Warranty / Shipping

Thank you for choosing DirectAuto.com as your source for quality automotive products. We provide a wide range of new, used, and rebuilt auto parts. If you do not see the part you are looking for please go to our Part Request form to receive a quote, email us, fax toll free 1-888-298-9393 or call us toll free during normal business hours at 1-800-611-6730.

Please make sure to review the full policies below before contacting us. Please read the statement completely and make sure your questions are not already answered, or in the case of a warranty or return, that your request is within our policies. When submitting an order with us, you will be required to accept these terms and policies.

General comments (good or bad) must be submitted in writing via fax or email to be properly addressed. Our toll free number is incase you need guidance in how to navigate the site, how to use the site or to get general questions answered.

We will gladly speak with you on the phone but must ask that all items pertaining to warranties, policy clarifications, complaints and other claims are handled in writing so that all correspondence is properly dated.

Some items sold by Direct Automotive Products may not be legal for sale or use on California pollution-controlled motor vehicles. Products of this nature are intended for off-road or racing use only and are not intended or applicable for highway use. Please consult your local municipality or a referee station if this applies to your item.

1. All products we sell come with a warranty. Warranties range from 90 days to lifetime. Warranties are for replacement of the product(s) only. This (replacement)is determined by Direct Automotive Products at their sole discretion and is not set by any other company. Warranty length is determined by the manufacturer. Each item has its warranty length listed in the description of the product. The warranty begins on the original date of purchase and does not "reset" if you receive a warranty item. In the rare event you need a warranty, you will need to email warranty@directauto.com to make warranty arrangements. We do not require that you keep a copy of your invoice but we do require you keep the order number. The order number will be required if you require a warranty, no exceptions. Warranties are not handled verbally for any reason. You may, depending on the product and situation be given to options to send the warranty item in first or leave a deposit on a replacement item sent in advance. Due to the lack of return on warranty items we can no longer send a replacement unit before the defect is received or a deposit is provided. For further clarification on the lifetime warranty, please see article 43. Our warranty does NOT cover the following.
  • Shipping for any reason
  • Items installed on a vehicle different from the intended application such as in an engine swap.
  • Labor, towing, rentals, storage, legal fees or lost wages under any circumstance.
  • Parts that have been altered, abused or over heated
  • Light bulbs included with light assemblies
  • Parts that have not been properly installed or maintained. Please refer to your owner’s manual for proper maintenance.
  • Parts that are used for racing purposes.
  • Seals, gaskets or fluids.
  • Parts used on commercial vehicles

    2. Seller is not responsible for buyer's error.

    3. If there is a problem with an installed part that falls under warranty, buyer should contact our warranty department via email at warranty@DirectAuto.com within 5 days of noticing the problem. You may not continue to use the part in need of warranty. Doing so may cause more damage to both the vehicle and the part. If you decide to continue using the part, your warranty will be null and void, no exceptions. If you decide on your own to replace the defective item elsewhere, your return, though a warranty issue, will be subject to restocking fees.

    4. No returns are allowed after 30 days except cores and warranty issue items. Warranty is for exchange only (see section 5 for exclusions). Cores must be returned within 45 days of receipt for credit, NO EXCEPTIONS and must be rebuildable. Non rebuildable cores as determined by us or our rebuilder will not be credited and the damaged units will be returned to the buyer at the buyers expense. If you have questions as to what is considered rebuildable, please contact support@directauto.com

    5. There is a 20% restocking fee on all allowed returned merchandise unless being returned for warranty or exchange. This excludes electrical parts, items sent in for repair, smog parts, clear and euro lamps, custom order wheels, special orders, or carburetors, which are returnable for warranty exchange only no exceptions.

    6. All authorized returns must be returned via traceable means (e.g. UPS, USPS w/tracking or Fed-Ex) to insure their safe return. We recommend you insure your return. You are responsible for the safe return of the product. If a return arrives to us damaged, or missing items, we will notify you and we will retain the product all packing materials for 30 days for your selected freight companies inspection. It is your responsibility as the shipper to file a claim with the freight company you choose. It is our responsibility as the receiver to notify the freight company of items that arrive damaged by them. You will not receive credit or an exchange from us if your return is damaged in transit back to us.

    7. Freight is not refundable for ANY reason other then excessive delays in delivery. This includes air freight, dimensional freight, customs fees, and return shipping charges. Delays in shipping may be subject to a full or partial freight refund. Proper freight delay refund claims forms must be filed with our shipping department within 7 days of receipt of the item. Our shipping cutoff time for same day business day shipping is 11am E.S.T. Some items may ship after this time but there is no gurantee they will. The day of shipping is not considered a transit day. If you are returning an item that had a free shipping coupon used, you will be assesed the original standard shipping charge which will range from $6.50 to $21.00 for UPS or USPS shipments. Please see section 17 for posted current shipping rates.

    8. Seller does not claim responsibility for the time it takes the shipping company to deliver the buyer's order. Quoted delivery times are estimated times offered to us by the shipping companies. Delays are beyond seller's control once the order has been given to the shipper. In the rare case a delay happens, buyer may file a freight delay refund request. A delay in shipping does not entitle buyer to a air freight on a replacement order.

    9. Buyer is responsible for any tariffs, duties, or taxes that apply. These charges are not refundable for ANY reason.

    10. Parts and or deposits left over 30 days shall be forfeited unless other arrangements are made in advance of the 30 day period in writing.

    11. A $25.00 fee is assessed on all returned checks and credit card charge backs that are lost by the customer

    12. All items are subject to prior sale and/or price change without notice. We typically add or remove approx 200 items per day as we get new items or discontinue items. Pricing once change is effective as of the website current listed price.

    13. Listed product prices do not include Shipping & Handling fees.

    14. Buyer is responsible for inspecting the part for correctness upon arrival. If you have received an incorrect part, you must notify us within 5 business days of receiving the incorrect part so we can replace it. No exceptions. Please do not come to us in 3 months and tell us you just got around to installing the part. YOU MAY NOT install an incorrect part. Doing so will null and void any and all warranties express or implied. You will not be able to return an incorrect item for an exchange if installed. You may also not return a part that is found to be incorrect after painting or altering the part in any way. Parts to be painted should always be inspected prior to painting.

    15. If your order arrives damaged which is visible at the time of delivery, you MUST make the delivery company note it on the bill of lading or signature pad. It should read, "Delivery accepted damaged, delivery agent shown and notified". If the damage is not visible at the time of delivery you must first make sure to retain all shipping supplies for the item. Failure to retain packing material may result in a warranty or return not being allowed. You must notify us and the delivery company of the damage within 5 business days of receiving the package. We cannot and will not accept damage freight notifications after this time, as that is all we are allotted from the freight companies. All damage notifications must be in writing by email (Shipping@DirectAuto.com) or via fax (1-888-298-9393). Under no circumstances should you install an item received damaged. Installing a damaged part voids any and all warranties expressed or implied and you will not be allowed to return the part for an exchange or refund even though it arrived damaged. If your delivery arrives via UPS you can file the damage goods claim with them online at:

    http://www.ups.com/servlet/FormProc/using/custserv/email_report_damaged_package

    Once done, please email or call us with your order number and the delivery tracking number and we will handle the warranty replacement from there. If you decide on your own to purchase a replacement elsewhere rather then allowing us to ship a replacement, you will not receive a refund of your freight charges and may be subject to a restocking fee.

    16. Tracking numbers are provided once they are available to us. As we ship from multiple locations in all time zones, tracking numbers are not always available for 24-72 hours after shipment.

    17. Shipping in the contiguous U.S. is calucalted at the time of order placement or quoted via email, by fax or by phone. Rates are dependant on package size, weight, and your destination location.

    18. Some items including but not limited to transmissions, engines, bumpers and covers, super chargers, header panels, spoilers, some euro headlight and euro tail lamp sets may have an additional handling fee based on size and or weight. These additional freight fees are refered to as a “Dimensional Freight Surcharge”. If your order is subject to this type of freight fee, you will be emailed for approval prior to shipment of your order. Failure to approve your surcharge will result in cancellation of your order.

    19. Orders placed with foreign-based bank credit cards or shipping out of the U.S. may require copies of the credit card being used (front & back) and a valid photo ID of the cardholder. These must be submitted via fax or email for the order to process. If your card issuing bank does not provide AVS online certification, you will be required to provide this information.

    20. Export shipments including Military postal addresses must first ship to one of our 3 export centers for processing. Depending on the item, this process can take from 1 to 7 business days. Orders of this nature that have shipped to but have not yet reached one of the export centers are subject to restocking and freight fees.

    21. All returns must have a return authorization or they will not be accepted. A return authorization can be obtained by emailing Returns@DirectAuto.com or faxing 888-298-9393. The RA # must be easily visible on the outside of the return shipment box. DO NOT send a return to the return address on the box unless so instructed in writing by us.

    22. All returns must be in the same condition as when received and must be in the original box in its original condition. Installed items are only returnable for a warranty exchange. Please do not tape or write anything on the item or the package. We may charge you for replacement of damaged, altered, missing, written-on or taped-on contents or cartons. We reserve the right to refuse any such returns. Cores are excluded from "same condition" as they will of course be used. Cores are not exempt from the box rule and MUST be returned in the original box or no credit will be issued. No exceptions. If you loose the box, you can not get a core refund. If shipping back lamps that were covered with a protective plastic sheet, make sure to cover them before shipping them back. Household plastic wrap is acceptable. This will prevent lens scratches which are considered damage and will void your return.

    23. Orders cancelled once processed but not yet shipped are subject to a 7% cancellation fee. A processed order is one where credit card has been charged. Most orders are processed within 15 minutes of being received.

    24. Orders cancelled after having been packaged are subject to a 20% restock fee and full freight charges. This includes items that have not yet left our facilities or export orders having shipped from the warehouse to the export center even if it has not left the export center yet.

    25. Warranty is for replacement of the part only. If a replacement is not available to ship within 15 business days of warranty notification, we will offer you the option to cancel with no cancellation fees unless you have had the original part for over 30 days. If you have had the part for over 30 days, replacement is the only option. If the part under warranty is no longer available in the same style, you will be provided with the newer style. Warranty items are shipped by the same means as the original order at our shipping expense. If you wish to upgrade the shipping on a warranty item to a faster method, you are responsible for the additional freight charges.

    26. If we determine that it is in the best interest for both parties to discontinue the business relationship, the part warranty will be prorated towards the refund based on delivery date versus length of warranty.

    27. If we ship you the incorrect part, we reserve the right to make good on our mistake. If you decide to not allow us this opportunity then restocking fees may apply even though it may have been our error.

    28. Items purchased that are not needed are not returnable for a refund. This includes but is not limited too gifts, parts for vehicles that have been sold or damaged, and parts ordered in error. We may choose to allow a return in these cases depending on the circumstance. Restocking fees will apply if we allow for these returns.

    29. Core deposits may not be reflected in your order total or confirmation. A core deposit is a refundable security deposit charged at the time of order to insure that we get back your old part as an exchange. If your part is subject to a core charge, it will be listed in your quote or in the description of the item. Cores must be returned within 90 days of receipt for a refund. We may choose not to accept cores after this time frame.

    30. Cores must be sent back in the original box. The only exception to this is for engines, as we only require the heads back. DO NOT ship cores back via truck freight. Use UPS, USPS or FedEx only. If you return a core not in its original box (engines excluded), you WILL NOT receive core credit. The buyer is responsible for return freight of the core.

    31. To receive your core refund, you must follow the following core return guidelines:

  • Email core@DirectAuto.com to receive instructions, forms and a return address. State the order number, order name and "CORE" in the email.
  • You are responsible for return shipping charges unless previous arrangements are made in writing.
  • DO NOT ship the core C.O.D. We are required to refund your credit card for the core deposit. C.O.D. shipments will be refused.
  • You must return your core within 45 days of your order date to receive your core refund. Unless we specifically contact you after that date to get the core back.

    32. We do not ship on Saturday, Sunday or holidays. All delivery times are quoted in business days. The day of shipping is not considered a transit day. We can not guarantee the time of day your item is delivered.

    33. All orders are processed in the order received. During extremely heavy volume your order may not ship for several days. This includes air orders. If you require your order to arrive before a specific date, please contact us prior to placing the order to make the proper delivery arrangements.

    34. Items on back order or that ship from a warehouse not inside the contiguous U.S. can take up to 16 weeks to arrive. The majority (not all) of the orders placed with us are delivered within 7 business days.

    35. Truck Freight Items (engines, transmissions & items over 150 lbs or 130" length/girth) may take several days to ship out and up to 3 weeks to arrive.

    36. Export freight is an additional fee based on a combination of weight and size. Export freight is quoted after you have placed your order and your order has been sized and weighed. You will be emailed for approval of your freight charges before your order is exported.

    37. Some items can only be shipped to the billing address of the credit card being used and are only available for ground shipping.

    38. Wheels, items painted (such as spoilers) and carpets are custom orders and can not be returned or cancelled for any reason.

    39. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason.

    40. Prices subject to change without notice. Our Prices are directly reflected by our cost. Once an order is placed, the price is locked in. We hope this policy is understandable, as it will be enforced strictly due to daily price fluctuations as we try and find better and less expensive suppliers. If you find a lower price, you need to request a price match (with proof of the lower price) BEFORE you place your order. Please keep in mind warranty and shipping rates when if you see a lower price. Many companies will offer a lower price with no warranty and higher shipping rates in order to lure you in.

    41. Air compressor warranty.

    From November 1st 2002 to June 30th 2005 the AC compressors we sold carried a lifetime replacement warranty if proper install procedures where followed. From July 1st 2005 onward the AC compressor warranty was changed to 18 month.

    To have a warranty on an AC compressor purchased through us you must follow these rules.

  • You must contact us within 14 days of failure.
  • You must stop using the compressor when it is known to be defective. Failing to do so can damage the unit and or your vehicle and will void your warranty. Simply disconnection the belt is not sufficient.
  • The unit must be installed and refrigerant charged by an ASE certified AC mechanic with current certification and at a BAR licensed repair facility.
  • Your AC dryer must be replaced at the same time. Regardless if your mechanic claims it needs to be done or not.
  • You must have a copy of your installation work order showing the dryer install. A copy will be required if you need a warranty replacement. Post dated repair orders/invoices or newly generated copies will not be acceptable.
  • Direct Automotive products does not warranty labor under any circumstance.

    If you do not want to receive a replacement compressor a restocking fee of 20% will apply as the warranty is technically for exchange only. We offer this option as we realize in some cases the 1-2 weeks a warranty replacement may take is not in your best interest. Not following the above AC compressor rules will void your warranty. No exceptions.

    42. Store credits are transferable and good for 3 years from the date of issuance.

    43. In regards to parts listed as having a lifetime warranty - Direct Automotive Products warranties parts to be free from defects in workmanship and material to the original purchaser for as long as they own the vehicle. Warranties are non transferable. During this period Direct Automotive Products will replace any product listed as lifetime warranty which is returned prepaid with a return authorization, when it has been determined by Direct Automotive Products, at its sole discretion that the product has failed due to defective materials or workmanship. This warranty does not cover failure due to improper installation or maintenance, misuse, abuse, unauthorized repairs, modifications or alteration, freight charges, cost of removal or replacement, losses due to downtime of the vehicle, normal wear and tear, any subsequent or consequential damages. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties and/or representations expressed or implied, including, without limitations, warranties of merchantability and fitness for purpose and all other liabilities, including special or consequential damages, in connection with the sale or use of any product from Direct Automotive. Any warranties implied by law are limited in duration to the duration of this warranty except in those states where prohibited by law. The Lifetime warranty on listed items came into effect on 11-01-2002. Items purchased prior to this date are not subject to the lifetime warranty.

    44. Special orders that are cancelled are subject to a 20% restock fee and all freight charges involved for the item(s) to reach us. Once a special order has been placed it is first shipped to our distribution facility and then reshipped to you. The only exception to this rule is in the event of delay to us from the manufacturer delays reshipment of the order by more than 30 days. Once a special order has been reshipped by us, it can not be cancelled or returned other then for warranty exchange.

    45. Direct Automotive Products does not enter into verbal contracts under any circumstance. All contracts in regards to but not limited to: warranties, sales, returns, delivery, etc. must be entered into in writing so that there is a written date stamped verifiable paper trail. Written quotes provided via email, fax or regular mail are valid for 1 business day from the date of quote only. The employees of Direct Automotive Products are required to put everything in writing. Failure by our customers to obtain any contract or agreement in writing will make such contract null and void. We strongly urge our customers to contact us by email or toll free fax (1-888-298-9393) with any concerns that could be considered a contract or a matter of dispute. This is for both our customers and our protection.

    46. You agree that any legal action brought against Direct Automotive Products shall be governed by the laws of the county of El Dorado in the State of California without regard to its conflict of law principles. You agree that the sole jurisdiction and venue for any litigation arising from your use of or orders made on the DirectAuto.com website or by phone shall be an appropriate federal or state court located in the county of El Dorado in the state of California.

    47. Direct Automotive Products and its affiliates attempt to be as accurate as possible. However, Direct Automotive Products does not warrant that product descriptions, image, pricing or other content of this site or in emailed and faxed quotes and lists are accurate, complete, reliable, current, or error-free. If a product offered by on the DirectAuto.com website is not as described, your sole remedy is to return it in unused, uninstalled original condition within 30 days of purchase. Installation of an incorrect item voids any and all warranties or return options.

    If you have any questions or need clarification of any part of the above policies, please email us before placing your order to clear up your questions.

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