Welcome to sparepartscare.com! We’re thrilled you’re here, exploring our content about cars, maintenance tips, and automotive advice. As someone who’s passionate about keeping things transparent, We want you to feel confident about how we handle your information. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it, all in simple terms.

We’re based in the USA, and we’re committed to respecting your privacy, including compliance with laws like GDPR, CCPA, and regulations around children’s privacy.

Who We Are

We run sparepartscare.com, a site dedicated to helping car owners and enthusiasts with practical advice, guides, and tips. Our mission is to make automotive care accessible and understandable for everyone. You can reach at support@sparepartscare.com if you have questions about this policy or your data. I’m here to help, and we take your privacy seriously.

What Information We Collect

When you visit our website, we collect some information to make your experience better. We want to be upfront about what we gather and why. Here’s the breakdown:

Personal Information You Provide: If you contact us via a form, leave a comment, or sign up for a newsletter, you might share details like your name, email address, or phone number. For example, if you ask about resetting a steering angle sensor, we might need your email to reply.

Automatically Collected Data: As you browse, we collect things like your IP address, browser type, device info, pages visited, and time spent on the site. This helps us understand how people use our content.

Cookies and Tracking: We use cookies—small files stored on your device—to improve your experience. These track things like your preferences or whether you’ve seen a pop-up before.

Third-Party Data: If you interact with ads (like Google Ads) or social media buttons, those services might collect data, such as clicks or your location, depending on your settings.

We collect only what’s needed to keep the site running smoothly and provide you with helpful content. If you’re wondering about something specific, just ask!

How We Use Your Information

Your data helps us make sparepartscare.com a great resource. Here’s how I use it:

  • To Provide Services: Your email lets us respond to your questions or send newsletters with car tips.
  • To Improve the Site: Analytics show me which articles, like “Why does a Hemi have 16 spark plugs?” are popular, so I can create more of what you love.
  • For Advertising: We use Google Ads to keep the site free. These ads might use your browsing data to show relevant car-related offers.
  • To Communicate: If you opt in, I’ll send updates or promotions about automotive products or services.
  • To Ensure Security: IP addresses help us spot and block suspicious activity, keeping the site safe.

We don’t use your data for anything sneaky—my goal is to make your visits helpful and enjoyable. Your trust means everything to me.

Google Ads and Advertising Policy

We partner with Google Ads to display ads on our site, which helps cover costs so we can keep content free. Here’s how it works:

Personalized Ads: Google uses cookies and data like your browsing history or location to show ads tailored to you, like ads for car parts if you read about power steering fluid. This is based on your interests, not your personal identity.

Non-Personalized Ads: If you opt out of personalized ads, you’ll see generic ones based on the page content or general location.

Data Collection: Google collects data like your IP address, ad clicks, and device info to optimize ads. They follow their own Privacy Policy.

Opt-Out Options: You can control ad settings via Google’s Ad Settings or use tools like the Network Advertising Initiative’s opt-out page.

We ensure our ads are family-friendly and relevant to automotive topics. If you see an ad that seems off, let me know, and I’ll check it out.

GDPR Compliance

If you’re in the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives you specific rights over your data. We’re committed to meeting these standards. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Lawful Basis: We process data based on your consent (e.g., for newsletters) or legitimate interest (e.g., analytics to improve the site).
  • Your Rights:
    • Access: You can ask to see what data we have about you.
    • Rectification: If your info’s wrong, we’ll fix it.
    • Erasure: You can request we delete your data, like your email from our list.
    • Restriction: You can limit how we use your data in some cases.
    • Portability: You can get a copy of your data in a readable format.
    • Objection: You can object to data processing, like marketing emails.
  • Consent: We ask for clear consent before collecting data, like when you accept cookies or sign up for updates. You can withdraw consent anytime by emailing support@sparepartscare.com
  • Data Protection Officer: For GDPR questions, contact me at support@sparepartscare.com. I handle all data requests personally.

We tested our cookie banner to ensure it meets GDPR’s opt-in rules. If you’re in the EU, you’ll see a pop-up asking for your permission before we track anything.

CCPA Compliance

If you’re in California, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) gives you rights similar to GDPR. I want you to feel in control of your data. Here’s how we comply:

  • Right to Know: You can request details about what data we collect, how we use it, and who we share it with (e.g., Google Ads).
  • Right to Delete: You can ask us to delete your data, like your contact info or cookie data.
  • Right to Opt-Out: You can opt out of the “sale” of your data. We don’t sell data, but sharing with ad networks like Google might count as a sale under CCPA. Use our “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” link to opt out.
  • Non-Discrimination: We won’t treat you differently if you exercise these rights—no locking you out of content or charging extra.

We added a CCPA opt-out link to our footer to make it easy. Just email support@sparepartscare.com for any CCPA requests, and we’ll respond within 45 days, as required.

Children’s Privacy

We take protecting kids’ privacy seriously, especially since sparepartscare.com is meant for general audiences, including teens curious about cars. We comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and GDPR’s rules for children. Here’s our approach:

No Data from Kids Under 13: We don’t knowingly collect personal info from children under 13. Our forms, newsletters, and comments are designed for adults or teens with parental consent.

Parental Consent: If a child under 13 tries to share data, we require verifiable parental consent before processing it. Parents can email [insert contact email] to approve or revoke consent.

Safe Content: Our site and ads are family-friendly, with no inappropriate material for kids.

Limited Tracking: For users under 16 in the EU (per GDPR), we disable personalized ads and limit data collection to what’s strictly necessary, like basic analytics.

We reviewed our ad settings with Google to ensure no targeted ads reach kids. If you’re a parent with concerns, reach out—we’ll walk you through our safeguards.

How We Share Your Information

We are careful about who gets your data. Here’s when and how we share it:

  • Service Providers: We use trusted partners like Google Analytics for site stats, Mailchimp for newsletters, or hosting services. They only get what’s needed and follow strict privacy rules.
  • Advertising Partners: Google Ads and other networks use anonymized data to show relevant ads. They don’t get your name or email.
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law (e.g., a court order), we may share data, but only what’s necessary.
  • Business Transfers: If we sell the site, your data might transfer to the new owner, but they’ll follow this policy.

We don’t sell your info to random companies—your trust is too important. All partners are vetted to protect your data like I do.

How We Protect Your Data

Keeping your information safe is a top priority. We’ve put these measures in place:

  • Encryption: Our site uses HTTPS to encrypt data between your device and our servers.
  • Secure Storage: Personal info, like emails, is stored in password-protected databases.
  • Access Controls: Only I and authorized partners access your data, and only when needed.
  • Regular Updates: We keep software and plugins updated to patch security holes.
  • Anonymization: Analytics data is aggregated, so it’s not tied to you personally.

We tested our encryption by checking for the padlock in my browser—it’s there! While no system is 100% secure, We work hard to minimize risks. If there’s ever a breach, we’ll notify you within 72 hours, as GDPR requires.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Cookies make our site work better, we want you to know how they’re used. Here’s the scoop:

  • Types of Cookies:
    • Essential: These keep the site running, like remembering your login.
    • Performance: These track site usage (e.g., Google Analytics) to improve content.
    • Advertising: Google Ads cookies show you relevant ads.
    • Functional: These save your preferences, like language settings.
  • How to Manage Cookies: You can accept, reject, or customize cookies via our banner. Your browser settings also let you block or delete cookies.
  • Tracking Pixels: We use pixels (tiny images) in ads or emails to track clicks or opens, helping us refine our content.
  • Do Not Track: We honor “Do Not Track” browser signals, limiting non-essential tracking.

We set up our cookie banner to be clear and easy to use. You’re in control—opt out of non-essential cookies anytime.

Third-Party Links

Our site may link to external sites, like car part retailers or YouTube tutorials. we pick these links carefully, but they have their own privacy policies. For example, clicking a Google Ad or a social media share button takes you to their platforms, where their rules apply.

We clicked a link to an auto parts store once and noticed their cookie pop-up was different. Always read the privacy policies of sites we link to—they’re not under my control, and I want you to stay informed.

International Data Transfers

Since we’re based in the USA, your data is stored on U.S. servers. If you’re outside the U.S. (like in the EU), your data crosses borders. I ensure these transfers comply with GDPR and other laws:

  • Standard Contractual Clauses: We use agreements with partners (like Google) to protect your data abroad.
  • Adequate Safeguards: Data is encrypted during transfer, and partners meet high security standards.
  • Your Rights: EU or UK users retain GDPR rights, like data access, even for U.S.-stored data.

We checked our hosting provider’s security to confirm it meets international standards. If you’re worried about transfers, email me for details.

How Long We Keep Your Data

We don’t hold onto your data forever—only as long as needed. Here’s the timeline:

  • Personal Info: Emails or contact form data are kept until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
  • Analytics: Aggregated data (like page views) is kept for up to 26 months (Google Analytics default).
  • Cookies: Most expire within 1-12 months, unless you clear them sooner.
  • Legal Needs: If required by law, we may keep data longer, like tax records for 7 years.

We deleted old newsletter emails after a year to keep things tidy. If you want your data gone sooner, just let us know, and we’ll handle it.

Your Choices and Rights

You’re in charge of your data, and we make it easy to exercise your rights:

  • Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from emails via the link in any message or reject cookies in our banner.
  • Access or Delete: Email support@sparepartscare.com to see or remove your data. I’ll respond within 30 days (GDPR) or 45 days (CCPA).
  • Correct Info: If your details are wrong, let me know, and I’ll fix them.
  • Complaints: If you’re unhappy, contact me first. You can also file a complaint with your data protection authority (e.g., ICO in the UK or CNIL in France).

We processed a deletion request for a reader last month—it was quick and simple. Your control over your data is my priority.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy as laws or our site changes. If we make big changes, like new data uses, We’ll notify you via email or a site pop-up. Small updates, like fixing typos, won’t trigger a notice.

We revised this policy in May 2025 to add clearer GDPR details. Check back here for the latest version, and I’ll always date the changes at the bottom.

Contact Us

Got questions about your privacy? We’re here to help. Reach out at:

  • Email: support@sparepartscare.com

We love hearing from readers, whether it’s about privacy or car tips. Don’t hesitate to drop use a line!