Core Charges: Why They Exist and How They Save You Money
If you've looked at the prices of new or re-manufactured parts, you might have noticed a "core charge" as a part of the total. It's the manufacturer's way of reusing and rebuilding used auto parts to keep costs down and to keep the environment pristine.
Why Do Some Parts Have Core Charges?
Core charges exist for a number of reasons. For starters, core charges give buyers a financial incentive to recycle their used auto parts, as opposed to merely disposing them. Keeping recyclable components out of the landfill goes a long way towards improving the environment.
Returned cores also represent an opportunity for reuse by the manufacturers. Rebuilt and remanufactured parts rely on a reconditioned core around which new parts are installed. Placing a deposit on used cores ensures that parts manufacturers get the cores they need upon which to create rebuilt or remanufactured products.
Last but not least, acting on a core charge refund also saves you money. The refund you receive once a core is turned in is money that goes back into your pocket. Consider the core charge as a delayed rebate you get back after turning in your old part.
How Core Charges Work
Think of a core charge the same way you would a bottle or soda can deposit. In many places, such deposits are included in the price of a canned or bottled soft drink. By returning the empty can or bottle, you get your deposit back.
The same applies to a core charge, which you pay upfront when you purchase the part. When you turn in your old auto part, you get back the deposit that was included in the price.
When Do I Get My Deposit Back?
How soon you'll get your deposit back usually depends on the purchasing method:
If you bought a part from a local parts store, it's simply a matter of delivering the core back to the store. In most cases, you'll receive your deposit on the spot.
If you ordered a part online, you may have to ship the core back to the manufacturer and wait a while for the manufacturer to credit your account with the deposit or send a check for the amount owed.
Keep in mind that core charges are usually limited to parts that can be recycled in some form. These components normally include alternators, distributors, starters and other parts made from metals. Parts made from plastics, rubber or other biodegradable material usually don't have core charges attached to them, since these parts can't be reused. For more information, contact a business such as Dandy Smash Repairs.