What Advance Auto Parts Is and How to Shop There

Advance Auto Parts is a retail chain that sells car maintenance and repair supplies — things like oil, filters, batteries, wiper blades, spark plugs, and tools. You can walk into a store, order online for pickup, or order for delivery to your home. The company operates over 4,000 locations across the United States, so there is likely one near you.

When you walk into a store, you can browse shelves or ask an employee for help finding a specific part. If you know what you need — the year, make, and model of your car — staff can look up whether they have it in stock. You can also use their website or mobile app to search inventory at your nearest location before you go.

Advance Auto Parts sells parts for do-it-yourself repairs and also stocks supplies for professional mechanics. Prices vary by item and location. The store runs sales and promotions throughout the year, and members of their rewards program (called Speed Perks) earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for discounts.

Key Takeaways

  • Advance Auto Parts stocks common car maintenance items like oil, filters, batteries, and tools at physical stores and online.
  • You can check whether a specific part is in stock at your nearest location using their website or app before you shop.
  • Speed Perks is their free rewards program that earns you points on purchases, which you can use toward future discounts.
  • Return policies typically allow returns within 30 days with a receipt, though some items like batteries may have core charges or restocking fees.
  • If you are unsure what part you need, bring your vehicle's year, make, and model to the store, and an employee can help you find it.

How to Find a Part You Need

The easiest way to find a part is to know your car's year, make, and model. You can find this information on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or the driver's side door jamb. Once you have it, you can search Advance Auto Parts' website or app by entering this information and the type of part you are looking for.

If you are not sure what part you need — for example, you know your car needs an oil change but are not certain which oil type or filter fits — you can visit a store and ask an employee. They can look up the correct part using your vehicle information. You can also call your local store and describe the problem; staff may be able to tell you what you need over the phone.

The website shows you whether a part is in stock at your nearest location, how many units are available, and the price. You can reserve it online for in-store pickup, which holds it for a limited time. If the part is not in stock locally, you can order it for delivery or have it shipped to the store.

Speed Perks Rewards and Pricing

Speed Perks is Advance Auto Parts' free membership program. You sign up with your email address and phone number, and you earn points on every purchase — typically one point per dollar spent. Points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases, usually in increments of $5 or $10 off.

Speed Perks members also receive personalized offers and early access to sales. The program tracks your purchase history, so you can see what you have bought before — useful if you need to reorder the same item. There is no annual fee to join, and you do not have to use it; you can shop without a membership if you prefer.

Prices at Advance Auto Parts vary depending on the brand and type of part. The store carries both budget-friendly and premium options for most items. Prices may also differ between locations. Advance Auto Parts runs sales throughout the year, and Speed Perks members often receive additional discounts on sale items.

In-Store Pickup and Delivery Options

If you order online, you can choose in-store pickup at your nearest location. Pickup is usually ready within a few hours, though this varies by location and item availability. You will receive an email or text when your order is ready, and you can pick it up during store hours. In-store pickup is free.

Advance Auto Parts also offers home delivery through their website. Delivery fees and timing depend on your location and the items you order. Standard delivery typically takes several business days. You can see the estimated delivery date and cost before you complete your order.

For urgent needs, some locations offer same-day delivery in certain areas, though this service is not available everywhere. Check the website or call your local store to see what delivery options are available in your area.

Returns, Exchanges, and Core Charges

Advance Auto Parts generally allows returns within 30 days of purchase if you have a receipt. Items must be unused and in original packaging. Refunds are issued to the original payment method. Exchanges for a different size or type of the same item are usually processed without a restocking fee.

Some items carry a core charge — an extra fee you pay upfront when you buy the part, which is refunded when you return the old part. This is common for batteries, alternators, starters, and other major components. The core charge covers the cost of recycling or refurbishing the old part. You must return the old part within a set timeframe (usually 30 days) to get the refund.

If you purchase an item online and want to return it, you can return it to a physical store or arrange a return through the website. Return policies may differ slightly for online purchases, so check the order confirmation or contact customer service for details.

What to Bring When You Visit a Store

Bring your vehicle's year, make, and model if you are not sure what part you need. You can find this on your registration, insurance card, or door jamb. If you are replacing a part, you can also bring the old part with you; an employee can match it to the correct replacement.

Bring your Speed Perks phone number or email so you earn points on your purchase. If you are returning an item, bring your receipt and the item in its original condition. For core charge returns, bring the old part you are replacing.

If you are paying by card, bring your payment method. Advance Auto Parts accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Contact and Hours

You can find your nearest Advance Auto Parts location using their store locator on the website. The locator shows you the address, phone number, and hours of operation. Most stores are open seven days a week, though hours vary by location.

You can call a store directly to ask whether a specific part is in stock, to get information on what you need, or to arrange a special order. Customer service is also available through the website and mobile app if you have questions about an online order or your Speed Perks account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most Advance Auto Parts locations will accept returns of opened but unused items within 30 days with a receipt. However, policies can vary by location, so call your store or ask at the counter. Some items, like oil or fluids, may not be returnable once opened for safety reasons.

What is a core charge and do I have to pay it?

A core charge is an upfront fee for items like batteries or alternators that can be recycled. You pay it when you buy the part and get it back when you return the old part within the return window. If you do not return the old part, you keep the charge.

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

Give an employee your vehicle's year, make, and model, and they can look up the correct part for you. You can also search by this information on the website. If you bring the old part to the store, staff can match it to the right replacement.

Can I order a part online if it is not in stock at my local store?

Yes. If a part is not in stock locally, you can order it online for delivery to your home or to the store. Delivery times vary, but you will see the estimated date before you complete your order.

Do I need a Speed Perks membership to shop at Advance Auto Parts?

No. Speed Perks is free and optional. You can shop without it, but joining lets you earn points on purchases and receive member-only discounts. Signing up takes less than a minute at checkout or on the website.