Terms of Service
Last Updated: October 15, 2024
📑 Table of Contents
- 1. Acceptance of Terms
- 2. Definitions
- 3. User Accounts & Responsibilities
- 4. Prohibited Conduct
- 5. Intellectual Property
- 6. Safety & Disclaimer of Warranties
- 7. Limitation of Liability
- 8. Indemnification
- 9. Products & Purchases
- 10. Third-Party Links & Services
- 11. Termination
- 12. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
- 13. Changes to Terms
- 14. Contact Information
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing, browsing, or using the Automotive DIY website, mobile applications, tools, guides, and services (collectively, the "Platform"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must discontinue use immediately.
These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User", "you", or "your") and Automotive DIY LLC ("Company", "we", "us", or "our").
2. Definitions
- Content: All text, images, videos, diagrams, tutorials, diagnostic software, and educational materials provided on the Platform.
- Community Features: Forums, comment sections, live chat, Q&A boards, and user-generated posts.
- Products: Physical tools, diagnostic devices, kits, and merchandise sold through our e-commerce store.
- Premium Services: Subscription-based content, expert consultations, and exclusive video tutorials.
3. User Accounts & Responsibilities
To access certain features, you may be required to create an account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities occurring under your account. You agree to:
- Provide accurate, current, and complete registration information.
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use or security breach.
- Be at least 18 years of age, or have parental/guardian consent if accessing community features.
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or pose safety/liability risks.
4. Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to use the Platform to:
- Perform illegal, dangerous, or unauthorized vehicle modifications.
- Share false, misleading, or unsafe repair instructions.
- Harass, threaten, or discriminate against other users in community spaces.
- Scrape, mine, or extract Content for commercial purposes without written permission.
- Circumvent security measures, subscription paywalls, or access controls.
5. Intellectual Property
All Content, trademarks, logos, software, and proprietary materials on the Platform are the exclusive property of Automotive DIY LLC or its licensors and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may:
- View, download, and print Content for personal, non-commercial educational use.
- Share links to our guides with proper attribution.
You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works from, sell, or exploit any Content without explicit written consent. User-generated content posted to community features grants us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to display, distribute, and modify such content for Platform operations.
6. Safety & Disclaimer of Warranties
EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. The automotive repair guides, video tutorials, diagnostic advice, and community discussions are provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" for educational and informational purposes only. They do not constitute professional mechanical advice, safety certification, or vehicle-specific engineering specifications.
Vehicle systems vary by manufacturer, model year, trim level, and prior modifications. Torque specifications, fluid types, and procedural steps may differ. You are solely responsible for:
- Verifying instructions against your vehicle's official service manual.
- Using appropriate safety equipment (gloves, eye protection, jack stands, etc.).
- Ensuring your workspace meets standard safety requirements.
- Consulting a licensed ASE-certified mechanic for complex, high-risk, or warranty-sensitive repairs.
We explicitly disclaim all warranties, whether express or implied, including but not limited to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, completeness, and non-infringement.
7. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Automotive DIY LLC, its directors, employees, affiliates, and partners shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from:
- Your use or inability to use the Platform or Products.
- Vehicle damage, property loss, personal injury, or fatalities resulting from DIY repairs or modifications.
- Errors, omissions, or outdated information in guides or community posts.
- Third-party links, services, or advertisements.
Our aggregate liability shall not exceed the amount you paid us (if any) in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on liability for personal injury or exclusions of implied warranties, so these limitations may not apply in full.
8. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Automotive DIY LLC and its related parties from any claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:
- Your violation of these Terms.
- Your use of the Platform, Products, or Content in violation of any third-party right.
- Your actions in the community features or during DIY vehicle work.
9. Products & Purchases
Product listings, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to refuse or cancel orders resulting from errors, fraud, or inventory discrepancies. Shipping times are estimates and not guaranteed. Warranties on physical products are governed by separate manufacturer/retail warranty terms provided at checkout. All sales are final on certain clearance items as marked.
10. Third-Party Links & Services
The Platform may contain links to external websites, parts suppliers, or service providers not owned or controlled by Automotive DIY. We do not endorse, vet, or assume responsibility for third-party content, privacy practices, or transactions. Use third-party links at your own risk.
11. Termination
We may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, particularly for violations of safety guidelines, prohibited conduct, or legal requirements. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately, and provisions that by their nature should survive (including IP, liability, indemnification, and governing law) shall remain in effect.
12. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from or relating to these Terms shall be resolved through binding individual arbitration in Oakland County, MI, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, except that you may pursue claims in small claims court. Class action waivers and jury trial waivers apply where permitted by law.
13. Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or prominent notice on the Platform. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. We encourage periodic review.
14. Contact Information
For questions, legal notices, or policy inquiries, please contact us at:
📧 legal@automotivediy.com
📞 1-800-DIY-CARS (1-800-349-2277)
📍 742 Gearbox Lane, Motor City, MI 48201, USA