What is a Core?

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, which is designed to encourage customers to return the used core. The "core," simply put, is your old part. Returning cores can save you money on replacement parts.

Parts that may have a core price include brake shoes, brake master cylinders, water pumps, starters, alternators and air conditioning compressors.

Core Charges and Core Prices

The sale of a remanufactured part involves the price of the part itself, as well as an additional core charge to encourage the return of the old part for remanufacturing purposes. The core charge, sometimes called a core price, is a form of deposit you pay until returning your old part. If you don't have the used core from your old part at the time of purchase, you must pay the core charge. That charge is refunded to you when you return the used core from your old part.

Let's say you buy a remanufactured water pump with a $15 core charge, but you haven't removed the old water pump yet. You must pay the core charge when you buy the part. After you replace the pump, you can return the old core to the store with your receipt that includes the core charge up to 30 days after purchasing the replacement part. As long as the old part is in acceptable condition, the store will then refund the $15. You have up to 45 days in California only to return a used core of a lead-acid battery.

We also accept used automotive batteries previously purchased at a NAPA Auto Parts store or NAPA Auto Care center for recycling. In California only, NAPA Auto Part stores and NAPA Auto Care centers will accept for recycling (not refund of core deposit) any lead-acid batteries; up to six batteries from a customer in one business day. To learn more about our free recycling program, check out: HOW TO RECYCLE CAR BATTERIES & DISPOSE OF MOTOR OIL

Returning Cores to NAPA Online

If you have paid a core charge for an item purchased from NAPAonline, you are eligible for core credit upon return of the old core unit. Used cores can be returned within 30 days (or up to 45 days in California for lead-acid batteries) after of purchasing the replacement part, provided the original parts are purchased at NAPAonline and that they are shipped back in the box you received with the original product.

Please follow the NAPAonline return process and identify the reason for the return as a "used core." Before returning the used core, be sure to drain all fluids from the core and place it in a plastic bag to prevent leakage in transit. Then, pack the used core in the box that contained the original part you bought from NAPA Online.

Thank you for shopping NAPAonline!