A-Line Auto Parts

When you know the difference between gas and diesel when I call and ask for glow plugs, then I think an auto parts store in this day and age deserves a 5 star rating. I am from out of town, but had to go in here 3 times for different parts on my project truck and they were knowledgeable, helpful, and very affordable. I wish you guys were close to me back home. Take not O’reillys and AutoZoo. This is how it’s done.

What a great place for the outdoorsman. Not only do they have great service but prices are good too. They take time to answer your question and make you feel like a regular. Bought a lot of tools from them and will to do so for they have the right price, thanks a line.

I wrote my previous review of A-​Line Dripping Springs a couple of years ago, back when they were in their much smaller store. When they expanded to the old Ace hardware building in Dripping, I had high hopes for improvements. And, granted, the array of parts and stock on display ihas been a vast improvement over the former location.
Initially, though, I have to say that I didn’t see much change in the rather cavalier attitude most of the employees exhibit toward the customers, with a couple of exceptions, most notably Lucio, who is always eager to help, willing to do research, and is seriously knowledgeable about car parts in general.
When I heard that O’Reilly’s would be opening up down the street, I honestly thought I’d never be going back to A-​Line again. And, in fact, I did and do visit the new O’Reilly’s store on occasion. However, after a few times coming away empty-​handed (or being shocked at their prices), and then finding the part I needed down the street at A-​Line, I have found myself back to using A-​Line as my primary go-​to parts store.
They say competition can be a good thing, and that certainly seems to be the case in our town. Miraculously, after so many years of walking into A-​Line and being ignored as I searched up and down the aisles for a part, I’ve started noticing that the guys (and gals) behind the counter are actually venturing out now and again, offering assistance. Wow! Even the manager has waited on me a couple of times, and even speaks to me on occasion (thanks Whit).
Here’s what I see… if you want to buy a chrome thingamaditty for your whatchamacallit, then maybe O’Reilly’s is the place to go, for they certainly do have the glitzy displays of all those ruby-​encrusted shift knobs, and rows and rows of waxes and polishes.
But… if what you really want is the correct part for your vehicle, at generally the best price anywhere in Austin, then A-​Line is the place to go. And, of course, you’ll be supporting an Austin-​area business, rather than feeding the coffers of yet another mega-​corporate outfit.
I spend a lot of time working on my collection of classic cars, and average 3 – 4 visits a week to A-​Line. And when I ask for a specific part by description, they don’t waste my time or theirs asking what year and make the car is, because we both know it won’t be in the catalog. Lucio at the front desk has on numerous occasions tracked down obscure parts for me while the young kids at O-Reilly’s would still be scratching their heads.
If they don’t have a part in stock, it can almost always be there the next morning, or maybe later the same day. To me, those qualities are the makings of a truly useful auto parts store.
I’ve upgraded my previous rating to a four star now, and wish I could make it a fiver, but I still see room for improvement.
Come on guys. I may be off base on this, but I do believe that cheerful and attentive service to customers is the key to success in any retail business. There is a reason that giant Walmart has someone at the door greeting every customer. Sure, everyone knows they are being paid to do that, but it does give you a slightly better feeling when you walk in the place.
And, I’d be willing to bet that Walmart gives specific training to all their personnel, such as: «When a customer walks in, put down that newspaper or magazine you were reading, get off the phone to your boyfriend, and stop the grab-​ass with your buddies behind the counter, so that the customer feels that his needs are the only thing you are interested in».
It’s not rocket science, and it doesn’t even cost anything extra. just plain common sense!
At any rate, thanks A-​Line for the significant improvements I’ve noted during the past 6 months.

This would be Rooster’s first attempt at a «filler» review. You know like that extra piece of bread on a Big-​Mac? The heavy handed fistful of lettuce that your local sandwich artist throws on your 6 inch at Subway? This my fellow Unilocalers is my motivation.
What do you honestly say about an auto parts store that’s the size of a South Austin food trailer? The light bulbs were arranged perfectly! My muffler was flawlessly displayed! My 10w-​40 was a delight! I’m running out of merchandise at this point.
A few days ago I noticed that I had a headlight out on the ranch truck. I dropped by A-​Line to get a replacement bulb and the bulb connection which had fried. I was in and out and the problem was fixed for under $ 20. End of story… or is it?
I’m getting close to my 200^th review here on Unilocal.It’s Rooster who is throwing the lettuce in today. I’m just excited I guess. Should I go for Perry’s? How about Ruth’s Chris? Trulucks! The anticipation is too much to bear. Just a few more reviews and I can splurge. 193 and counting! Wait, I haven’t reviewed the Dairy Queen in Drippin…194 BABY!