What is a core? How does a core charge work?

In the auto repair industry, there is often confusion about what a core charge is and when it is applied.

Certain types of auto parts can be recycled or, more specifically, remanufactured for future sale. These parts have a core price that is used as a form of deposit on the portion of the part that can be remanufactured and that is designed to encourage return of the old part. The "core," simply put, is your old part.  Common core parts may include batteries, water pumps, alternators, brake master cylinders, and air conditioning compressors. 

 If the old part is returned in reusable condition, the core charge will be credited back to the card used to purchase the part.   The core refund is based upon the rebuild-ability of the core.

Let's say you buy a remanufactured caliper with a $50 core charge, but you haven't removed the old caliper yet. You must pay the core charge when you buy the part. After you replace the caliper, you ship the old caliper back to us. As long as the old part is in acceptable condition, the store will then refund the $50.

 

	Q: What currency are your products sold in? All pricing is in Canadian dollars (CAD). .. read more