A good auto parts store will have competitive prices and a knowledgeable staff to help you find the right part. The prices are generally competitive with other chain stores, and the inventory levels are often excellent. You can find new and used parts for both new and old vehicles. The staff is friendly and helpful, and you can ask them questions about your car or about your needs.

An auto parts store system should be able to locate the part you need from a supplier or place a special order for it. The system should also be able to notify you when the part arrives. The auto parts store inventory is often made up of items that are sold in lots to car dealers and repair shops. These items can be combined to make a kit or assembly.

AutoZone is the largest auto parts retailer in the U.S., with over 5,900 locations nationwide. Pep Boys and O’Reilly each have over 500 locations. They both sell their own brand names and private label products. Both of these stores offer a variety of auto parts and accessories. When considering a new location for an auto parts store, you need to consider the demand in your area.

Carquest has more than 1,300 stores nationwide. Most locations are uniformly spread across the country. Despite a lack of consistency, the quality of service is generally good. Some stores even offer custom services, such as key copying for house keys and chipping car keys and transponder fobs. The staff is knowledgeable and the prices are low.

AutoZone also offers a Loan-A-Tool program, which allows you to use their equipment while you work on your vehicle. They also offer a wide selection of auto parts and are always happy to help you with any questions you may have. Some of their parts are available online, so you can get them shipped to your home or pick them up at your local store.

If you want to find the right part for your vehicle, you can use a year/make/model lookup widget. This widget features three drop-down lists that help you narrow down the results to a few parts that match the vehicle you’re working on. This makes the search process easier and results more personalized.

Advance Auto Parts is another chain that offers services to help people with their vehicles. The store in Hellertown offers free battery recycling, engine code scanning, and other services to help you get your vehicle running smoothly again. It also offers a loaner tool program and is open seven days a week. Its hours extend to 9 p.m.