Advance Auto Parts carries both OEM and aftermarket parts, but most of their inventory is aftermarket

Advance Auto Parts is a national retailer that stocks replacement parts for cars, trucks, and SUVs. The majority of what they carry is aftermarket — parts made by suppliers other than the vehicle manufacturer. They do stock some OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts, but you have to search specifically for them or call a store to confirm availability before you drive there.

The company operates over 4,000 locations across the United States, plus an online store. You can buy in person, order online for in-store pickup, or have parts shipped to your home. Most stores are open seven days a week, though hours vary by location.

If you are looking for a specific part, knowing the year, make, and model of your vehicle before you search will save time. Advance Auto's website lets you enter that information once, and then all search results filter to fit your car.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance Auto Parts stocks mostly aftermarket parts, with some OEM inventory available by special order or at certain locations.
  • You can search their catalog online by vehicle year, make, and model to see what is in stock near you.
  • In-store pickup is usually available within hours, while shipped orders typically arrive within three to seven business days.
  • Advance Auto offers a loyalty program (AAA membership) that gives discounts on parts and services at participating locations.
  • Return policies vary slightly by state, but most allow returns within 30 days with a receipt.

How to find parts on Advance Auto's website or in stores

Start by going to advanceautoparts.com or visiting a store near you. If you search online, enter your vehicle's year, make, and model in the search bar at the top of the page. This filters results to show only parts that fit your car.

Once you have narrowed the results, you can sort by price, brand, or customer rating. The website shows you which parts are in stock at stores near your zip code and which are available for shipping. If a part is in stock locally, you can reserve it for in-store pickup — most pickups are ready within a few hours.

If you prefer to shop in person, bring your vehicle's year, make, and model with you, or have your VIN (vehicle identification number) ready. Staff can look up parts faster with that information. If they do not have what you need in stock, they can usually order it and have it arrive within a few days.

The difference between what Advance Auto stocks and what you might special order

Advance Auto's regular shelves are stocked with the most common replacement parts: brake pads, air filters, batteries, belts, hoses, spark plugs, and fluids. These are almost always aftermarket brands. You will see names like Duralast, Bosch, Motorcraft, and Dorman — all suppliers that make parts for multiple vehicle brands.

OEM parts — the exact parts your vehicle's manufacturer makes — are less common on the shelf. If you want an OEM part, you can special order it through Advance Auto, but it may take longer to arrive and will usually cost more than the aftermarket equivalent. Some stores have better OEM inventory than others, so calling ahead is worth your time if you specifically need an original manufacturer part.

Advance Auto also carries tools, fluids, batteries, and accessories. If you are doing the work yourself, you can rent or borrow some tools from certain locations through their tool rental program, though availability varies by store.

Pricing, discounts, and the AAA membership program

Advance Auto's prices on the same part can vary between stores and online, so it is worth comparing before you buy. Their website shows the price at your local store and the online price side by side.

The company offers an AAA membership (not to be confused with the roadside information organization) that costs money upfront but gives you a percentage discount on most parts and services. The discount amount and membership cost change periodically, so check their website or ask in-store for current pricing. If you shop there regularly, the membership can pay for itself within a few purchases.

Advance Auto also runs periodic sales and promotions, especially around holidays and seasonal maintenance periods. Signing up for their email list or checking the website before you buy can show you what discounts are currently running.

What to do if Advance Auto does not have the part you need

If your local Advance Auto does not stock a part, you have several options. First, ask the staff if they can special order it — most parts can be ordered and will arrive within three to seven business days. They can also check if another nearby location has it in stock, and you can pick it up there instead.

If Advance Auto cannot get the part at all, you can try other national retailers like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, or NAPA. You can also order directly from the vehicle manufacturer's dealership, though that is usually the most expensive route. For very specialized or hard-to-find parts, online retailers like RockAuto or eBay sellers sometimes have inventory when local stores do not.

Before you give up on Advance Auto, confirm you have the right part number. A wrong part number is the most common reason a search comes up empty. Your vehicle's service manual, the dealership, or an online parts diagram can confirm the correct number.

Returns, warranties, and what happens if a part fails

Advance Auto allows returns within 30 days of purchase in most states, as long as you have your receipt and the part is unused and in its original packaging. Some states have different rules, so ask at the register or check your receipt for the return policy in your area.

Many aftermarket parts come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects. The length of that warranty depends on the part and the brand — some are 30 days, others are a year or longer. Advance Auto staff can tell you what warranty comes with a specific part before you buy.

If a part fails after you install it, contact Advance Auto with your receipt. They can usually replace it under warranty or process a return. If the part caused damage to your vehicle, that is a separate claim you would need to pursue with the part manufacturer, not Advance Auto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Advance Auto sell OEM parts for my vehicle?

Advance Auto carries some OEM parts, but most of their inventory is aftermarket. Call your local store or search their website to see if the specific OEM part you need is in stock. If not, they can usually special order it, though it will take longer and cost more than an aftermarket alternative.

Can I return a part if I opened the box but did not use it?

Return policies vary by state. In most places, Advance Auto will accept returns of opened but unused parts within 30 days with a receipt. Check your receipt or ask in-store for your state's specific policy before you open the box.

How long does it take to get a part shipped to my house?

Shipping times depend on your location and whether the part is in stock at a distribution center. Most orders arrive within three to seven business days. In-store pickup is usually faster — often ready within a few hours if the part is in stock locally.

What if I do not know my vehicle's year, make, and model?

Your vehicle identification number (VIN) is printed on your registration, insurance card, and the driver's side dashboard. You can also find it on your vehicle's title. Bring your VIN to a store or enter it on the website, and the system will pull up your exact vehicle information.

Is the AAA membership worth it if I only buy parts once or twice a year?

That depends on the current membership cost and discount percentage. If you buy higher-priced items like batteries or brake components, the discount can add up quickly. Ask staff for the current membership cost and calculate whether the discount on your planned purchases would pay for it within a year.