Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

PRIVACY POLICY

Automotive DIY ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or make purchases.

1. Information We Collect

• Personal Information: Name, email address, shipping/billing address, phone number, and payment details provided during account registration, checkout, or newsletter signup.
• Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time spent on pages, and referral sources collected automatically via cookies and analytics tools.
• Communication Data: Messages, support requests, forum posts, and feedback you voluntarily submit to us or our community.
• Vehicle & Project Data: Non-identifying information about vehicles you research, tools you view, and DIY projects you save or bookmark.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Process transactions, deliver products, and manage tool rentals.
• Create and manage user accounts, personalize your experience, and recommend relevant guides or tools.
• Send transactional emails, security alerts, and policy updates.
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries.
• Analyze site performance, improve content, and develop new educational materials.
• Prevent fraud, enforce our terms, and ensure platform security.

3. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use essential cookies for site functionality, analytics cookies to understand user behavior, and marketing cookies to deliver relevant ads. You may control cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie consent manager. Disabling certain cookies may affect site functionality.

4. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data with:

• Service Providers: Payment processors, shipping carriers, hosting providers, and analytics partners bound by data protection agreements.
• Legal Compliance: Authorities or third parties when required by law, subpoena, or to protect our rights.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, with appropriate notice.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard technical and organizational measures, including SSL encryption, secure payment gateways (PCI-DSS compliant), access controls, and regular security audits to protect your data. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights & Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or export your personal data. You may also opt out of marketing communications at any time. To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@automotivediy.com. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or requests, email privacy@automotivediy.com or write to:
Automotive DIY, 742 Gearbox Lane, Motor City, MI 48201, USA.

TERMS OF SERVICE

By accessing or using the Automotive DIY website, platform, guides, tools, or community features, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree, do not use our services.

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Automotive DIY. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. Material changes will be communicated via email or prominent notice.

2. DIY Projects & Safety Disclaimer

• All guides, videos, and forum discussions are general in nature. Vehicle designs, torque specifications, and procedures vary by make, model, and year.
• You acknowledge that working on vehicles requires mechanical aptitude, proper workspace, and appropriate safety equipment.
• By using our platform, you waive any claim against Automotive DIY, its employees, contractors, or community contributors for damages arising from your DIY projects.

3. User Accounts & Conduct

To access certain features, you must create an account. You are responsible for maintaining account confidentiality and all activities under your account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate information during registration.
• Refrain from posting harmful, defamatory, or illegal content in forums/comment sections.
• Not scrape, hack, or automate access to our platform without authorization.
• Respect intellectual property and community guidelines.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts violating these Terms or community standards.

4. Purchases, Refunds & Rentals

• Product Sales: Prices are subject to change. Orders are subject to availability. We process refunds within 14 days of return for unused items in original packaging, minus shipping costs.
• Digital Content/Courses: Due to the nature of digital goods, refunds for downloaded guides, video courses, or OBD software are only issued in cases of technical failure or duplicate purchase.
• Tool Rentals: Rentals are subject to availability. Late returns incur daily fees. Damage beyond normal wear and tear will be charged to the renter. Security deposits apply.

5. Intellectual Property

All content, branding, logos, tutorials, videos, tool lists, and site design are the exclusive property of Automotive DIY or its licensors, protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without prior written consent. Fair use for educational review is permitted with proper attribution.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Automotive DIY, its directors, employees, and partners shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, data, or vehicle damage, arising from your use or inability to use the platform, products, or community features.

7. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, USA, excluding conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall first be subject to good-faith negotiation. If unresolved, disputes shall be settled through binding arbitration in Detroit, MI, or in state/federal courts of competent jurisdiction. Class action waivers do not apply to statutory consumer rights.

8. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms periodically. The "Last Updated" date at the top will reflect changes. Your continued use after modifications signifies acceptance. We encourage periodic review of this page.

9. Contact & Support

For questions about these Terms, legal inquiries, or partnership requests, contact legal@automotivediy.com or use our support portal.