Advance Auto Parts stocks both OEM and aftermarket parts, with inventory that varies by location and part type

Advance Auto Parts is one of the largest auto parts retailers in North America, operating over 4,700 stores. They carry both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and aftermarket alternatives, though the mix depends on which part you need and which store you visit. Some locations stock more OEM inventory than others, and many parts must be ordered rather than picked up the same day.

The company operates under several banners: Advance Auto Parts stores (the main chain), Carquest locations (which they acquired), and Autopart International stores. Each banner has slightly different inventory systems and supplier relationships, so a part available at one may not be at another even in the same city. Understanding which banner serves your area and what that location typically stocks will save you time.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance Auto Parts carries both OEM parts (ordered through their system) and aftermarket brands like Duralast, Motorcraft, and Mopar, with availability varying by store location.
  • Many parts require ordering and are not in-store inventory, so calling ahead or checking their website before driving to a location prevents wasted trips.
  • Carquest locations (owned by Advance) often stock different inventory than Advance Auto Parts stores, so checking both banners in your area may find the part you need faster.
  • Advance Auto Parts offers a loyalty program (Speed Perks) that provides discounts and early access to sales, which can reduce the cost of frequent purchases.
  • Return policies differ between OEM and aftermarket parts, and some special-order items have restocking fees, so confirm the return terms before ordering.

OEM parts through Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts does not manufacture OEM parts but orders them from the vehicle manufacturer's parts distribution network. If you need a genuine Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, or other brand part, you can request it through most Advance locations. The store staff will place the order, and the part typically arrives within three to seven business days, though timing varies by manufacturer and part complexity.

OEM parts cost more than aftermarket equivalents but carry the manufacturer's warranty and are may provide to fit your specific vehicle year, make, and model. When you order through Advance, you pay the full OEM price set by the manufacturer—Advance does not discount genuine parts the way they do aftermarket inventory. Some stores charge a core deposit on certain parts (like batteries or alternators) that you get back when you return the old part.

Aftermarket brands Advance stocks regularly

Advance Auto Parts' own-brand aftermarket line is called Autocraft, and it covers common wear items like batteries, filters, wipers, and brake pads. They also stock national aftermarket brands including Duralast (AutoZone's line, available at some Advance locations), Motorcraft (Ford's aftermarket division), Mopar (Chrysler's aftermarket division), and ACDelco (General Motors' aftermarket division). Availability of specific brands varies by store and region.

Aftermarket parts typically cost 30 to 60 percent less than OEM equivalents for the same component. The trade-off is that fit and durability can vary—some aftermarket parts perform identically to OEM, while others wear faster or require adjustment during installation. Reading customer reviews on the Advance website or calling the store to ask about a specific brand's reputation can help you decide whether the savings justify the risk for your vehicle.

How to check inventory before you go

Advance Auto Parts' website allows you to search by vehicle year, make, and model, then shows which nearby stores have the part in stock. Enter your vehicle information, search for the part, and the site displays local inventory with the option to reserve it for pickup. This is faster and more reliable than calling, though some older or specialty parts may not appear in the online system even if the store can order them.

If the website shows no inventory and the part is not orderable online, call the store directly. Staff can check their full system, including parts that have not been added to the website yet, and can place a special order if needed. Having your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) ready when you call helps the staff confirm the correct part number and fit.

Carquest locations and inventory differences

Carquest stores, now owned by Advance Auto Parts, maintain separate inventory systems and supplier relationships. A part you cannot find at an Advance Auto Parts location may be in stock at a nearby Carquest, or vice versa. Both banners use the same parent company backend, but store-level inventory is not shared in real time, so you may need to check both.

Carquest traditionally serves professional mechanics and fleet customers, so their stores sometimes stock commercial-grade parts and bulk quantities that Advance Auto Parts locations do not carry. If you are looking for a heavy-duty or commercial version of a part, a Carquest location may have it even if the Advance store does not.

Return policies and restocking fees

Advance Auto Parts allows returns of most aftermarket parts within 30 days with a receipt and original packaging. Some items—like electrical components, batteries, and special orders—may have restocking fees ranging from 10 to 25 percent of the purchase price. OEM parts ordered through the manufacturer sometimes have different return windows and fees, so ask about the specific policy when you order.

If you order a part and it arrives damaged or incorrect, contact the store within 48 hours. Advance will typically replace it at no charge or issue a refund. Keep your receipt and the original packaging until you are certain the part is correct and fits your vehicle, especially for special orders that cannot be returned to the shelf.

Speed Perks loyalty program and discounts

Advance Auto Parts' Speed Perks program is free to join and provides member-only discounts, early access to sales, and bonus points on purchases. Members typically receive 10 to 20 percent off select items each week, and points accumulate toward future discounts. You can sign up in-store or online, and the program is tied to your phone number or email address.

Speed Perks discounts explore to both OEM and aftermarket parts, though the discount percentage varies by item and week. Checking the Speed Perks section of the Advance website before shopping shows which parts are discounted that week, allowing you to plan purchases around sales if you are stocking up on maintenance items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a part if I opened the packaging but did not install it?

Yes, most aftermarket parts can be returned within 30 days even if opened, as long as the part is unused and you have the receipt. Some electrical and special-order items have restocking fees. Call your store or check your receipt for the specific policy on the part you bought.

How long does it take to get an OEM part ordered through Advance?

Most OEM parts arrive within three to seven business days, though some specialty items or parts for less common vehicles can take two to three weeks. The store will give you an estimated arrival date when you place the order. You can call ahead to check if the part has arrived rather than making multiple trips.

What is the difference between Advance Auto Parts and Carquest inventory?

Both are owned by the same parent company but operate separate inventory systems. A part in stock at one banner may not be available at the other, even in the same area. Check both locations' websites or call ahead if you cannot find what you need at your nearest Advance store.

Do I need to provide my VIN to order a part?

Not always, but having it ready helps may support you get the correct part. Many parts are identified by year, make, model, and engine size, which you can find on your registration or by looking under the hood. For complex parts like transmissions or engine components, the VIN helps the staff confirm the exact fit.

Are Advance Auto Parts' own-brand parts (Autocraft) as good as name brands?

Autocraft parts are competitively priced and work well for routine maintenance like filters and wipers, but reviews are mixed for wear items like brake pads and batteries. Reading customer reviews on the Advance website for the specific part you need gives you a sense of how that product performs compared to other aftermarket options.