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Tuesday, May 13th
Advance Auto Parts is a major player in the world of car parts. As a store most people are familiar with just from driving past one of their many locations, it's almost a household name.
Stores across the U.S. and beyond
You can find their stores and branches all over the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They're also linked with Carquest stores, which you can find in Mexico and some Caribbean islands. This company has been around since 1932 when Arthur Taubman bought his first store. They offer a list of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and their own branded replacements, along with things like accessories, batteries, and stuff for routine vehicle upkeep.
Parts and tools for every job
Advance Auto Parts offers a truly massive inventory. The company's dedication to fulfilling all auto part needs is unmistakable, making it a dependable source for everything from minor to major auto parts. They've got parts for all kinds of vehicles, both American and from other countries, like cars, vans, SUVs, and even heavier trucks. Whether you are looking for tools for a major project, paint for body repair, or parts to upgrade or repair your vehicle, Advance Auto Parts has what you need. Navigating the Advance Auto Parts website reveals their unwavering commitment to stocking nearly every imaginable auto part.
Simplify your search
To simplify your search amid their extensive inventory, you can input specific vehicle details such as the year, make, model, and engine or your VIN number to find parts specifically for your car. This refines the product list to items tailored to your vehicle. Alternatively, you can perform a quick search or use product categories to streamline your browsing experience. Their website excels in user-friendliness, providing you with a hassle-free shopping experience.
Good comparison prices
To get an accurate price comparison across all auto parts stores, we decided to look at their price ranges for three areas of auto repair: replacement parts, performance parts, and oil and fluids. So, to that end, we picked one common item from each category to see what the pricing is like at Advance Auto Parts. The three items are replacement brake pads, performance shocks, and conventional motor oil. For the replacement brake pads, you can find prices from $3.80 to $648.13 depending on the type of vehicle you have. For performance parts, we checked out the prices for new shocks. You can get shocks anywhere from $29.99 to $199.99 depending on the car you have. Finally, we checked out the cost of conventional motor oil. There's oil from $5.49 to $60.99 depending on the size of the oil bottle and whether you get normal or synthetic.
Competitive price range for an average car
If you're wondering how the inventory and pricing change in terms of an individual's expectations, we've got you. We decided to search through those same price ranges with a "test car”. We picked out an "average car” popular on the road currently: a 2019 Toyota Camry. The prices for each category changed slightly. Here's what you can expect with a modern, average car:
Get your parts in person or online
While Advance Auto Parts offers reliable delivery from online shopping, you can also get even faster access to your parts and tools if you opt for in-store pickup. There are thousands of physical stores, so you're almost guaranteed to have a local branch within driving distance. In this case, you can have your parts in hand in 30 minutes or less. The company also extends same-day delivery services to specific regions, guaranteeing auto parts are delivered to your residence by 8 pm. The balance between online delivery options and in-person pickup makes Advance Auto Parts a particularly helpful business on our list.
Regular sales and promos change out constantly
For extra discounts, you can find the "Special Offers” page. At the time of this review, there were 40 different sales and promotions available. Some of these include things like "Save $8 When You Buy 2 Bosch ICON Front Wiper Beam Blades” or save 15% off on $35+. There were also items like "save 15% on epoxy” or 2 for $12 for de-icer fluid. The deals on this page are all timed, so they change out every few days. It's definitely worth it to check out the special offers every time you shop with Advance Auto Parts.
Loyalty rewards program
The Speed Perks program is tailored for automotive enthusiasts who frequently make auto parts purchases. Members are eligible to accumulate reward points based on their respective memberships:
Returns within 45 days
Advance Auto Parts accommodates returns for customers, offering a refund within 45 days when accompanied by proof of purchase. However, products must be in pristine condition, retaining their original packaging, unused status, and unopened packaging. If proof of purchase is unavailable, the company will offer customers an exchange or provide in-store credit.
Good scores but some concerns about returns
It comes as no surprise that Advance Auto Parts holds an impressive "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. However, customer feedback for Advance Auto Parts isn't as strong as the BBB rating. The reviews are mixed. In general, customers seem pleased with their purchases. But those who tried to complete returns were charged a fee for returning (even items in the original packaging), and some complained that the company didn't work with them to complete an exchange and found the return process to be a hassle. While this doesn't apply to everyone, it does shed some light on potential worries for returns.
All around favorite for deals
Advance Auto Parts is genuinely one of the top mainstays of auto parts shopping. With discounted pricing and a multitude of delivery and pickup options, Advance Auto Parts unquestionably stands out as the third-place choice for those in need of a dependable automotive parts supplier. It's local and online, so you can choose your shopping style and experience. Plus, you can limit shopping to only items that fit your specific car, which is ideal if you're more unfamiliar with buying car parts. Advance Auto Parts gets an excellent rating among the auto parts stores we evaluated.
If you own a car, you know at some point it needs maintenance and repairs. Many vehicle owners opt for the path of do-it-yourself repairs, drawn by the potential to save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, over the course of their car's lifetime. And like a local mechanic, you, too, will require the appropriate parts and tools to make your favorite machine tick (or maybe to stop that irritating ticking noise!).
It used to be that you'd have to drive to the local auto parts store in the hope of finding the right parts for your job. If you're not an expert, auto stores can feel a bit overwhelming (and judgy, if you're a female car owner). But today, online auto parts stores have redefined the landscape.
Visiting an auto parts store online lets you find and check that you're getting the right parts for the right car. Using features like VIN number searches and helpful online search tools, you can take the frustration out of auto parts shopping and enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're just looking for a new set of tires, a turbo kit for your already over-taxed hatchback, or the perfect wrench in metric sizes for those Euro cars, you can find it now at the click of a button.
You might be surprised to know that the auto parts you find online are often less expensive than the ones you find in a store - even if the website and store are the same company. That's because there's more competition online, and less overhead attached to the individual car part. And not only are the prices cheaper, you can have them delivered straight to your door.
Armed with your car parts, and your favorite car repair YouTuber, you can be on your way to DIY car repair in no time. However, it's important to recognize that not all auto parts stores are the same.
You want to make sure that you can find the best auto parts, whether you're looking at new "from the factory” or certified pre-owned items. You can find tons of deals online too, but making sure you can trust an auto parts store is important - both for your wallet and your safety.
Not sure where to start your online search for auto parts? Don't worry - we've completed a full review and ranking of all the best auto parts stores out there today. Here are some basic criteria that might help you narrow the field:
To make sure your car stays running smoothly, Top Consumer Reviews is here to give you all the insights on the best auto parts stores on the market. We hope this helps you get started with your DIY mechanic shop right in the safety of your own garage. Soon, your friends will be coming to you for the quick fixes, since you'll be an auto parts expert. Happy driving!
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