When it comes time to repair or maintain your vehicle, you want to get the best parts and supplies at the lowest prices. That often means choosing between the two largest auto parts retailers in the U.S. – AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts.
With thousands of stores across the country, these chains make it easy to find what you need close to home.
But which one offers the better deals and selection? Here’s an in-depth look at how AutoZone and Advance Auto compare.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | AutoZone | Advance Auto Parts |
| Number of Stores | Over 6,000 | Around 4,700 |
| Store Size | Around 7,000 sq ft | Around 9,000 sq ft |
| Inventory Focus | DIY maintenance parts | More hard parts, specialty tools |
| Pricing & Promotions | Regular 20% off deals | Dollar discounts like $20 off $100 |
| Brand Selection | Bosch, Castrol, Duralast, NGK | AC Delco, Bosch, Castrol, Duralast |
| Services | Battery testing, wiper installs, repair guides | Battery installs, diagnostic scanning, DIY videos |
| Warranties | Lifetime on Duralast branded parts | 2 years on Carquest branded parts |
| Rewards Program | Points for purchases redeemable for gift cards | $20 gift card for every 300 points |
| Online Ordering | App and website with pickup and delivery | App and website with pickup and delivery |
| Business Programs | Commercial pricing and invoice billing | Advance Commercial, Worldpac, fleet discounts |
Overview Of AutoZone
Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Memphis, TN, AutoZone is the leading retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories in the U.S. They offer a wide selection of replacement parts, fluids, tools and equipment for repairing and maintaining cars and trucks.
With over 6,000 stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Brazil, AutoZone has the most extensive network of retail locations in the industry. They also have a user-friendly website and mobile app that make online ordering and curbside pickup convenient.
AutoZone stores are typically around 7,000 square feet and stock the most commonly needed DIY parts for domestic and imported vehicles. Their product lineup includes batteries, brakes, engine parts, tune up items, oil and filters, starters and alternators, belts and hoses, electrical, lighting, chassis, drivetrain, accessories and tools. AutoZone has a reputation for knowledgeable and experienced staff who can assist you in selecting the right parts.
The AutoZone website allows you to look up parts by vehicle make, model and year. You can check inventory and pricing and order parts online for in-store pickup or delivery. Their mobile app also includes maintenance resources like DIY guides and videos to help with repairs and installations.
Overview Of Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts was founded in 1932 and is headquartered in Raleigh, NC. With over 4,700 stores in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands, Advance is the second largest auto parts retailer behind AutoZone.
Advance Auto Parts aims to provide a one-stop shop for all your automotive needs, from batteries and wiper blades to engines and transmissions. They offer an extensive selection of name brand parts for a wide variety of domestic and imported makes and models. You’ll also find specialty tools, garage equipment, accessories and cleaning supplies.
The typical Advance Auto Parts store is around 9,000 square feet. Their larger footprints allow for a greater selection of hard parts, while many also have a commercial program to supply professional garages and auto shops. Advance employs knowledgeable staff and caters their inventory to meet local demand.
You can shop online at AdvanceAutoParts.com or via their mobile app. Order parts for in-store pickup or same day shipping. The website helps you find the right parts by entering your vehicle details. Advance also provides DIY tips, instructional videos and online chat support.
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AutoZone Vs. Advance Auto Parts: Key Differences
Now that you know the basics about each retailer, let’s compare some key factors to help you choose which is better for your needs:
Store Footprint & Locations
- AutoZone has the largest national footprint with over 6,000 stores across the U.S.
- Advance Auto Parts has around 4,700 stores concentrated more heavily along the East Coast and Upper Midwest.
AutoZone will likely have more stores in your area to choose from. However, Advance may be more convenient if you live on the East Coast.
Product Selection & Availability
- AutoZone offers a tailored, localized inventory focused on high demand DIY parts.
- Advance Auto Parts has a greater depth of inventory including more hard parts, specialty tools and garage equipment.
AutoZone caters its product selection to DIY customers seeking common maintenance items. Advance aims to supply both DIYers and professional mechanics with a vast catalog.
Prices & Discounts
- AutoZone regularly promotes deals like 20% off or $10 off $50.
- Advance Auto Parts runs promotions like $20 off $100 or 30% off orders over $100.
Both offer significant savings, but Advance Auto Parts tends to provide greater dollar off discounts especially for larger orders.
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Brands & Quality
- AutoZone carries well-known brands like Bosch, Castrol, Duralast, NGK, and Valvoline.
- Advance stocks major brands such as AC Delco, Bosch, Castrol, Duralast, and Mobil 1.
The two retailers carry many of the same reputable brands. Both also have their own house brands, Duralast at AutoZone and Carquest at Advance.
Additional Services & Benefits
- AutoZone offers free battery charging and testing, wiper blade installation, ‘how-to’ tutorials and repair guides.
- Advance Auto Parts provides battery and wiper installation, ‘project garage’ DIY guides, and engine diagnostic scanning services.
AutoZone and Advance both aim to provide complimentary maintenance services and repair information to enhance the customer experience.
Warranties & Returns
- AutoZone provides a limited lifetime warranty on Duralast branded parts like batteries, alternators and brake pads.
- Advance Auto Parts offers a 2-year replacement warranty on Carquest brand products similar to Duralast at AutoZone.
The retailers offer comparable warranties to give peace of mind. Both also allow easy returns within 90 days of purchase, or 365 days for premium batteries.
Rewards Programs
- AutoZone offers Rewards to earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for AutoZone Gift Cards.
- Advance MyAdvance Rewards members earn $20 for every 300 points from purchases.
Loyalty programs at both stores allow regular customers to earn rewards and save money on future purchases.
Mobile Apps & Online Ordering
- The AutoZone app and website allow you to quickly locate parts, check prices and availability, and order online for in-store or curbside pickup.
- AdvanceAutoParts.com and their mobile app provide the same convenient features as AutoZone to lookup parts and purchase online.
AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts offer seamless omnichannel shopping options via user-friendly mobile apps and websites.
Business & Commercial Programs
- AutoZone’s commercial program provides reduced pricing and invoice billing for professional auto shops and fleet or business customers.
- Advance serves commercial accounts through Advance Commercial and Worldpac. They offer expanded inventory and specialty tools plus fleet and business discounts.
For automotive professionals, Advance Auto Parts has a greater focus on commercial programs while AutoZone primarily caters to retail DIY customers.
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Which Is Better – AutoZone Or Advance Auto Parts?
When choosing between AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts, think about your own needs and preferences.
- Do you want the absolute lowest prices on common maintenance items? AutoZone is hard to beat on deals for DIY parts.
- Are you looking for the widest selection including hard-to-find parts? Advance Auto Parts has a deeper catalog of parts and brands.
- Is having stores close-by most important? With the largest network, AutoZone will likely have more convenient locations.
- Do you work on vehicles professionally? Advance caters well to commercial mechanics and shops.
- Does one offer a loyalty program that could benefit you? Both have rewards for frequent customers.
For most DIYers needing common repairs and replacements like batteries, brakes, starters, and alternators, AutoZone is typically the better choice. Their prices and promotions can’t be matched.
However, the extensive selection at Advance Auto Parts makes them preferable for enthusiasts, specialty projects, older vehicles, and professional mechanics. The availability of more obscure parts and specialty tools gives them an advantage with certain customers.
Ultimately it comes down to your particular needs and which retailer has the parts, prices and service that are most valuable to you. Convenient locations, helpful staff, easy online ordering, rewards programs, warranties and return policies should also guide your decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Based on advertised promotions and everyday low prices, AutoZone consistently offers better value on common DIY auto parts like batteries, starters, brakes, and oil filters. AutoZone’s larger scale allows them to undercut competitors on pricing.
Measured by total number of stores in the U.S., AutoZone is the larger retailer. AutoZone has over 6,000 locations compared to approximately 4,700 Advance Auto Parts stores.
No, Advance Auto Parts does not officially price match AutoZone or other competitors. However, you can often get Advance Auto to match a competitor’s price by showing proof on your phone or by having staff look it up online. But there is no guarantee.
Auto parts chains frequently locate stores in close proximity, which is driven by a few key factors:
Convenience for customers who can shop both stores easily for price comparisons and a wider selection.
High traffic and visibility in areas already proven successful for auto parts sales.
Competitive pressure since neither wants to lose out on a prime retail location.
So, while having two mega chains side-by-side may seem excessive, it actually benefits consumers by fostering competition.
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The Bottom Line
When it comes to buying car parts and supplies, both AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts offer huge product catalogs, lots of convenient locations, and competitive pricing. For most DIY jobs, AutoZone usually has the best value. But for harder-to-find parts, Advance Auto Parts’ deeper inventory gives them an advantage.
Consider your specific needs and which retailer offers the parts selection, prices, brands, and service that are most important to you. And take advantage of services like store pickup and rewards programs that provide additional convenience and savings.
Whichever major auto parts chain you choose, you’re sure to find the high-quality accessories, fluids and components needed to keep your vehicle running smoothly.