One of the more important local businesses in our small town is our auto parts store, O'Reilly Auto Parts. As well as auto parts, O'Reilly's also carries parts for lawn mowers to tractors. I caught up with Tim Simmons, the current manager, and associate Shawn Berry. Both wearing masks due to new company nationwide policy. Tim gave me more information about the business.

O'Reilly's is located at 333 Main Street across from the local Hardware Store. O'Reilly's bought out Bumper to Bumper, the previous parts store, and the building was originally Stretches Pizza in the 1980's. Currently, they are the only parts store in Roundup, and stay very busy. Tim told me that O'Reilly's delivers parts to local shops in and out of town, also to local ranchers and businesses in Melstone. O'Reilly's offers low price guarantees, and they can do special orders. "I can pretty much order anything you want", Tim says. One of O'Reilly's standards is to never say no. He states, "We offer battery testing, and alternator and starter testing in the parking lot. We have a code reader, however with Covid-19, that has been a bit difficult as our restrictions are higher, I cannot enter your car because I don't know if it has been sanitized. We have a four-hour companywide protocol that says we have to wipe down all the high traffic areas and we are required as a company to wear masks". The company requires consistency of policy throughout all states.

Tim went on to tell me that O'Reilly's carries a nationwide warranty on batteries, so if you are traveling and your battery fails in some other state you can warranty it where ever you are at. O'Reilly's stands by their warranties and low-price guarantees, even on wear items. Some of O'Reilly's bestselling items in the Roundup area are battery cables, hydraulic hoses and filters. Tim said that filters are probably the bestselling all around item because everyone needs them from their lawn mower right up to their tractor. They also carry the "Primeline" line for small engines. Tim explains that the "Primeline" parts match up with most small engines, however, the factory is currently closed down due to Covid-19, so they aren't making new parts right now. However, if there are parts out there in the warehouses, he can order them in.

O'Reilly's can order parts from Billings everyday except Sunday. They have a delivery everyday and have an afternoon driver everyday except Sunday. If you come in and order a part before noon, they can have it for you by the afternoon if it is stocked in Billings.

Lura Pitman

O'Reilly's opened during the Christmas Stroll for the first-time last year. They had some great last-minute stocking stuffers for dad. It is a good place to buy a gift for the guy in your life. O'Reilly's also likes to support our local schools and community, and sometimes are overlooked for local opportunities. Most residents can agree that it has been more than helpful to have a parts store in our hometown. Next time you need a windshield wiper or even an air freshener, don't forget to stop in at our local O'Reilly's.