Advance Auto Parts stocks both OEM and aftermarket components

Advance Auto Parts is a national retailer that carries replacement parts for most vehicles on the road. You can buy from them in-store, online, or through their website for local pickup. They stock original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts made by the vehicle's maker, and aftermarket parts made by third-party suppliers — the same two categories you'd find at any major parts retailer.

The parts they carry range from routine maintenance items like oil filters and brake pads to larger components like alternators, water pumps, and suspension parts. They also sell tools, fluids, batteries, and accessories. Whether you're doing the work yourself or handing the part to a mechanic, Advance can usually source what you need within a day or two, and often same-day if you order online for in-store pickup.

Advance operates over 4,000 locations across the United States, so most people have one nearby. They also run an online store with shipping to your home or to a local store. Their return policy typically allows 30 days to return unused parts with a receipt, though some items like batteries or core components have different terms.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance Auto Parts carries both OEM parts from your vehicle's manufacturer and aftermarket parts from third-party makers, so you can choose based on price and warranty.
  • You can order online for same-day pickup at most locations, or have parts shipped to your home within a few days.
  • Bring your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size when you shop, either in person or online, so you get the right part the first time.
  • Advance offers a 30-day return window on most unused parts with a receipt, though batteries and core items have separate return rules.
  • Many Advance locations offer free installation services for certain common parts like batteries, wiper blades, and air filters, though availability varies by store.

How to find the right part at Advance

The fastest way to get the correct part is to know your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size before you shop. You can find this information on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or the driver's side door jamb. When you walk into a store or search on their website, staff or the search tool will ask for these details and show you what fits your vehicle.

If you're not sure what part you need, bring the old part with you or describe the problem — a grinding noise when you brake, a dashboard warning light, a fluid leak. Advance staff can often identify what you're looking for based on the symptom. If you're ordering online, Advance's website has a parts finder tool where you enter your vehicle information and browse by category or search by part name.

OEM parts will be listed with the manufacturer's name and part number. Aftermarket parts will show the supplier's brand — companies like Dorman, Motorcraft, Bosch, or ACDelco. The price difference between OEM and aftermarket can be significant, sometimes 30 to 50 percent, though OEM parts often come with longer warranties. Read the product description to see what warranty each part carries and whether it's may provide to fit your specific vehicle.

OEM versus aftermarket at Advance

Advance stocks both, and the choice depends on your budget and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. OEM parts are made by your vehicle's manufacturer — Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, and so on — and are designed to the exact specifications your vehicle was built with. They typically cost more but come with the manufacturer's warranty, which can be one year or longer depending on the part.

Aftermarket parts are made by independent suppliers and often cost less. Many are high-quality and will last as long as OEM parts, but warranties are usually shorter — often 30 to 90 days — and some aftermarket parts may not fit as precisely or perform identically to the original. For wear items like brake pads, air filters, and wiper blades, the difference is usually minor. For engine components, suspension parts, or electrical systems, the difference can matter more.

Advance's website and in-store displays usually show the warranty length and return period for each part, so you can compare before you buy. If you're unsure which to choose, ask the staff — they can tell you which aftermarket brands they see fail most often and which ones hold up well.

Ordering online and picking up in-store

Advance's online ordering system lets you search by vehicle or by part name, add items to your cart, and choose a nearby store for pickup. Most orders placed before 2 p.m. are ready the same day; orders placed after 2 p.m. are usually ready by the next morning. You'll receive an email or text when your order is ready, and you can pick it up during store hours without waiting in line.

If the part is not in stock at your chosen location, Advance can often transfer it from another store or ship it to you. The website will show you the estimated arrival date before you complete the order. Shipping to your home typically takes three to five business days for in-stock items, though some parts take longer if they're special-order.

You can also order through the Advance Auto Parts mobile app, which has the same search and ordering tools as the website. The app also shows you your local store's hours and lets you track your order in real time.

Installation services and when they're available

Many Advance locations offer free or low-cost installation for certain parts, including batteries, wiper blades, air filters, and cabin air filters. Some stores also install spark plugs, belts, and hoses for a fee. Availability varies by location — not every store offers every service — so call ahead or check the store's page on the Advance website to see what's available near you.

If you need installation, you can often schedule an appointment online or by phone. Bring your vehicle keys and be prepared to wait 30 minutes to an hour for straightforward jobs like battery or wiper blade replacement. For more complex work, ask the store how long it will take before you leave your vehicle.

If Advance doesn't offer the installation you need, or if you prefer to use your own mechanic, you can buy the part from Advance and take it to any repair shop. Most mechanics will install a part you've purchased elsewhere, though some charge a small fee for the labor if you didn't buy the part from them.

Warranty and return policies

Most parts at Advance come with a 30-day return window if they're unused and you have your receipt. Some items — like batteries, core components (parts you trade in), and special-order items — have different return rules. Batteries typically have a core charge, which means you pay extra upfront and get that money back when you return the old battery. Core charges usually range from $5 to $20 depending on the battery type.

Warranties on parts vary widely. OEM parts often carry the manufacturer's warranty, which can be one year or longer. Aftermarket parts usually come with a 30-day to one-year warranty from the supplier. Some parts, like brake pads and wiper blades, may have longer warranties — sometimes lifetime — if the supplier stands behind them. Check the product description or ask staff what warranty comes with the specific part you're buying.

If a part fails during the warranty period, you can return it to Advance with your receipt and the failed part. Advance will either replace it or refund your money, depending on their policy and the supplier's warranty terms. Keep your receipt and any warranty paperwork that comes with the part so you can prove the purchase date if you need to make a claim later.

Advance membership and discount programs

Advance offers a rewards program called Advance Plus that gives you points on purchases and access to member-only sales. You can sign up in-store or online for free. Members earn points on every dollar spent and can redeem them for discounts on future purchases. The program also sends you coupons and alerts you to sales on parts you've bought before.

Advance also runs periodic sales and promotions, especially around seasonal maintenance periods like spring and fall. You can see current deals on their website or in-store. If you're a professional mechanic or fleet operator, Advance has a separate commercial account program with volume discounts and dedicated support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a part if I've already installed it?

No — Advance's 30-day return policy applies only to unused parts with a receipt. Once a part is installed, it's considered used and cannot be returned for a refund. If the part is defective or fails shortly after installation, you may be able to file a warranty claim with the supplier, but that's different from a return. Always test a part before installation if possible, or ask the supplier about their warranty coverage before you install it.

What if Advance doesn't have the part I need in stock?

Advance can usually transfer the part from another location or order it for you. The website will show you the estimated arrival date when you search. If the part is a special order or comes from the manufacturer, it may take a week or longer. You can also call your local store and ask them to search their system for nearby locations that have it in stock.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to Advance to buy a part?

No — you only need your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. You can find this on your registration, insurance card, or the driver's side door jamb. If you're not sure what part you need, you can describe the problem to staff in-store or call ahead, and they can help you identify it without seeing the vehicle.

Are Advance Auto Parts more expensive than other retailers?

Prices vary by part and supplier, and Advance's prices are usually competitive with other national retailers like AutoZone and O'Reilly. You may find lower prices online at Amazon or RockAuto, but those sites don't offer same-day pickup or in-store installation. Advance Plus members also get discounts and rewards that can offset the price difference over time.

What's the difference between a core charge and a regular price?

A core charge is an extra fee you pay upfront for certain parts — usually batteries, alternators, and starters — because the supplier wants you to return the old part. When you bring the old part back, Advance refunds the core charge. This encourages recycling and keeps the supplier from losing money on parts that can be rebuilt and resold.