Warranties
All products sold on AdvanceAutoParts.com are covered by warranty. Terms and length vary by product. Check individual product pages for the warranty length applicable to each product. Please see below for the full text of our warranty policies.
General Warranty Policy
Advance Auto Parts Limited Warranty - applies to all products not covered by one of the below warranties.
Warranties For Specific Products
Product Warranty Questions
Please contact Customer Care for any warranty questions.
Engine and Transmission Warranty Claims
If you are experiencing problems with an engine or transmission you purchased from Advance Auto Parts, please call (888) 286-6772, Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:30pm Eastern Time. For all other products, please contact Customer Care.
Filters and Manufacturer's Warranties
Consumer purchasers of automotive filters are sometimes told by an automobile dealer-s service writer or mechanic that a brand of replacement filter cannot be used in the consumer-s vehicle during the warranty period. The claim is made that use of the brand will "void the warranty," with the statement or implication that only the original equipment brand of filters may be used. This, of course, tends to cast doubt on the quality of the replacement filter.
That claim is simply not true. If the consumer asks for the statement in writing, he will not receive it. Nevertheless, the consumer may feel uneasy about using replacement filters that are not original equipment. With the large number of do-it-yourselfers who prefer to install their own filters, this misleading claim should be corrected.
Under the Magnuson - Moss Warranty Act, 15U.S.C. SS 2301-2312 (1982) and general principles of the Federal Trade Commission Act, a manufacturer may not require the use of any brand of filter (or any other article) unless the manufacturer provides the item free of charge under the terms of the warranty.
So, if the consumer is told that only the original equipment filter will not void the warranty, he should request that the OE filter be supplied free of charge. If he is charged for the filter, the manufacturer will be violating the Magnuson - Moss Warranty Act and other applicable law.
By providing this information to consumers, the Filter Manufacturers Council can help to combat the erroneous claim that a brand of replacement filter other than the original equipment will "void the warranty."
It should be noted that the Magnuson - Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that applies to consumer products. The Federal Trade Commission has authority to enforce the Magnuson - Moss Warranty Act, including obtaining injunctions and orders containing affirmative relief. In addition, a consumer can bring suit under the Magnuson - Moss Warranty Act.
What is a Core Charge ?
A "Core Charge" is similar to the deposit you might pay for a can or bottle of soda. In many states, to promote recycling, you are charged a deposit when you purchase a can of soda and you receive your deposit back when you return the empty can. Many automotive parts have a Core Charge, or Core Price, that works the same way as a soda can deposit.
Here's how the Core Charge works :
- The part you are purchasing contains a component that is recyclable
- The Core Charge deposit is charged at the time of purchase
- When the recyclable component from your old part is returned to us, the charge is refunded to you
To receive your Core Charge refund, you can do either of the following :
- Bring the part to any Advance Auto Parts store along with your receipt or packing slip
- Mail the part back to Advance Auto Parts following the directions including on your packing slip
Core Charges are often mandated by state legislature, and, as such, the actual core charge and taxes on the charge may vary depending on the state in which you buy your part. The Advance Auto Parts core charge presented to you online today with your item is representative of the most common core charge. If you have any questions, please call 1-877-ADVANCE (238-2623) or visit any Advance Auto Parts store.
What is a Core Charge ?
A "Core Charge" is similar to the deposit you might pay for a can or bottle of soda. In many states, to promote recycling, you are charged a deposit when you purchase a can of soda and you receive your deposit back when you return the empty can. Many automotive parts have a Core Charge, or Core Price, that works the same way as a soda can deposit.
Here's how the Core Charge works :
- The part you are purchasing contains a component that is recyclable
- The Core Charge deposit is charged at the time of purchase
- When the recyclable component from your old part is returned to us, the charge is refunded to you
To receive your Core Charge refund, you can do either of the following :
- Bring the part to any Advance Auto Parts store along with your receipt or packing slip
- Mail the part back to Advance Auto Parts following the directions including on your packing slip
Core Charges are often mandated by state legislature, and, as such, the actual core charge and taxes on the charge may vary depending on the state in which you buy your part. The Advance Auto Parts core charge presented to you online today with your item is representative of the most common core charge. If you have any questions, please call 1-877-ADVANCE (238-2623) or visit any Advance Auto Parts store.
Fitted Parts
Show only “exact fit” parts, which are specifically designed to fit your vehicle.
Not Fitted Parts
These are more general products that can fit a wide variety of vehicle makes and models, but may not fit your specific vehicle.
Disclaimer: We strive to keep all information accurate and up-to-date; however, product availability, pricing, promotions and store hours are subject to change without notice. Please contact Customer Care if you have any questions or corrections.
FAQs Concerning Alternators
What’s that little symbol on the instrument panel?
Modern cars have a host of warning symbols that correspond to problems detected by the computer system. You need a handbook to decipher some codes, but if the symbol is a car battery, then the problem comes from an electrical issue.
What’s that odd smell?
Many car parts provide visual indicators of pending failure, but sight isn’t the only sense that may reveal a problem with the car alternator. Indeed, the unmistakable smell of an electrical fire combined with weak headlights, may indicate a belt is loose and needs tightening. If the problem persists, then the alternator may be at fault.
Can I swap out an alternator myself?
If you have ever replaced a car battery, doing likewise with the alternator is something you can handle. With your everyday garage tools at the ready, disconnect wires and cables, remove the alternator belt and one or two pairs of retaining bolts. Remove the old alternator, pop in the new one, and reverse the process to get the job done.
Buy replacement alternators online or visit your local Advance Auto Parts store and have one of our knowledgable Team Members help you.
Signs You Need a New Alternator
- Headlights are fading, apparent by greatly reduced range and illumination.
- Odd sounds coming from underneath the hood, evidenced by a grinding or whining noise.
- Repeated jump starts to the car battery only to find the battery has enough life left in it.
- The alternator belt may be loose or too tight. If the problem continues after adjusting the belt, then begin looking for alternators for sale.
Car Alternator Types
- Remanufactured — Not all car parts are suitable for remanufacturing, but alternators are. Remanufactured alternators may be ideal from both a cost and availability perspective. Finding the right alternator for your classic Chevrolet Chevelle SS or Plymouth Barracuda may be easier when you choose remanufactured.
- New — A new car alternator may be the best choice, especially if you need a unit that can serve today’s high-amp consuming cars.
- By the amp — Once you decide between a new or remanufactured car alternator, the next matter concerns amps. Most factory alternators come rated up to 100 amps and that’s sufficient for handling air conditioning, power accessories, headlights, pumps, and certain other electricity-drawing components. Today’s automobiles are more sophisticated, outfitted with high-watt audio systems, navigation, and other power-draining equipment. Your alternator cost will be greater, but you won’t find yourself with insufficient power when you need it.
How to Replace a Car Alternator
Replacing a car alternator is a job you can handle yourself as long as the alternator is within reach. Have a replacement alternator on hand when you begin along with disposable gloves, rags, a socket/ratchet set, and a wrench set. Replace a worn serpentine belt too. Set your vehicle on a level surface with the parking brake engaged and the engine off.
For complete step-by-step instructions, please check out this article “How to Replace an Alternator”.
How to Solve Common Alternator Problems
- The dashboard lights are dim
- The charging system light activates as you turn on the audio system, crank up the air conditioning, and engage one or more power accessories.
- Screeching or whining under the hood.
- Your car stalls out, even after jump starting the battery.
Resolve all four problems by checking the car battery first with a multimeter to ensure enough power is present. If the battery is not the problem, the alternator likely is. Check alternator cost by shopping for a new or remanufactured one today.
Additional FAQs
What is the best way to troubleshoot a vehicle’s electrical system?
Beyond the car battery and alternator, other trouble spots in the electrical system merit consideration too.
Does the serpentine belt only control the alternator?
The serpentine belt controls more than the car alternator, running every engine-driven accessory. Knowing how to replace a serpentine belt can go a long way to resolving electrical problems in your car.
Is only the alternator responsible for unwanted engine noise?
No, the alternator isn’t the only engine part that makes a racket underneath the hood. We have more in depth information to diagnose engine noise.