🚗 Advance Auto Parts – Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Advance Auto Parts, founded in 1932, grew into one of the largest automotive parts retailers and suppliers in the United States — operating thousands of stores nationwide. For decades, the company sold and distributed asbestos-containing automotive components, including brake pads, clutches, gaskets, mufflers, and engine parts, many of which were manufactured by other companies but sold under Advance Auto’s retail network. These products were widely used in cars, trucks, buses, and heavy equipment due to asbestos’ heat resistance and durability.

Unfortunately, mechanics, technicians, warehouse employees, and even do-it-yourself vehicle owners were unknowingly exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers when handling, installing, sanding, grinding, or replacing these parts. Over time, this exposure has led to devastating illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis, often appearing decades later.

🔧 Asbestos Exposure in Automotive Parts and Repairs

During the mid-20th century, asbestos was standard in automotive friction materials and sealing products. These materials were widely available at Advance Auto Parts stores across the country and used in countless vehicles, often exposing workers to airborne fibers during installation, maintenance, and repair.

• High-Risk Products: Brake pads, clutch facings, gaskets, engine seals, exhaust components.

• Common Trades Affected: Auto mechanics, brake technicians, service managers, warehouse workers, DIY enthusiasts.

• Exposure Scale: Tens of thousands of automotive workers were exposed before asbestos use declined in the 1980s.

• Advance Auto’s Role: Distributed asbestos-containing parts from multiple manufacturers.

• Health Impact: Mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural diseases linked to asbestos exposure.

• Legal Outcomes: Advance Auto Parts has been named in numerous asbestos lawsuits and product liability claims nationwide.

🏢 Company Overview

🪛 Asbestos-Containing Automotive Products Sold by Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto supplied a range of asbestos-containing products manufactured by leading automotive companies. These parts were especially hazardous when abraded, ground, or replaced, releasing microscopic asbestos fibers into the air.

• Brake Pads and Linings – Friction from braking caused asbestos fibers to become airborne during installation and replacement.

• Clutch Facings and Assemblies – Worn or damaged clutches released asbestos dust during removal or resurfacing.

• Gaskets and Seals – Cutting or scraping old gaskets from engine blocks, pumps, or exhaust systems released fibers.

• Mufflers and Exhaust Components – Some older components contained asbestos for heat resistance; removal created exposure risks.

• Valve and Engine Components – Asbestos-based gaskets and seals were common in engines and valve assemblies.

• Heat Shields and Insulating Materials – Used to control engine and exhaust temperatures, often disturbed during repairs.

• Drum Brake Shoes – Routine cleaning, sanding, or blowing out brake drums caused heavy fiber release into the workspace.

👨‍🔧 Who Was Exposed to Asbestos from Advance Auto Parts?

Because Advance Auto Parts supplied asbestos-containing materials to thousands of shops and individuals, exposure was widespread — affecting workers, mechanics, and even customers.

• Auto Mechanics and Brake Technicians – Installed and replaced asbestos-laden brake pads and clutches daily.

• Dealership and Garage Workers – Handled and cleaned asbestos dust in confined repair bays.

• Warehouse and Parts Department Employees – Unboxed, stocked, and handled asbestos-containing components.

• DIY Car Enthusiasts – Exposed during home repairs without proper ventilation or protective gear.

• Commercial Fleet Maintenance Crews – Worked on heavy-duty vehicles with asbestos brake and clutch systems.

• Family Members – Faced secondary exposure from asbestos fibers carried home on contaminated work clothes.

🏘️ Neighborhood & Secondary Exposure

Exposure risks extended beyond the workplace. Customers, nearby residents, and family members were often unknowingly exposed.

• Airborne dust from brake and clutch work – Drifted into waiting areas and nearby shops.

• Contaminated dust settling in garages and driveways – Disturbed during routine cleaning.

• Fibers carried home on clothing – Exposed spouses and children to secondary contact.

• Residue in DIY home workshops – Created long-term exposure risks.

• Environmental exposure near repair shops – Airborne particles dispersed into surrounding areas.

⚖️ Legal Claims & Lawsuits

Advance Auto Parts has faced numerous asbestos-related lawsuits from mechanics, shop owners, and customers. Plaintiffs allege:

• Failure to Warn: Advance Auto did not provide adequate warnings about the risks of asbestos in parts sold.

• Unsafe Work Conditions: Mechanics were often exposed without protective gear or safety protocols.

• Health Consequences: Victims developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis after exposure.

Many lawsuits have resulted in significant settlements and verdicts, while others have been resolved through negotiated agreements with product manufacturers and suppliers.

📊 Worker Exposure Estimates

Total Estimated Exposure: ~110,000+ individuals

📉 Indirect Product Exposure (Non-Employees)

Additional Exposure: ~30,000+ individuals

🪖 Military & Government Connections

Advance Auto Parts supplied many asbestos-containing automotive components used by military vehicle fleets, government motor pools, and defense contractors, exposing thousands of service members and civilian personnel.

• Military Motor Pools: Asbestos-containing brakes and clutches installed on jeeps, trucks, and support vehicles.

• Government Repair Facilities: Mechanics servicing federal fleets worked directly with asbestos materials.

• Defense Contractors: Replacement parts distributed by Advance Auto were used in military-grade vehicles.

Estimated Military & Government Exposure: Thousands of additional individuals across multiple branches and agencies.

📌 Key Takeaway

Advance Auto Parts’ decades-long distribution of asbestos-containing automotive components exposed well over 100,000 people — including mechanics, DIY repairers, warehouse staff, and their families — to deadly fibers. Many of these individuals were never warned about the risks and may now be eligible for compensation through lawsuits and asbestos trust claims.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a lawsuit if I bought asbestos products from Advance Auto Parts?
Yes. Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung disease after exposure to products sold by Advance Auto may qualify for compensation.

Do I need proof of the product brand?
Not necessarily. Lawyers can trace product sales records, work history, and supplier information to establish liability.

How long do I have to file a claim?
Most states allow 1–3 years from the time of diagnosis. Acting quickly preserves your right to compensation.

What documentation helps my case?

• Medical diagnosis records

• Employment or purchase history

• Witness testimony and product evidence

Can family members file claims?
Yes. Spouses and children exposed secondhand may also qualify for compensation or wrongful death claims.

🧑‍⚖️ How a Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help

• Investigate Exposure Sources: Attorneys trace asbestos-containing parts sold through Advance Auto.

• File Lawsuits and Claims: Pursue compensation through settlements, verdicts, or manufacturer trust funds.

• Represent Families: File wrongful death claims on behalf of deceased loved ones.

• Assist Veterans: Help service members pursue VA benefits and additional compensation.

• No-Win, No-Fee: No upfront costs — fees only apply if compensation is recovered.

📞 Legal Help for Advance Auto Asbestos Exposure

If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos through Advance Auto Parts products and later diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, or asbestosis, legal help is available.

📞 Call Now: 800.291.0963

• Free consultation

• No fees unless we win

• Product identification assistance

• Help for workers, veterans, and families

Or request help online 24/7.