Cores & Core Charges
If you don’t quite get what a core or a core charge is (or if you just need a little more information), we get it.
And we want to help you understand a little better.
The Soda Can Analogy
In many states, to promote recycling, you’re charged a deposit when you purchase a can of soda and you receive your deposit back when you return the empty can.
Granted, the deposit on a soda can is very small (and probably not even noticeable to most consumers) when compared to that of an auto part – but it still exists.
So, let’s think of a soda can as the core and the deposit as the core charge.
Cores and Core Charges
Similar to the recycling of aluminum in a soda can, some automotive parts have a core that is rebuildable or reusable.
The core charge is the fee applied to the core to encourage customers to return the parts for remanufacturing. Like the deposit on a soda can, the core charge is just a small part of the cost of the auto part – but it is a part of the total cost, nonetheless.
What Happens to the Core?
Cores are remanufactured (recycled) by companies to original equipment specifications.
Remanufacturing is the process of taking used parts, completely disassembling and thoroughly cleaning them, replacing the faulty and/or worn components with original quality components, and restoring them to their original function.
How Do I Get the Core Deposit Back?
Just return the old part in re-usable condition in the original packaging. Without the original OEM box, the core has no value and cannot be returned to the manufacturer.
Really. It’s that easy.
Return the old part (yes, it needs to be in reusable condition) and GetOEMParts.com will credit the core charge back to the card used to purchase the part.
Our Return Policy page can give you more info on how to return an item to GetOEMParts.com if you have questions.
What Parts Have a Core and a Core Charge?
The following is a partial list of auto parts that have a core and core charge:
- Batteries
- Brake Calipers
- Starters
- Alternators
- Cylinder Heads
- Brake Master Cylinders
- Power Steering Pumps
- AC Compressors
- Transmissions
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