Advance Auto Parts is a retail chain that sells replacement parts, tools, and maintenance supplies for vehicles

Advance Auto Parts operates over 4,600 locations across the United States and carries both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and aftermarket parts. OEM parts are made by the company that built your vehicle; aftermarket parts are made by independent manufacturers and are usually less expensive. You can buy from Advance Auto Parts in person at a store, online for home delivery, or online for in-store pickup the same day.

The chain stocks common wear items like brake pads, air filters, batteries, and wiper blades, as well as harder-to-find components for engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems. They also sell tools, fluids, and diagnostic equipment. Whether you need a part depends on what your vehicle needs and what your mechanic or your owner's manual recommends—Advance Auto Parts is a place to source those parts once you know what to buy.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance Auto Parts carries both OEM parts made by your vehicle's manufacturer and cheaper aftermarket alternatives from independent makers.
  • You can shop in person, order online for delivery, or order online and pick up the same day at a nearby store.
  • The store's website includes a parts finder tool where you enter your vehicle's year, make, and model to see what fits.
  • Prices and availability vary by location and by part; comparing prices across retailers before you buy can save money on larger repairs.
  • Advance Auto Parts does not install parts, so you will need a mechanic or the skill to install them yourself.

How to find the right part for your vehicle

Start by knowing what part you need. Your mechanic will tell you the part name and number if they diagnosed the problem. Your owner's manual lists part numbers for common replacements. If you are not sure, a parts store employee can help you identify it, but they will need your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size.

On the Advance Auto Parts website, use the "Find Parts" tool: enter your vehicle information and browse by category (brakes, cooling, electrical, and so on). The tool shows you which parts fit your specific vehicle and whether they are in stock at your local store. In person, give the same information to a store employee and they can look it up in their system or on a computer terminal.

Write down the part number before you leave or order. This number ensures you get the exact part that fits your vehicle, not a similar one that might not work.

OEM versus aftermarket parts at Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts carries both types. OEM parts are made by your vehicle's manufacturer—Ford, Toyota, Chevrolet, and so on—and are usually the most expensive option. They are may provide to fit and perform exactly as the original part did. Aftermarket parts are made by companies like Bosch, Dorman, or Motorcraft and cost less, sometimes 30 to 50 percent less than OEM.

Aftermarket parts vary in quality. Some are nearly identical to OEM parts and work just as well. Others are cheaper because they use lower-grade materials or looser tolerances. For wear items like brake pads and air filters, a mid-range aftermarket part usually performs well. For engine components, suspension parts, or electrical systems, many mechanics recommend OEM or a known-quality aftermarket brand.

The Advance Auto Parts website and in-store displays often show the brand name and sometimes customer reviews. Read reviews before you buy, especially for parts that affect safety or engine performance. If you are unsure which to choose, ask your mechanic—they know which brands hold up in your climate and driving conditions.

Pricing and comparing costs across retailers

Advance Auto Parts prices vary by location, by part, and by whether you are buying OEM or aftermarket. A brake pad set might cost $40 to $80 depending on the brand and vehicle. A water pump could range from $60 to $200. The only way to know the price for your specific part is to look it up on their website or ask in the store.

Before you buy, check prices at other retailers. AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and Walmart also sell automotive parts, and prices differ. Some retailers offer discounts for first-time buyers or loyalty program members. A few dollars saved on a small part may not matter, but on a larger repair—a transmission cooler, a fuel pump, a set of shocks—comparing three retailers can save $20 to $50.

Advance Auto Parts occasionally runs sales and offers a loyalty program called Advance Plus that gives members discounts and early access to sales. Check their website or ask in the store whether you may have access to.

What happens after you buy the part

Advance Auto Parts does not install parts. Once you own the part, you need either a mechanic to install it or the knowledge and tools to do it yourself. Installation difficulty varies widely. Replacing an air filter or wiper blades takes 10 to 30 minutes and requires no special tools. Replacing a water pump, alternator, or suspension component can take several hours and requires specific tools and mechanical skill.

If you are not sure whether you can install it yourself, ask your mechanic for an estimate before you buy the part. Some mechanics charge less if you bring your own part, but others charge the same labor rate regardless. A few mechanics refuse to install customer-supplied parts because of warranty concerns, so ask first.

Keep your receipt. If the part is defective or does not fit, Advance Auto Parts accepts returns within a set time frame (usually 30 to 60 days depending on the item). Bring the receipt and the part in its original condition.

When to buy from Advance Auto Parts versus other sources

Advance Auto Parts is useful when you need a part quickly and want to see it in person before you buy. Their same-day pickup option means you can order online in the morning and pick up in the afternoon. This works well for common parts like batteries, filters, and brake pads that are usually in stock.

For rare or hard-to-find parts, a dealership may be your only option. Dealerships carry OEM parts and can order anything your vehicle needs, but they charge more and take longer. For bulk orders or if you are a business, NAPA and some other retailers offer commercial accounts with volume discounts.

Online retailers like RockAuto and Amazon sometimes undercut Advance Auto Parts on price, but you wait for shipping. If your car is broken down and you need the part today, Advance Auto Parts' in-store option is faster.

Understanding warranties and guarantees on parts

Most aftermarket parts come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects—a part that fails because it was made wrong, not because it was installed wrong or used beyond its design limits. The warranty period varies: some parts have a one-year warranty, others three years or longer. The warranty is only good if you keep your receipt.

OEM parts usually carry a longer warranty, sometimes matching your vehicle's factory warranty period. However, a warranty only covers the part itself, not the labor to remove and replace it if it fails. If a part fails under warranty, you can return it to Advance Auto Parts or the manufacturer for a refund or replacement, but you pay for the mechanic to install the new one.

Read the warranty information on the package or ask an employee before you buy. Some parts have no warranty at all, which is a sign they are very cheap and may not last long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a part if I bought it but did not use it?

Yes, Advance Auto Parts accepts returns of unused parts in original packaging within 30 to 60 days with a receipt. Return policies vary slightly by location, so ask in the store or check your receipt for the important date. If the part was defective or did not fit, you can return it even if you opened it, though you may need to show that it does not fit your vehicle.

Does Advance Auto Parts install parts?

No, Advance Auto Parts sells parts only. They do not have a service bay or mechanics on staff. You will need to take the part to a mechanic or install it yourself. Some independent repair shops are located near Advance Auto Parts stores and can install parts you buy there.

What is the difference between Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone?

Both are large retail chains that sell OEM and aftermarket parts, tools, and fluids. Prices, inventory, and store locations differ. AutoZone has slightly more locations overall, while Advance Auto Parts has a stronger presence in some regions. Compare prices on the specific part you need before you decide.

Can I order a part online and pick it up the same day?

Yes, Advance Auto Parts offers same-day pickup at most locations if you order online before the store closes. Availability depends on whether the part is in stock at your nearest store. The website shows you which stores have the part in stock and when you can pick it up.

How do I know if a part will fit my car?

Use the Advance Auto Parts website parts finder: enter your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. The tool shows only parts that fit your vehicle. If you are unsure of your engine size, check your owner's manual or the sticker inside your driver's door jamb. In the store, an employee can look it up if you give them your vehicle information.