Autozone Core Charges in 2024: What You Need to Know
Owning a car comes with many hidden costs, like replacing worn-out parts. One sneaky charge you‘ll see at retailers like AutoZone is the core charge—an extra fee added to certain auto parts. In 2024, core charges are still going strong at AutoZone stores across the country. Here‘s everything you need to know about this deposit, including how much you‘ll pay and how to get a refund.
What is a Core Charge?
A core charge is a deposit added to the price of certain replacement auto parts like alternators, starters, and batteries. According to industry experts, the fee covers the cost of recycling old parts or remanufacturing them to be resold at a discount.
Core charges incentivize customers to return used parts instead of throwing them away. This benefits the environment and keeps costs down. According to the Auto Care Association, over 15 million lead-acid batteries are recycled each year in the US thanks to core charge programs from retailers like AutoZone [1].
AutoZone‘s Core Charges in 2024
Core charges vary based on the part, but here are the typical fees you‘ll see at AutoZone stores this year:
| Part | Average Core Charge |
|---|---|
| Car batteries | $15 – $22 |
| Alternators | $10 – $15 |
| Starters | $10 – $15 |
| Catalytic converters | $50 – $150 |
Core charges can range state by state based on environmental fees and costs. But most AutoZone locations charge the standard rates above in 2024.
Getting Your Core Charge Refund
The good news is those sneaky core charges are fully refundable if you return the old part within 30 days. Here are some tips for getting your money back:
- Keep your receipt to make returns faster
- Return the original part in its OEM packaging
- An AutoZone worker will inspect the core before approving your refund
- Most stores refund in cash or to the original payment method
According to AutoZone‘s latest policy, only cores purchased at their stores qualify for a refund [2]. But it‘s worth calling local shops to ask if they accept cores bought elsewhere. Some make exceptions.
Returning by mail is an option using AutoZone‘s prepaid labels. Just remember to drain all fluids first and pack the core securely. AutoZone won‘t reimburse you for choosing your own carrier.
Core Charges Benefit Everyone
While core charges may seem inconvenient, they actually benefit both the environment and consumers. AutoZone collects over 240,000 lead-acid batteries each year for recycling thanks to these deposits [3]. That‘s 240,000 batteries kept out of landfills!
Remanufactured parts with refunded cores also cost approximately 30-50% less than new. This savings gets passed down to future AutoZone shoppers [4].
The Bottom Line
Core charges are a smart, sustainable practice for the auto industry. As an AutoZone customer, make sure to return any cores within 30 days to recoup the deposit. Keep your receipt, packaging, and payment method handy for a smooth refund. While core charges remain frustrating, they ultimately help the environment and lower costs.
