AutoZone

Tips and Tricks to Save Money at AutoZone

Shoppers who frequent AutoZone are already saving themselves a bundle by taking care of some of their auto repair themselves rather than counting on a pricey dealership to replace their headlights, windshield wipers, and other parts. You can save even more at this auto parts retailer, especially if you shop from their site. Just familiarize yourself with these tips and tricks, and you'll see your car maintenance budget shrink.

How to Get the Best Deals at AutoZone

• Join the rewards program. Sign up for AutoZone Rewards and earn 1 credit for each qualifying purchase of $20 or more. Once you earn 5 credits, you’ll receive a $20 reward. By registering your rewards account online, you will also receive bonus offers, such as $10 off $30 just for signing up.

• Use a coupon or coupon code. AutoZone frequently offers coupon codes and printable coupons for 15-20% off a certain item or your entire purchase. Printable coupons can be found on the AutoZone website or in periodic mass mailings.

• Sign up for emails. Join the AutoZone email club to receive exclusive offers and personalized discounts.

• Look for mail-in rebates. AutoZone always has a robust selection of products in-store that come with mail-in rebates. Not all rebates are marked in-store, so be sure to check the AutoZone website for a list of current rebates before shopping. And then, of course, hold onto that receipt and pay attention to the deadline for sending in your rebate and proof of purchase.

• Use a military discount. AutoZone offers a 10% discount on all purchases to military members who show a valid ID at checkout.

• Sign up for ShopRunner. ShopRunner works with lots of stores, including AutoZone. You’ll get unlimited, free 2-day shipping and free shipping on returns. Plus, you’ll get exclusive access to members-only coupons and sales. You can try a 30-day trial of ShopRunner for free, which would be good to use when you’ll be ordering lots of car parts. After the trial, ShopRunner costs $79 a year, so it is a good deal only if you frequently order from lots of participating sites.

• Ship to store. Avoid shipping fees by using AutoZone’s same-day store pickup service. Simply order a part online and see if it is available in a store near you. Within hours, you can pick up the part at your convenience with no additional fees.

• Bundle items. AutoZone always offers free shipping on orders of $75 or more, so it pays to bundle items together to get over the free shipping threshold. There are sporadic free shipping sales and coupon codes, but they aren’t offered on a regular basis.

When to Shop at AutoZone

• Labor Day. AutoZone holds an annual sale around Labor Day weekend, where it typically features at least 20% off the entire store.

• Holiday weekends. AutoZone runs online and in-store promotions around most holidays, including Presidents’ Day, Easter, and Memorial Day. Most sales run over a weekend and feature a typical offer of 20% off a purchase of $100 or more.

• Between seasons. AutoZone puts many of its seasonal items on sale as the weather changes. You can score great deals on tire chains and ice scrapers around March, and discounts on cooling systems at the end of summer, typically around September. Selection and discounts may vary between locations, so shop around or call ahead to get the best deals.

What to Buy at AutoZone

• Duralast. This brand sells a variety of car parts, including brakes and engine parts. Most products come with a complete warranty that is easy to apply. If something happens to your item, simply take it to an AutoZone store to get a replacement part immediately. Since such items are in ample supply, you can be sure to get a quick exchange — saving yourself needless trips to the shop and time waiting for a part to be replaced.

• Small items. AutoZone has a great track record with smaller items, such as wax, wiper blades, and filters. The quality on these items is similar to that at other stores, but with sales and rewards points, AutoZone is a great deal.

What Not to Buy at AutoZone

• Valucraft. With products ranging from major car parts to accessories, Valucraft has a large line at AutoZone. However, their products aren’t very good quality and they don’t come with a strong warranty. There are plenty of other brands to choose from at AutoZone that have much better quality for only a slightly higher price.

• Electrical items. Electrical parts are difficult to buy at any auto store, but especially so at AutoZone. The quality is lower than at other stores and the prices tend to be around the same at competitors. Plus, most AutoZone stores don’t have staff on hand who can diagnose your electrical problem. You are better off going to a professional car electrician or mechanic.

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