Advance Auto Parts

Located at 6599 Market St, Upper Darby Township, PA 19082, USA, Advance Auto Parts serves as a retail destination for automotive parts and accessories, catering to both professional mechanics and do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts in the local Upper Darby community. As part of the "Auto Repair Stations" category, this national chain branch offers a vast inventory of goods and several complimentary in-store services designed to support vehicle maintenance. You can contact them at (610) 352-6588 or their mobile number +1 610-352-6588 for product availability or service inquiries.

As a retail auto parts store, the Advance Auto Parts at 6599 Market St typically features a structured and functional layout. The store is designed for customers to easily browse and locate various automotive components, tools, and car care products. You can expect aisles organized by vehicle system (e.g., brakes, engine, electrical), a dedicated section for fluids, and displays of popular accessories. The environment is generally well-lit, aiming for a straightforward shopping experience. A key component of the store is the customer service counter, where staff can assist with part look-ups, processing transactions, and providing certain in-store services. While the environment is physically designed for convenience, the actual customer experience, as reflected in reviews, hinges heavily on staff interaction and adherence to company policies.

Advance Auto Parts primarily offers an extensive selection of automotive parts and accessories for a wide range of vehicle makes and models. Their comprehensive product lines include:

• Replacement Parts: Such as brake pads and rotors, alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, belts, hoses, and suspension components like shocks and struts.
• Batteries and Battery Accessories: A wide array of batteries, battery chargers, and cables for various vehicles.
• Fluids and Chemicals: Motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and various additives and cleaners.
• Filters: Oil filters, air filters, cabin air filters, and fuel filters for routine maintenance.
• Wiper Blades: A selection of wiper blades for different vehicle models.
• Lighting: Headlights, taillights, and other automotive bulbs.
• Car Care Products: Waxes, polishes, cleaning supplies, and detailing products.
• Tools and Equipment: A variety of hand tools, specialized automotive tools, diagnostic scanners, jacks, and jack stands for DIY repairs.

Beyond sales, this Advance Auto Parts location also provides several complimentary services to assist customers, which align with the broader "Auto Repair Stations" category by supporting vehicle maintenance and troubleshooting:

• Free Battery Testing: They can test your vehicle's battery, starter, and alternator to determine their health and identify potential issues with the charging system.
• Free Battery Installation: For most vehicles, they offer complimentary installation of new batteries purchased in-store.
• Free Wiper Blade Installation: As mentioned in one review, staff can install newly purchased wiper blades for customers.
• Free OBD-II Check Engine Light Scanning: If your check engine light is on, they can connect a scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can help in identifying the problem.
• Loaner Tool Program: Customers can borrow specialized automotive tools for their repairs with a refundable deposit, eliminating the need to purchase tools for infrequent use.
• Free Oil and Battery Recycling: They provide an environmentally friendly way for customers to dispose of used motor oil and old batteries.
• Online Order Services: They offer convenient services like same-day in-store pickup (often within 30 minutes) and potentially same-day home delivery in select areas for online orders.

The primary features of Advance Auto Parts at 6599 Market St should include a broad product range and convenient in-store services. However, the provided customer reviews reveal significant inconsistencies and concerning issues regarding their customer service and operational practices:

• Product Availability & Service Offerings (Intended Feature): The store is designed to be a one-stop shop for parts and basic services like wiper installation and battery testing.
• Customer Service - Negative Interactions: Both reviews detail extremely negative customer service experiences.
  • Unwelcoming and Disrespectful Staff/Management: One customer, a minor, reported being "kicked out" by a manager or worker simply for looking for their brother to make a purchase, stating the staff had "no respect for there costumers and only care about there self." This indicates a severe lack of basic customer engagement ("Nobody even asked if i need help").
  • Rigid and Unsympathetic Policy Enforcement: Another customer described a frustrating experience where a wiper blade, incorrectly installed by staff, flew off within a week. Despite clear evidence (store's own purchase record), the "round manager" refused a free replacement due to the lack of a receipt, forcing the customer to pay for a new set. This showcases an inflexible policy application without empathy or accountability for potential staff error.
  • Lack of Accountability: The issue with the wiper blade highlights a significant problem with accountability. The customer's "only faults" were "not keeping my receipt and trusting advance auto staff to put my wipers on correctly," yet they bore the cost of the damage.
  • Potential for Feeling Unsafe/Scared: The minor customer's experience of being alone and scared after being asked to leave creates a highly undesirable and potentially unsafe environment for certain patrons.
• Installation Quality Concerns: The wiper blade incident directly points to a potential issue with the quality of basic installation services provided by staff.
• Inconsistent Policies/Enforcement: The rigid adherence to the receipt policy, even in the face of demonstrable proof of purchase and installation error, suggests a lack of discretion or customer-first approach from management.

These features, particularly the negative aspects highlighted in the reviews, paint a picture of a location that may struggle with consistent, respectful, and problem-solving customer service, despite its foundational offerings as an auto parts store.

Advance Auto Parts, as a national brand, typically promotes through various channels, including online sales, loyalty programs, and seasonal discounts. For the 6599 Market St location, general promotional information would include:

• Weekly Sales Flyers and Online Deals: Regular discounts on a rotating selection of parts and accessories.
• Speed Perks Loyalty Program: A rewards program designed to incentivize repeat purchases, where customers earn points for discounts.
• Email and App Notifications: Offering exclusive deals and promotions to subscribers.
• Convenience Services: Promoting features like free battery testing and installation, OBD-II scans, and the loaner tool program as value-added services.

However, the local reputation of this specific Advance Auto Parts, as indicated by the severe negative reviews, is highly problematic. While the brand itself is well-known, these personal experiences significantly undermine trust. The reviews act as a powerful form of negative word-of-mouth promotion, directly advising against visiting this location due to:

• Poor Customer Service: The repeated complaints about disrespect, lack of help, and aggressive behavior from staff and management.
• Lack of Accountability: The unwillingness to address clear issues like faulty installation without a receipt.
• Unwelcoming Environment: The incident with the minor being kicked out creates a perception of an unfriendly and potentially unsafe space.

For local users in Upper Darby Township, PA, seeking auto parts or basic services at 6599 Market St, it is imperative to be aware of these significant customer service concerns. While the store offers a broad range of products and convenient services, the reported interactions with staff could lead to a highly unsatisfactory experience. Potential customers should weigh the convenience against these serious reputational issues.