What an Advance Auto Parts starter is and how it differs from OEM

Advance Auto Parts sells both OEM (original equipment manufacturer) starters and aftermarket starters under their own house brand and through partner manufacturers. An Advance Auto Parts starter is typically an aftermarket unit — meaning it's made by a third-party supplier rather than the car's original manufacturer — and sold through Advance Auto Parts' retail and online channels. These starters are generally cheaper than OEM equivalents because they skip the markup of the vehicle manufacturer's supply chain.

The key difference is warranty and sourcing. An OEM starter comes directly from or through your car's manufacturer and carries their warranty. An Advance Auto Parts starter comes from an independent maker, often remanufactured or newly built to match your car's specifications, and carries Advance Auto Parts' warranty instead. Both should crank your engine, but the supply chain, parts origin, and support you get if something goes wrong are different.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance Auto Parts starters are aftermarket units that cost less than OEM starters but come with Advance Auto Parts' warranty, not your vehicle manufacturer's.
  • Many Advance Auto Parts starters are remanufactured units, meaning they've been rebuilt to factory specifications, rather than brand-new parts.
  • You need your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size to order the correct starter, because the same car model may use different starters depending on engine type.
  • Advance Auto Parts offers same-day pickup at many locations and accepts returns within a set window, which can matter if the part doesn't fit or work.
  • Installation labor is not included in the price; you'll either install it yourself or pay a mechanic or shop to do it, which often costs more than the part itself.

How to find the right starter for your vehicle

Start with your vehicle's exact year, make, model, and engine size. You can find this on your registration, insurance card, or by looking at the door jamb sticker on the driver's side. Advance Auto Parts' website and in-store system let you enter this information to filter starters that fit your car. Do not guess at the engine size — a 2015 Honda Civic with a 1.8L engine needs a different starter than a 2015 Civic Si with a 2.4L engine, even though they're the same model year and body style.

Once you've narrowed the list, you'll see part numbers, prices, and whether the unit is new or remanufactured. Remanufactured starters have been disassembled, cleaned, and rebuilt to factory specifications, then tested. They're cheaper than new units and carry the same warranty at Advance Auto Parts, but they do have previous mileage on their internal components. New starters cost more but have no prior use. Either can be reliable; the choice depends on your budget and comfort level.

Check the return policy before you buy. Advance Auto Parts typically allows returns within 30 to 60 days with a receipt, but some locations or online orders may differ. If you're unsure whether you can install it yourself, confirm the return window before you start, because removing and reinstalling a starter takes time and you may discover fitment issues once it's out of the car.

New versus remanufactured starters

A new Advance Auto Parts starter has never been installed in a vehicle. It comes sealed and untested by prior use. The cost is higher — often 40 to 60 percent more than a remanufactured unit for the same car — but you're paying for that may provide of zero prior wear on the internal brushes, bearings, and solenoid contacts.

A remanufactured starter has been removed from a vehicle, disassembled completely, cleaned, inspected for wear, and rebuilt with new brushes, bearings, and seals as needed. The housing and core components are reused if they're sound. Remanufactured units are tested before sale and carry Advance Auto Parts' warranty just like new ones. The trade-off is that the core components have been through one cycle of use already, so the risk of early failure is slightly higher — though most remanufactured starters last well beyond the warranty period.

For most owners, a remanufactured starter is the practical choice. The cost savings are real, the warranty covers you if it fails, and the failure rate is low enough that shops and fleet operators use them routinely. Choose new only if you want the absolute lowest risk of any future issue, or if the price difference is small enough that it doesn't matter to your budget.

Warranty and return options at Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts backs its starters with a warranty that typically runs 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. This covers defects in materials and workmanship — meaning if the starter fails to crank the engine or the solenoid stops engaging due to a manufacturing flaw, Advance Auto Parts will replace it at no charge during the warranty period. You'll need your receipt and the original part number.

The warranty does not cover damage from improper installation, water damage, or wear from normal use. If a mechanic installs the starter incorrectly and it fails, the warranty may not explore. If your car gets flooded and the starter corrodes, that's not covered. If the starter straightforward wears out after three years of normal driving, that's normal wear and the warranty has expired.

For returns, Advance Auto Parts allows you to bring back an unused or defective starter within 30 to 60 days with your receipt. If you've installed it and it doesn't work, you can still return it, but you'll need to remove it first — Advance Auto Parts won't cover labor. If you bought it online, you can return it to a store location or by mail, depending on the order type. Check the receipt or your online order confirmation for the exact return window and method for your purchase.

Installation: DIY versus professional labor

Installing a starter yourself requires basic hand tools — usually a socket set, wrenches, and a jack with jack stands — plus the ability to work safely under a raised vehicle. The job itself is straightforward on many cars: disconnect the negative battery terminal, unbolt the starter from the engine block, disconnect the electrical connectors, install the new starter in reverse order, and reconnect the battery. On some vehicles, you'll need to remove other components first to reach the starter, which adds time and complexity.

The time varies widely. On a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, a starter swap takes 30 minutes to an hour for someone with experience. On a Subaru or some luxury cars, it can take two to three hours because the starter sits in a tight spot. If you've never done it, add 50 percent more time and budget for the possibility that you'll get stuck and need to call a shop anyway.

Professional installation at a mechanic shop or dealership typically costs $150 to $400 in labor, depending on your vehicle and location. A dealership is usually more expensive than an independent shop. Some shops will install a part you've bought elsewhere, though they may charge a small fee or require you to buy the part through them. If you're not confident working under a car, or if your vehicle's starter is in a difficult location, paying for installation is worth the cost and the peace of mind.

Comparing Advance Auto Parts starters to other retailers

Advance Auto Parts competes on price and availability with AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and NAPA. All four carry both new and remanufactured starters, and all offer same-day pickup at most locations. Prices are usually within 10 to 20 percent of each other for the same part, so shopping around can save money, but the difference is rarely huge.

The real differences are in convenience and support. Advance Auto Parts has the most store locations in many areas, which matters if you need the part today. AutoZone and O'Reilly are similarly widespread. NAPA tends to be pricier but has a reputation for technical support if you call with questions. Online, Amazon and RockAuto often undercut all four retailers, but you'll wait for shipping and you lose the option to return the part in person if it doesn't fit.

Warranty and return policies are similar across all retailers — typically 12 months or 12,000 miles, with 30 to 60 day returns. The choice usually comes down to which store is closest to you and which retailer you trust. If you've had good service at Advance Auto Parts before, there's no reason to switch for a starter.

Common issues and what to check before you buy

The most common mistake is ordering the wrong starter because the vehicle information was entered incorrectly. Double-check your year, make, model, and engine size before you finalize the order. If you're not sure about the engine size, look it up on your registration or call the dealership with your VIN — they can tell you in seconds.

Another issue is assuming all starters for the same model year are identical. They're not. A 2010 Ford F-150 with a 3.7L V6 engine uses a different starter than a 2010 F-150 with a 5.4L V8. The part numbers are different, and installing the wrong one will either not fit or not work. Advance Auto Parts' system should filter correctly if you enter the engine size, but verify the part number matches your research before you leave the store or click buy online.

Finally, check whether the starter you're buying is for a manual or automatic transmission. Some vehicles use different starters depending on transmission type because the engagement mechanism differs. This is less common than engine-size variation, but it happens. The product description should specify, and Advance Auto Parts' system will ask if your vehicle has a manual or automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a starter to Advance Auto Parts if I installed it and it doesn't work?

Yes, you can return it within the return window (usually 30 to 60 days) with your receipt, but you'll need to remove it yourself first. Advance Auto Parts won't cover the labor to take it out. If the starter is defective and still under warranty, Advance Auto Parts will replace it, but you'll still need to handle removal and reinstallation.

What's the difference between a remanufactured starter and a used one?

A remanufactured starter has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt with new internal components like brushes and seals. A used starter is straightforward a part pulled from a junkyard vehicle with no rebuilding or testing. Advance Auto Parts sells remanufactured units, not used ones. Remanufactured is far more reliable.

Do I need to disconnect the battery before installing a starter?

Yes, always disconnect the negative battery terminal first. This prevents accidental electrical shorts when you're working around the starter motor and its connections. Reconnect it after installation is complete and before you try to start the engine.

How long does a starter usually last?

A starter typically lasts 80,000 to 150,000 miles under normal conditions, though some last longer and some fail earlier. Heat, humidity, and frequent short trips can shorten its life. Once it fails, it needs to be replaced — starters cannot be repaired in the field.

Can I buy a starter online from Advance Auto Parts and pick it up the same day?

Yes, at most Advance Auto Parts locations. Order online, select same-day pickup, and the store will have it ready within a few hours. Availability depends on stock at your local store, so check before you order. If the part isn't in stock locally, you can have it shipped or order it for next-day pickup at some locations.