We all know that the cost of maintaining a car can be astronomical. Cars generally require regular maintenance so as to make sure that they are working as required. Whether it's the car windshield, side mirrors, lights, brakes, engine, bumper or any other parts, all issues ought to be treated with lots of seriousness. A car is simply a system, and therefore every single part that it comprises performs a function that cannot be underestimated.

If you got involved in an accident and broke the rear or brake lights of your car, it is important to get them repaired as fast as possible; this will help you avoid getting into problems with the authorities or compromising the general appeal of your car. When someone hits your car from the rear end, it might result in damage on the taillights, rear sidewalls, bumper window and also the trunk cover. The cost of repairing any of these issues depends mainly on the severity of the accident. Therefore, if your brake lights got broken in an accident, you should seek to understand the degree of damage before you start looking for experts to carry out the repairs.

Importance of insurance

In case you were involved in an accident and the car taillights or any other part of the car got damaged, car insurance would be a useful reprieve to you. If you have insurance, you might not have to pay anything for the repairs. However, if you don't have insurance, you just have to pay the costs.

Repairing brake lights

If you car's brake lights got broken in the accident, there is a high likelihood that the trunk got damaged as well. The cost of repairing brake lights can fall anywhere between $100 and $300. Of course, this depends on the severity of the case and the quality of manpower you employ to handle the job. If the brake lights cover a small part of your car, then you might have to pay a lower cost for the repairs; if they are too large, replacing them would be rather expensive. You can simply avoid these unnecessary costs by getting car insurance to take care of them.

The type of car also matters

Different brands and models of cars come with varied types of brake lights. For instance, a Volvo would not have the same kind of lights as for a Toyota. Therefore, the costs tend to vary depending on how much space the brake lights cover at the rear end and the material from which the lights are made. Cars that cost a lot to buy and insure generally cost more when it comes to repairing their specific components. You might have to do some in-depth research into this subject so as to know what your stakes in this case are.

The recession has left consumers searching for ways to skimp on expenses in any way possible, including saving on your automobile. Consumers are accustomed to taking their car to the dealership for service, or to an automotive repair shop, but both locations charge exorbitant fees for labor, and upcharge the cost of automotive parts. Car dealerships are the priciest solution for automobile problems. Frugal consumers can skimp on spending by shopping for used auto parts and learning how to repair their vehicle on their own. Below are ways to find alternatives for auto parts, including automobile batteries.

Specialty Stores
Specialty stores exist that deal with only car batteries. They have a higher turnover of sales, and thus are more likely to have fresh batteries. For example, Firestone, Goodyear, Pep Boys, and Sears carry car batteries.

Online Dealers
Online dealer websites that sell automotive batteries are in abundance. AutoZone is the most prevalent option, while O'Reilly Auto Parts and Batteries Plus are other options. Make sure you read the fine print prior to purchase, though.

Consumer Websites
Consumer websites list independent dealers who carry car batteries, most of them with websites. If you use any of the above options, you are more likely to get a new battery at a reasonable rate.

What to Avoid
Avoid cheap and recycled batteries, as well as online outlets that do not offer a warranty. Roadside gas stations will have older models, unlike the battery specialty stores, which have a higher turnover of sales and are more likely to have fresh batteries. Discount stores such as Kmart and Target may not be brand new; in addition, you will not get free installation in your car.

Size and Warranty
There are things to consider prior to purchasing an automotive battery, which include the size of battery in your vehicle and warranty options. Batteries come in a variety of sizes, and it's important to select the right size to fit securely and provide the proper power for your vehicle. If the terminals are in the wrong place, the cables may not reach, or the battery may not fit securely. The proper size should be listed in the owner's manual or an in-store fit guide. Below is a list of battery sizes and their respective vehicles:

Size 65 - fits most Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury cars
Size 75 - General Motors cars and a few Chrysler vehicles
Size 24/24F - Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota vehicles
Size 34/78 - Chrysler cars
Size 35 - Hondas, Subarus, Nissan and Toyota vehicles (Japanese names)

Warranties are important in the event that you experience a problem with your automobile battery. Today, a typical vehicle warranty lasts 36 months and offers a free replacement. Other warranty options include the 24/84, which includes a free replacement period of 24 months and a prorated warranty of 84 months. The amount of reimbursement usually drops off fast once in the prorated period. For example, for a battery offering a 96-month prorated warranty, after four years you would be credited with half the original price if the battery failed. In addition, signs of neglect can void a warranty, including low water levels and improper installation.

Electric Cars
Electric car batteries are expensive, but the warranties last for 10 years or 100,000 miles. The best batteries for electric cars are made of lithium. Other options include lithium-titanate, nickel-cadmium and lead acid batteries. In addition, the higher capacity batteries are more expensive.

When you've found your new battery, don't throw away the old one, because you will probably be able to sell your old battery. Metal recyclers, auto parts stores and auto repair shops may offer cash or store credit to refurbish your old battery. If not, you can at least recycle your old battery to help the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, they contain lead and acid in toxic amounts, so handle them with care prior to final disposal.

In summary, specialty stores, online dealers and consumer websites are good options to purchase car batteries for a frugal consumer. Avoid cheap and recycled batteries, as well as purchasing batteries that are not the proper size or do not come with a warranty.

If Advance Auto Parts served fast food, they would rank in the top 20 based on number of locations. The vehicles parts and accessories supplier operates more than 3,900 stores. Those automotive superstores serve 39 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In all, it requires more than 55,000 employees to keep driving that many shops.

Those numbers are impressive by anyone's standards. Some might even consider those counts staggering. When you put the reach of Advance Auto Parts into perspective, their success becomes downright remarkable. According to EZlocal, a neighborhood search marketing company, combining the 10 biggest fast food chains in the U.S. adds up to more than 90,000 total locations just in the States. Among those top 10:

• Subway leads the list with 25,903 locations
• A distant number 2, McDonald's total is 14,157
• Starbucks maintains 6,866 shops, good to finish at number 6
• Tenth-place KFC has 4,618 finger-licking good franchises

If Advance Auto Parts qualified as a member of the fast food industry, their store count would place them at 13th on the list. That would place them ahead of Sonic, Arby's, Papa John's, Baskin-Robbins, Jack In the Box, Quizno's, Chick-fil-A, Panera and Chipotle.

Advance work

Advance Auto Parks hasn't always specialized in automotive parts and accessories. The company hasn't always been big on expansion, either. The outfit originally began when Pep Boys (called Pep Auto Supply at the time) opened three variety stores in Virginia back in 1929.

Arthur Taubman purchased the Advance Stores from Pep Boys in 1932 and began the company's incredibly slow evolution. His first store move was more like a form of devolution: he consolidated two stores in Lynchburg that were located only three blocks apart (that says something about the Pep Boys management at the time).

Taubman's Advance Stores took its first multi-state step in 1938 when it opened a store in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Advance also marked that year by expanding big-time into toys -- their extensive lineup of dolls, games and more actually gave their department store rivals a run for their money. It's fair to say that Raggedy Ann and Monopoly had little to do with carburetors and spark plugs.

Advance's slow-motion shift away from general merchandise began taking shape as the U.S. became involved in World War II. Countless retailers across the country felt the impact of a changing consumer market in 1941, and the smarter one began to respond. Slowly but surely, Advance reinvented itself one piece of inventory at a time. One thing that never changed: Advance always kept its automotive department.

It took another 30 years, but Taubman's little venture finally made the decision to become a dedicated auto parts chain in 1972. At the same time that they jettisoned all the miscellaneous dry goods, Advance operated 50 stores in four states. The business officially renamed itself Advance Auto Parts in 1985. They celebrated the opening of their 100th location in 1987.

Advance Auto Parts kept right on advancing for the next 20 years. They broke ground for their 300th store in 1993. By 1996, their locations totaled more than 600 and spread across 10 states. Advance launched its 3,000th store in 2006. In 2010 they upped the count to 3,500.

Advance search

In the states, Advance Auto Parts locations essentially blanket the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, southeastern and midwestern regions. There are a few states where the chain runs thin. There is only a single Advance Auto Parts store in all of Missouri, for example, and there are currently just two locations that serve the state of Kansas.

It's no real surprise that you won't come across a listing for Advance Auto Parts in the Nome or Juneau Yellow Pages (that's if you can get a hold of a Yellow Pages). You won't hear Advance saying "Aloha" in Honolulu, either. Actually, the retailer has yet to expand farther west than Colorado. For the record, the following states have yet to experience Advance Auto Parts stores:

•  Arizona
• California
• Idaho
• Montana
• New Mexico
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Washington State

• Wyoming

The rest of the country's in luck. If you're trying to locate the closest Advance Auto Parts shop, you can always reach Advance Auto Parts by phone. Their toll-free number is 877-238-2623 (ADVANCE).

If you prefer surfing to chatting, finding Advance Auto Parts locations is easily accomplished with any web-enabled device. All you have to do is locate the "Find a store" link toward the top of their site, enter your zip code, and click "Find."


A quick test of this web service displays 99 results for a Chicago zip code, starting with one location a mere 0.2 miles away -- that's close enough to leave the car at home! That leaves just 3,801 Advance Auto Parts store to go.

Article Sources

Website
"About Us—General Information." Advance Auto Parts. Retrieved June 27, 2013, from

Website
"About Us—History of Advance Auto Parts." Advance Auto Parts. Retrieved June 27, 2013, from

Website
Cosper, D. (May 13, 2013.) "10 Biggest Fast Food Chains in the U.S. (by Location)." EZlocal. Retrieved June 27, 2013, from http://ezlocal.com/blog/post/10-largest-fast-food-chains-2013.aspx

If jumper cables have become your best friend, chances are it's time to replace your battery. Luckily, battery replacement is usually a pretty quick repair and batteries are easy to find. Here are some ideas if you are wondering where to go for a new battery.

Auto Parts Stores

There are many different automotive supply companies around the country. Stores like Carquest, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts and Pep Boys all carry a wide range of batteries. Almost any town has at least one, and larger towns will often have two or three. The prices can vary a lot for the exact same part. Price checking can be to your benefit.

The advantage to purchasing from an auto parts supplier is they can test your old battery for you. This will help you to be certain the problem with your car is really the battery. Some stores will even replace the battery for you free of charge. You can also leave your old battery with them so you won't have to worry about disposal.

Department Stores

Many larger department stores including Kmart and Walmart have automotive departments. Walmart's Tire & Express Lube Centers can test your old battery, replace it with your new one, and recycle the old one. If you purchase a battery from a basic Walmart store those options are not available.

Garages and Repair Centers

Your local service station is more than capable of replacing a battery. This is the way to do it if you prefer sitting in a waiting room instead of sticking your head under the hood of a car. The benefit of this method, besides not having to touch anything, is that they will also look over your vehicle for you while it's there. This is a good way to find out if anything else on your vehicle needs work before you end up finding out for yourself on the side of the road.
Garages, and how honest their mechanics are, can be a concern for some people. If you don't have a mechanic you work with regularly, ask around. Or you can call the American Automobile Association (AAA). They keep lists of AAA-rated garages. The ratings are based on AAA's own inspections of the garages and from customer opinions they receive. They can tell you the closest one in your area and what services they provide.

Junk Yards

Junk yards will often remove parts from scrapped cars which are still functional and resell them. The concern with any used part are their very limited warranties. They are rarely warrantied for more than 30 days. Plus, with used parts only the part itself is covered under the warranty. If you pay someone to install it, their labor is not covered.

Lack of inventory can also be limiting. They often have only the parts from the vehicles they have scrapped out. The larger yards do often have many parts in stock and they also have networks enabling them to check with other used parts sellers to see if anyone else has your specific item.

Online

There are many online sellers of automotive parts. You can purchase from companies which sell only online, or from the websites of department stores and auto parts retailers. The benefit is the ability to comparison shop from the comfort of your own sofa. The downside is that there are sometimes shipping charges and you have to wait several days for a part you need. Also, once the part is received, it has to be installed and the old battery has to be disposed of.

If you shop online from an aftermarket retailer such as Carquest, you can often have the part shipped to the store closest to you and pick it up from them. Usually this is done with no shipping charges. The benefit is being certain the correct part will be there for you.

Auto Dealerships

Most dealerships, even the smaller ones, have service centers on site. They can replace the battery for you or you can purchase it from them and install it yourself. This is the best way to do it if you want to keep dedicated brand parts in your vehicle. However, their hourly rates and parts prices are generally much higher than anyone else.

Locating a battery is usually pretty easy. There are the odd occasions when a vehicle takes a hard-to-find battery which has to be special ordered. But more often the item will be right on the shelf. You only need to decide where you want to go and how "hands-on" with the project you wish to be.

How much does it cost to replace car battery? This is one question that all car owners are going to have to cope with at some point in their lives. Most people who have cars have had to cope with turning the key in the ignition and hearing that ominous clicking at least once. While replacing a car battery isn't as expensive as some other service needs, it does help to have some idea of how much this costs. Being prepared to replace a battery at some point makes things less of an ordeal when battery troubles do occur.

The Cost of a Car Battery

The most important cost that car owners need to consider when a battery needs to be replaced is the actual battery cost. This is important because many people prefer to just install the new battery themselves, saving time and money. At the lower end of the price scale, many good batteries can easily be replaced for $40 or $50. Some of the top high-performance batteries might cost as much as $250. Before choosing a battery, it's always a good idea to find out which ones are best suited for the car. A mechanic can make a good recommendation for anyone who's not quite sure.

Regular Batter or Hybrid?

Another factor to keep in mind is whether the car has a gas or diesel combustion engine or whether the car is a hybrid. The batteries used in hybrid cars are far more expensive than in their combustion engine counterparts. This is because the batteries are specifically designed to last for the car's lifetime. Most hybrid batteries range from $1,000 to $6,000. Even though this cost is high, many don't consider it to be as much of a problem because there is only a small likelihood of having to replace the battery.

Labor Costs

There are several factors that can influence labor costs. One is whether the car is still under warranty or covered by an extended warranty. Customers who own newer cars are often able to take advantage of this because most dealerships offer their cars with a warranty. This often involves very little cost, depending on the warranty terms.

The options that car owners have available include dealership service centers, independent garages and chain service centers that might offer other services such as oil changes and alignments. Each location generally has different prices, but will charge either an hourly labor charge or perhaps a flat fee to replace the battery. Some car owners might be able to save some money by buying the battery ahead of time so that they only need to pay the labor costs. It helps to check with the service center first to see if this is possible.

The labor cost for the installation might range from as little as $10 to as much as $100. One way to save additional money is to go to the service center that battery came from if it came with a guarantee. In many cases, a battery that didn't last for the term of the guarantee will be replaced free of charge.

Advance Auto Parts is one of the leading retailers for auto parts and accessories, as well as aftermarket custom solutions and more. They are often found to be in competition with other auto parts dealers for their position in the industry, and many people wonder which is truly the best. With a long history and a popular customer base, Advance seems to have a lot to offer. If you've ever found yourself wondering what sets them apart, though, or how you can trust that they're the right store for the job, there are some things that you should know. Luckily, you're in the right place to learn all about Advance Auto Parts and what they have to offer. It won't take long for you to get the facts about what the company stands for, what they can do for you, and why they're ranked among the best in the industry for products and customer service. In fact, its not unusual at all to find Advance Auto Parts coupons codes and promotions online. Keep reading to learn more.

Advance to Savings

Advance Auto Parts is known for its selection of auto parts and accessories, but the company definitely has a lot to offer besides that. Their savings and sales are always giving people new ways to save money, for starters. The website and physical stores always have some kind of special going on, and there are updates regularly to the items that are on sale, as well as special discounts and other ways that you can save money. If you are up for even more savings, you can sign up for their email newsletter and create an account at the website. This will get you into their exclusive list where you can have access to all the best deals and sales that are going on. In some cases, they even have members-only specials or exclusive offers that can save even more money.

On the website, Advance has plenty of online sales, including a 15%-off sale that has been running this spring. Their products include the best name brands in the auto parts industry, along with store-brand products that are designed to offer the same high quality and performance without the high prices. No matter how you spin it, you can save a lot of money with a store like Advance Auto. Whether you shop online, in store, or a combination of the two, the deals are always there and it won't be difficult to find the best parts and prices every single time.

The Birth of an Auto Parts Superstar

Advance Auto Parts didn't always lead the market. In fact, there was a time when the company didn't even exist. Of course, once they came along it didn't take them very long to dominate the market and create a brand that had a huge following of customers. The company was first founded in 1932 by Arthur Taubman, who wanted to create an auto parts store that thrived on integrity, honesty, and dedication. The values have grown with the company over the years and created the superstar brand that everyone knows and loves today. There are almost 4,000 stores in the country, including some in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The company also has more than 55,000 employees nationwide.

With a brand like that, customers can guarantee that there's always going to be someone there to help. This brand has built itself based on do-it-yourself products and services, and they have worked hard to create a company that they can be proud of. Over the years, the business has grown to have a much bigger inventory of products and selection of services available, and they pride themselves on being able to give customers the best of everything. They list themselves as a leading aftermarket automotive retailer in the United States, and their values and mission remain in place to help them continue to grow and thrive today.

Advance Auto Parts Offers Advanced Service and Support

A lot of people are looking just for a good deal when they shop online. While this can be an effective way to go, there is more to your shopping than savings. When it comes to auto parts and auto repair, especially, it's going to be critical for you to take the time to find a company that has upstanding service and a good reputation for being able to help their customers. Advance has this ability and because the company was founded on customer service. They seem to have no issue delivering their customers the best of everything, from service and support to prices and parts.

Customer service and support on the website is just as strong, offering a user-friendly experience with simple navigation. The feature-rich website makes sure that customers have access to everything that they need, with various ways to shop. There is a search feature, along with category listings. Customers can also shop based on sales, brands, prices, ratings and much more. That always gives you the power to get the parts that you want and the service that you depend on. It really doesn't get much better than this.

In the world of aftermarket auto stores, there are a few things that can set the leaders apart, even though they offer the same products and parts to their customers. For starters, companies like Advance Auto Parts have taken it upon themselves to build an upstanding reputation and deliver top-rate service to their customers at all times. The company has been in business for over 80 years and they have a lot to offer customers who need DIY auto parts, accessories, and even tips on how to get the job done right.

Advance Auto Parts is certainly not the only discount auto parts retailer around, but they appear to be one of the best. They have everything that is in the recipe for success, from a vast inventory of products to top-rate customer service and support regardless of where their customers shop. This website makes shopping for aftermarket and replacement parts easy, and can save you a lot of money, as well. If you are in the market for any kind of auto parts or accessories, this is one company that should definitely be on your list.

There's no doubt that Advance Auto Parts' website carries everything you need for your car. From spark plugs to transmissions, their catalog covers every little thing you need -- and every big thing, too. But their real selling point is service. That's as plain as anything as soon as you give them a visit. There's a lot of information packed into their homepage, but it works really well. If you want to shop by category, the list is there for the clicking. They also feature their latest and greatest specials right up front, just above shortcuts to the most popular replacement parts and routine maintenance guides for your vehicle. Those are the kind of resources to give anyone plenty of confidence, whether you simply do your own maintenance or you're a pro. Advance Auto Parts must be doing something right -- they've been doing it since 1932.


Advance Auto Parts deals

Advance Auto Parts has flourished by doing the basics better than most: selection, service and price. That means you can count on competitive costs for all your automotive shopping. Best of all, you get to undercut those prices with these select deals for Advance Auto Parts.

1. Up to $40 off -- Here's your chance to buy more and save more. On your next Advance Auto Parts purchase, save $10 off a $30 purchase, $25 off $70 or $40 off $110 or more. Rack up the savings with coupon code RETMENOT124 before this offer expires on 6/30/2013.
2. 20% deal -- Take a 20% discount off any Advance Auto Parts purchase. There's no minimum and there's no maximum. Just use coupon code P20 when checking out. This offer is for a limited time only.
3. 30 off 50 -- Grab 30% off the purchase price on your next Advance Auto Parts order totaling $50 or more. Enter coupon code TRT30 for this limited-time offer.
4. $50 deal -- Pocket a cool $50 when your Advance Auto Parts purchase hits $175 or more. Drive home your savings with coupon code HUGE50 during this limited-time offer.

Advance Auto Parts extras

There are plenty more extras to keep you coming back to Advance Auto Parts. For starters, they'll always pay for the shipping when your order tops $75. Next, "like" them on Facebook and enter the "Clean Sweeps Giveaway" before June 26, 2013. For more great deals, visit their monthly flyer online (which includes an exclusive web deal). If that's still not enough, sign up on their site and receive email-exclusive offers. With all that going on, it sounds like Advance Auto Parts deals and services have gone completely into overdrive.