Editorial Policy

Sources and evidence

Car Secrets publishes original explanations supported by identifiable sources. We prefer manufacturer records, period documents, museums, registries with original research, and reporting that identifies its evidence. A source can contain errors, so we compare material where a claim is disputed or central to the story. We do not treat a seller's description as independent proof of every claim about a vehicle.

Facts, explanation and interpretation

We distinguish documented facts, general mechanical explanations, and interpretation. We identify factory ratings as period ratings and do not present a modified engine's test as the output of every original car. We avoid unsupported production totals, survival counts, performance records, and claims of illegality. An article may omit a disputed number when the available evidence does not resolve it.

Software and AI assistance

We may use software and AI tools to assist research organization, drafting, and editing. The responsible editor remains accountable for checking the article before publication. We do not use such tools to invent interviews, road tests, personal experience, quotations, credentials, or sources. Generated illustrations are labeled and are not presented as historical photographs.

Corrections

When a material error is confirmed, we correct the article and add a dated correction note explaining the substantive change. We update the visible modification date when the article changes meaningfully. Minor spelling repairs do not create a false impression of newly researched content. Readers can submit corrections through the Contact page.

Advertising and independence

Advertising does not determine our historical conclusions. Sponsored material, if accepted, is labeled clearly. Affiliate relationships, if used, are disclosed near the relevant links and described on our Advertising page. We do not accept payment to conceal a factual correction or to present an advertisement as independent editorial work.

Publication state

An article is published only after the responsible editor has reviewed it and recorded a real publication date. Unreviewed drafts are not listed, not linked, not included in the sitemap and not reachable from the public site. We do not backdate articles to make the publication look older than it is.