The short version
Car Trouble Lab may earn a commission or referral fee when a reader follows a clearly labeled commercial link and completes a qualifying action. This should not increase the reader’s price unless a provider states otherwise.
Possible compensated relationships
Future compensated links may include, for example:
- Vehicle-history reports and pre-purchase inspections
- Repair-shop appointment or quote requests
- Diagnostic scanners, service manuals, tools, or parts
- Advertising displayed near relevant content
Not every company mentioned has a commercial relationship with us.
How compensated links are labeled
A link that may produce compensation will use plain language such as “affiliate link,” “sponsored,” or “we may earn a commission.” A site-wide disclosure does not replace a nearby label when the commercial nature of a recommendation might affect a decision.
What compensation cannot buy
- A stronger evidence or confidence label
- Removal of a documented limitation or safety warning
- Preferential ranking disguised as editorial analysis
- Publication of a claim without adequate source support
Current prototype status
The initial prototype does not contain active affiliate purchase links. This disclosure establishes the standard that will apply before any such relationship is introduced.
See how these standards affect every vehicle record.
Read our methodology