Core Charge Policy
Core Charge Policy
Last Updated: September 22, 2026
Certain products sold by Diesel Proof require a refundable core charge. Core charges are commonly associated with products such as fuel injectors, injection pumps, turbochargers, transmissions, and other new or remanufactured components where the original part may be returned for rebuilding or remanufacturing.
A core charge is a refundable deposit, subject to the requirements outlined below and any applicable manufacturer or supplier core requirements.
How Core Charges Work
When a product requires a core charge, the applicable core charge may be identified on the product page, during checkout, or as part of your order.
The core charge is collected in addition to the purchase price of the replacement product.
After installing your replacement part, the corresponding original component may be eligible to be returned for core credit. Once the core has been received, inspected, and accepted, the applicable core credit will be issued.
Core acceptance and credit are subject to the requirements of Diesel Proof and, where applicable, the manufacturer, remanufacturer, or supplier responsible for the core program.
Core Return Period
Unless a different return period is stated on the product page or provided with your order, cores should be returned within 30 days of delivery of the replacement product.
Certain manufacturers or products may have different core-return deadlines. When a manufacturer-specific requirement differs from this policy, the requirements applicable to that particular product will control.
We encourage customers to begin the core-return process as soon as the replacement component has been installed.
Contact Diesel Proof Before Returning a Core
Do not ship a core back without first contacting Diesel Proof for return instructions.
Because Diesel Proof works with multiple manufacturers, distributors, and fulfillment locations, the correct core-return destination may be different from:
- The address from which your replacement product was shipped
- The address shown on the original shipping label
- Diesel Proof's business address
- Another return address previously provided for a different product
Contact Diesel Proof with your order number and the product being returned before shipping your core.
We will provide the appropriate return instructions and, when applicable, a return authorization or RMA.
Shipping a core to an incorrect address without authorization may delay or prevent core credit and may result in additional shipping or handling expenses.
Core Eligibility Requirements
Unless otherwise specified by the applicable manufacturer or supplier, a returned core should be:
- The same type of component as the replacement product purchased
- Complete and assembled
- In reasonably rebuildable condition
- Drained of oil, fuel, coolant, or other fluids when applicable
- Properly packaged to prevent damage or leakage during transit
- Free from fire damage or other catastrophic damage
- Returned with any components specifically required by the manufacturer
- Returned within the applicable core-return period
A core that is incomplete, disassembled, severely damaged, improperly packaged, contaminated, or otherwise considered non-rebuildable may receive reduced core credit or no core credit.
Manufacturer-specific requirements may vary by product.
Like-for-Like Cores
Core returns generally must be like-for-like with the replacement product purchased.
For example, purchasing a replacement injector, injection pump, turbocharger, or transmission does not necessarily mean that any component of the same general type will qualify for core credit.
Part numbers, vehicle applications, configurations, housings, internal components, or other characteristics may be used to determine core eligibility.
If you are unsure whether your original component qualifies, contact Diesel Proof before shipping it.
Core Inspection & Approval
Receiving a returned core does not automatically guarantee full core credit.
Returned cores may be inspected by Diesel Proof, the manufacturer, remanufacturer, distributor, or another authorized party responsible for the applicable core program.
Final core credit may depend on the condition and eligibility of the returned component.
If a core does not meet the applicable requirements, the core credit may be reduced or denied.
Diesel Proof does not control manufacturer or supplier inspection timelines and cannot guarantee how quickly a third party will complete a core evaluation.
Core Return Shipping
Unless otherwise stated for a specific product, the customer is responsible for the cost of returning the core.
Some products or manufacturers may include or offer a prepaid core-return shipping label. If a prepaid label is provided or authorized, customers should follow the accompanying instructions.
Do not assume that return shipping is prepaid unless Diesel Proof or the applicable manufacturer specifically provides or authorizes a prepaid return label.
Original shipping charges and costs associated with returning a core are generally separate from the refundable core deposit.
Packaging Your Core
Whenever possible, we recommend using the packaging from the replacement product to return your original core.
Cores should be securely packaged to withstand normal transportation and should not contain fluids that could leak during shipment.
Heavy components should be adequately secured inside the package or shipping container.
Damage caused by insufficient packaging may affect core eligibility and may also result in additional carrier charges.
Customers are responsible for following any carrier requirements applicable to the shipment of their core.
Proof of Shipment
We strongly recommend using a trackable shipping service when returning a core and retaining your tracking number and shipping receipt until your core credit has been completed.
Diesel Proof is not responsible for unauthorized core returns or core shipments lost before reaching the designated return location.
Core Credits & Refunds
Once an eligible core has been received, inspected, and approved, the applicable core credit will be processed.
Core credits are generally issued back to the original payment method, when possible.
The amount credited will not exceed the core charge originally paid for the applicable product.
Processing times may vary depending on the manufacturer, supplier, payment provider, and inspection requirements. After a core credit has been processed, your financial institution may require additional time before the credit appears on your account.
Late Core Returns
Cores received after the applicable return period may be subject to reduced credit, store credit, manufacturer approval, or denial.
Acceptance of a late core is not guaranteed.
If your core-return period has passed, contact Diesel Proof before shipping the component so we can determine whether the core may still be accepted.
Cores Shipped Without Authorization
Diesel Proof cannot guarantee core credit for components returned without prior authorization or shipped to an incorrect location.
Unauthorized shipments may be refused, returned to the sender, redirected, or subject to additional shipping and handling charges.
Always contact Diesel Proof before shipping your core.
Manufacturer-Specific Core Requirements
Diesel Proof sells products from multiple manufacturers and suppliers, each of which may establish its own core eligibility, inspection, return-period, packaging, and credit requirements.
When manufacturer-specific core terms apply to a product, those requirements may supplement or supersede the general terms of this Core Charge Policy.
Diesel Proof will make reasonable efforts to help customers understand and complete the applicable core-return process.
Questions About a Core Return
If you have questions about core eligibility or are ready to return a core, please contact Diesel Proof before shipping the component.
Please have your order number and product information available so we can provide the correct return instructions.
Diesel Proof, LLC
Ocala, Florida
Email: orders@dieselproof.com
Phone: 352-619-8266