​What are Cores and Core Charges?

Brake calipers have a core and a core charge.

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 New Auto Parts 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 New Auto Parts 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

More questions?

Check out our Help Center or our blog for more useful information.

If you can't find what you're looking for on our website, contact us and we'll do our best to answer your questions.

Our Promises to Our Customers

New Auto Parts always puts customer service above all else, and stands by our promise to deliver:

  • Genuine OEM parts and accessories
  • Brand new items (you will NEVER get a used part or accessory from us)
  • Top-notch, personalized customer service 
  • Guaranteed 100% order accuracy when provided with your VIN
  • Unbeatable pricing

With 40% or more off list prices every day, our OEM prices are seriously among the lowest that you’re going to find.

Shop for your car now!