Advance Auto Parts Return Policy: 45-Day Guide for Store & Online Orders

When you’re fixing a car, it’s easy to buy a part that doesn’t quite fit, doesn’t solve the problem, or just isn’t needed anymore. That’s why knowing the Advance Auto Parts return policy can save you money and stress.

Below is a clear, plain-English breakdown of how their returns work in 2026 — the 45-day time limit, what “as NEW” really means, how online returns work, what’s non-returnable, and how cores and loaner tools fit into the picture.

Quick Snapshot: Advance Auto Parts Return Rules

Here are the headline points before we get into the details:

Return window: Most items can be returned or exchanged within 45 days of purchase.
Condition: Items must be “as NEW” – original condition and packaging, unopened and uninstalled, with all materials included.
Where: Online and in-store purchases can usually be returned to any Advance Auto Parts store. Online orders can also be returned by mail.
Proof of purchase: For a refund to your original payment method, you need a receipt, order confirmation, or packing slip.
No receipt: You can often get store credit at the lowest selling price in the last 45 days, with valid ID.
Non-returnable items: Many electrical parts, opened gaskets, special orders, clearance and “as-is” items can’t be returned.
Loaner tools: You buy the tool as a deposit, then have 45 days to bring it back for a full refund.
Core charges: Return your used core with proof of purchase to get the core refund.
Defective parts: Refunds on defective parts are usually considered within 45 days; after that, the limited warranty usually covers replacement, not refund.

The 45-Day Window & What “As NEW” Means

Advance Auto Parts keeps things centered around a single number: 45 days.

You generally have 45 days from the date of purchase to return or exchange most items.
This applies to both in-store and online purchases, unless you bought something specifically marked as non-returnable.

To qualify for a normal return, the item must be “as NEW.” In simple terms, that means:

It is in its original condition and can be put back on the shelf.
Packaging is intact – box, bags, inserts, and instruction sheets.
The part is unopened and uninstalled.
All original materials are included (clamps, hardware, instructions, accessories, etc.).

Once a part has been installed or clearly used, it usually no longer counts as “as NEW” and may only qualify for help under the warranty, not under the standard return policy.

Where & How to Return Your Items

1. Returning In-Store Purchases

If you bought the part at an Advance Auto Parts store, you can usually return it to any Advance store, not just the one where you shopped.

Bring:

The item in as-NEW condition with original packaging
Your original sales receipt
A photo ID if requested

As long as you’re within 45 days and the item is still sellable, you can usually choose:

A refund to your original payment method, or
An exchange for the correct part or something similar

If the item is marked non-returnable on your receipt or was sold as clearance/“as-is,” the store may refuse the return even if you’re within the 45-day window.

2. Returning Online Orders in Store

If you ordered through advanceautoparts.com or the app, the easiest way to return is still in person:

Take the item to any Advance Auto Parts store within 45 days of purchase.
Bring:
- The product in as-NEW condition with all packaging
- Your Order Confirmation email, shipment email, or packing slip
- A valid photo ID

The store can scan your order details and process the refund back to your original payment method or help you exchange the part.

3. Returning Online Orders by Mail

If you can’t get to a store, you can ship your online order back instead. The usual steps are:

Start the return: Use the return links on your order details or contact customer care to tell them what you’re returning and why.
Get instructions: They may give you a return authorization number and a specific return address.
Pack it properly:
- Place the part in its original box with all parts and paperwork.
- Put that box into a sturdy shipping box with padding.
- Include a copy of your order confirmation or packing slip.
Ship with tracking: Use a tracked carrier so you have proof the part was delivered back.

For most change-of-mind returns, you’ll pay the return shipping and the original shipping/handling fees usually aren’t refunded. If Advance Auto Parts shipped the wrong item or the part was defective, they may cover some or all shipping costs – follow the instructions they send you for that specific case.

Returns With & Without a Receipt

When You Have Proof of Purchase

With a receipt, order confirmation, or packing slip, the process is simple:

Within 45 days, you can usually get a refund to your original payment method.
If you’d rather keep the money in the store, you can request an exchange or gift card instead (subject to store rules).
For defective parts, having proof of purchase is required for a refund or warranty replacement.

If you paid with a card, the refund goes back to that same card. For digital wallets and similar methods, it goes back through that same provider. Exact timing depends on your bank.

When You Don’t Have a Receipt

No receipt makes things stricter, but not always impossible:

If the store can’t look up your purchase, they may offer store credit instead of a cash or card refund.
That credit is usually based on the item’s lowest selling price in the last 45 days.
You’ll likely need to show a photo ID and sign for the return.

Without a receipt, the store can also refuse some returns, especially for non-returnable parts, high-value items, or clearance merchandise. Keeping your receipts and confirmation emails really does make life easier here.

Refund Method & Timing

Once Advance Auto Parts receives and accepts your return:

They usually process the refund within about 5–7 business days after they have the item back and checked.
The money is then sent back to your original payment method (card, PayPal, etc.) if you had a proper proof of purchase.
Your bank or card provider can add a few more days before the refund actually shows on your account.

Original shipping fees are normally not refunded on change-of-mind returns. If there was a shipping error or the product was defective, they may refund shipping as part of fixing the problem, but that’s handled case by case.

Non-Returnable & Restricted Items

Advance Auto Parts has a fairly long list of items that are either not returnable at all or have tighter limits. Common examples include:

Electrical and electronic components – various sensors, modules, switches and similar parts are often non-returnable once sold.
Opened gaskets and gasket sets – once the packaging is opened, they usually cannot be returned.
Special orders – parts specially ordered for you or commercial equipment can be non-returnable or subject to restocking fees.
Clearance and “AS IS” items – often sold with no returns.

Some stores and online listings clearly flag these items as “non-returnable”. It’s worth reading the product page, shelf tag, or your receipt line by line before you assume you can bring something back.

If you’re unsure, ask at the counter before paying or double-check the product details online so you’re not stuck with a part you can’t return, even if it’s never installed.

Defective Parts, Returns & Warranty

There’s an important difference between a regular return (“I don’t need this anymore”) and a defective part (“this failed, or doesn’t work properly”).

Defective Within 45 Days

If a part turns out to be defective within about 45 days of purchase:

Bring the defective part and your original sales receipt to an Advance Auto Parts store.
They can usually offer a refund or replacement, depending on the product.

For refunds, the 45-day limit really matters. After that, you’ll usually be dealing with replacement under the warranty, not a refund of the purchase price.

Defective After 45 Days (Warranty Period)

Advance Auto Parts also has a general limited warranty on its parts (often at least 90 days, longer on some items like batteries and certain branded parts). Under this warranty:

Once you’re outside the 45-day return period, a defective part is usually handled with a replacement part, not a refund.
You still have to bring the defective part and the original receipt.
You normally need to be the original purchaser and owner of the vehicle the part is on.

Each product line may have its own warranty rules (for example, certain batteries have multi-year coverage, while some parts have lifetime limited warranties). Those details are printed on the receipt or product packaging and on the warranty pages online.

Loaner Tools: A Special 45-Day Case

Advance Auto Parts runs a very popular Loaner Tool Program. The idea is simple:

You purchase the loaner tool kit like any normal item (this acts as your deposit).
You now have up to 45 days to use the tool for your repair.
When you’re done, you return the tool kit to any Advance Auto Parts store within that 45-day period.
They give you a full refund of the purchase price, assuming the tool is returned complete and in good condition.

Loaner tools are treated differently from standard products. They may not look brand new when you receive them, because other customers have used them before. You’re essentially borrowing them with a refundable deposit, so the return rules (including the 45-day limit) are built into that setup.

Core Charges & Core Refunds

Many parts – especially things like batteries, alternators, starters, brake calipers and some pumps – include a core charge. That’s an extra amount you pay up front, which is refunded when you bring back your old part (the “core”).

To get your core money back:

Bring your old core part to any Advance Auto Parts store.
Bring your receipt or packing slip showing the core charge.
They remove the core from your purchase record and refund the core amount to your original payment method or as store credit, depending on how the purchase was set up.

Core refunds are separate from the normal 45-day “as NEW” product returns. However, it’s smart to bring your old core back sooner rather than later, while the system still clearly shows your purchase and the part is still stocked.

Commercial Accounts & Special Orders

For commercial customers (shops, fleets, etc.) and special-order equipment, the rules can tighten up:

Some special-order parts, commercial tools and shop equipment may carry a restocking fee when returned.
Certain items may be marked as non-returnable from the start.
Commercial account agreements sometimes have their own written return terms, which override the regular consumer policy.

If you’re buying something unusual, custom, or expensive for a shop or business, read the quote and invoice carefully and ask your commercial rep to confirm the return rules in advance.

Tips for Smooth Returns at Advance Auto Parts

Keep the packaging: Don’t toss boxes, inserts, or bags until you’re sure you’re keeping the part.
Test for fit before installation: Compare the new part with the old one, check connectors and mounting points before you actually install it.
Watch for “non-returnable” labels: Shelf tags, product pages, and receipts may clearly say if something can’t be returned.
Return quickly: Try not to push the full 45-day limit; earlier returns are usually easier and less stressful.
Save your receipts: Take a photo of paper receipts and keep email confirmations in a folder so you always have proof of purchase.
Bring ID: Be ready to show a photo ID, especially for returns without a receipt or for larger refunds.

Advance Auto Parts Return Policy – Quick FAQ

How long do I have to return something to Advance Auto Parts?

For most parts, you have 45 days from the purchase date to return or exchange the item, as long as it is still “as NEW” – original packaging, unopened and uninstalled.

Can I return an online order to any store?

Yes. Online purchases can usually be returned to any Advance Auto Parts store within 45 days. Bring the part in its original packaging, plus your order confirmation, shipment email, or packing slip and a valid ID.

Can I return a part after I’ve installed it?

Installed parts are usually not accepted as a standard return, since they’re no longer “as NEW.” If the part is defective, it may be handled under the limited warranty with a replacement rather than a refund.

What items are non-returnable at Advance Auto Parts?

Common non-returnable items include many electrical/electronic components, opened gaskets, certain special-order parts, and most clearance or “AS IS” items. Always check the product page and your receipt for any non-returnable note.

How does the Loaner Tool Program return work?

You buy the tool kit like a normal purchase, use it for up to 45 days, then return it to any store for a full refund as long as the tool and case are complete and in good condition.

How do I get my core charge back?

Bring your old core and proof of purchase (receipt or packing slip) to any Advance Auto Parts store. They’ll process a core refund back to your original payment method or as store credit, separate from the regular product return.