Advance Auto Parts — Local services in Fredericksburg

My vehicle broke down on RT 1 in front of the store. I came in to get a new battery as my alternator was not working and the new (charged) battery would allow me to get home. It took forever to check out due to the slow service of the people in front of me.

When I checked out, I explained my situation and asked if they had an adjustable wrench I could borrow. The cashier said there's a box behind the battery jump cart that I could take what I need as long as I bring it back. Since there were only sockets, and I didn't know what size I needed (as it turns out I needed three different sizes) I just grabbed the ratchet and several likely sockets.

The cashier then said I'm taking too much, she could let me take one ratchet and socket if I leave my drivers license. I was told that they offer a service to customers to replace their batteries and if I borrowed the tools they would not be able they would not have the tools to change a battery out. Mind you, I just purchased a $140 battery from them and I had an urgent need to change the battery (wife and 5 kids in the van on a 100 degree day is not a good combo). So I was not allowed to take a few tools to change my battery on the off chance that someone drove up and needed a few tools to change their battery. Needless to say I was frustrated and grabbed a $10 6" adjustable wrench (overpriced, but it's what they had) and changed the battery. I will actively endeavor to not use Advance Auto again, specifically...

Two very helpful people. Female went into store back and pulled requested wipers (not on display) and put them aside as we continued to shop. Male (Dylan, sp?) put them on FREE as advertised AND politely refused a tip (when did THAT ever happen to you?) Then he asked us to test it. The Rain-X mid-price wiper on driver's side skipped over the center of sprayed windshield washer fluid, so he replaced it with a new one. That wiper had the same problem. He returned the 3rd time with the most expensive version which worked well. There was no additional charge for the more expensive version or the repeated service. This is service beyond just a smile. They really are "Ready...

The employees at this store go above and beyond! I was at Sheetz and couldn't get my car to start; the battery was fine and I had just changed the oil. After some advice from passers-by, I walked over to Advance Auto Parts. I explained the problem to Dwayne, and he drove over to my car to look at it. He examined the car, figured out the problem, and offered to drive it back to the store and show me the right parts. Luckily, the problem righted itself just in time and I was able to drive home. Dwayne was extremely understanding and patient, I couldn't ask for...