Publishing standards

SpecAxle editorial policy

SpecAxle separates verified vehicle data from commentary, labels uncertainty, corrects supported errors, and never publishes an AI-generated specification.

Editorial policy reviewed:

Which sources take priority?

Source hierarchy for specification values
PrioritySource classUse
1OEM technical document for the exact market and model yearPreferred specification source
2OEM owner manual, data book, guide, bulletin, or official product pageUsed when configuration and conditions are explicit
3Government vehicle dataset, including NHTSAUsed for identity or fields the dataset directly publishes
Not sufficient aloneDealer pages, forums, aggregators, unsourced snippets, or generated answersMay identify a lead but cannot establish a production value

How does SpecAxle separate data from commentary?

Specification tables contain source-backed records. Explanations may describe formulas, definitions, and safety context, but explanatory text cannot override a vehicle’s stored source record.

What is SpecAxle’s AI policy?

AI may assist candidate extraction only when each candidate includes an exact source quote and page number. Automated checks confirm that the quote exists. A language model never fills gaps, resolves conflicting sources, or publishes a specification from memory.

What does “Last verified” mean?

“Last verified” is the date SpecAxle checked the stored value against its cited source. SpecAxle does not move verification dates for cosmetic edits, page-template changes, or search optimization.

How are corrections handled?

SpecAxle evaluates correction reports against primary evidence. Confirmed changes update the value, source relationship when needed, and verified date. Rejected changes leave the sourced record intact. Report evidence through the contact page.

Do ads or licensing affect specifications?

No. Advertisers and licensees do not choose sources, values, verdicts, correction outcomes, or related-vehicle rankings. Paid placement must not be presented as a verified specification.

How does SpecAxle identify authors and reviewers?

Editorial articles should name their author and reviewer when those identities and credentials can be verified. Data pages identify the accountable publisher, cited source, and verification date. SpecAxle does not invent expert biographies or credentials.