situation — they can tell you whether a return is possible.
How do I know if a part is OEM or aftermarket?
The product listing on the website and the packaging will say whether it's OEM or aftermarket. OEM parts usually have your vehicle manufacturer's name on them. Aftermarket parts show the supplier's brand name instead. When you search by part type and vehicle, both options typically appear together so you can compare.
What if the part I need is not in stock?
You can order it online for delivery to your home or for pickup at your store. Delivery usually takes one to three business days, depending on your location. You can also ask store staff to check if a nearby store has it in stock and can hold it for you to pick up.
Do I need a Speed Perks membership to shop at Advance Auto Parts?
No. Speed Perks is optional and free to join. You can shop without it, but you'll miss out on rewards points and member-only discounts. If you shop there regularly, joining takes less than a minute and saves money over time.
Can Advance Auto Parts staff help me figure out what part I need?
Yes. If you tell them what's wrong with your vehicle or give them your vehicle's year, make, and model, they can help you identify the right part. They cannot diagnose mechanical problems, but they can point you toward the part that matches your description and your vehicle.