Last Updated: January 1, 2025
Introduction & Our Commitment to Your Privacy
ProCarManuals.com (“we“, “our“, “us“) operates as a free educational platform dedicated to providing automotive tutorials, repair guides, and maintenance information. We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about how we collect, use, and safeguard your data.
This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your personal information when you visit our website (https://procarmanuals.com), interact with our content, or use our services. By accessing our site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the practices described in this policy.
Who We Are
Data Controller: ProCarManuals.com
Website: https://procarmanuals.com
Email: privacy@procarmanuals.com
Data Protection Contact: admin@procarmanuals.com
Scope of This Policy
This policy covers:
- Personal data we collect through our website
- How we use cookies and tracking technologies
- Third-party services and advertising partners
- Your rights regarding your personal information
- International data transfers and compliance
- Contact information for privacy inquiries
Information We Collect & How We Collect It
We collect information to provide you with educational automotive content, improve our services, and support our free educational mission through advertising revenue.
Personal Information You Voluntarily Provide
When you choose to share information with us:
- Email address – When subscribing to newsletters or contacting us
- Name and contact details – When submitting contact forms or feedback
- Communication content – Messages, questions, or comments you send us
- Survey responses – Feedback about our content or user experience
We never collect:
- Payment or financial information (our content is free)
- Government-issued identification documents
- Vehicle ownership documents or registration information
- Sensitive personal information (health, political views, etc.)
Automatically Collected Technical Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect:
- Device information – Browser type, operating system, device model
- Connection data – IP address (anonymized), internet service provider
- Usage analytics – Pages visited, time spent, referring websites
- Performance data – Page load times, error reports, site functionality
Legal basis: Legitimate interest in providing and improving our educational services
Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and support our educational platform:
| Cookie Type | Purpose | Duration | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Site functionality, security | Session/1 year | Legitimate interest |
| Analytics | Anonymous traffic analysis | 2 years | Consent |
| Advertising | Non-personalized ads | Variable | Consent |
| Preferences | Remember your settings | 1 year | Legitimate interest |
Cookie Management: You can control cookies through our cookie banner (displayed on first visit) or your browser settings. Blocking essential cookies may affect site functionality.
How We Use Your Information
Primary Uses of Personal Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
Educational Content Delivery (Legitimate Interest)
- Providing free automotive tutorials and guides
- Improving content based on user behavior and feedback
- Ensuring website security and preventing abuse
- Troubleshooting technical issues and optimizing performance
Communication & Support (Consent/Legitimate Interest)
- Responding to your inquiries and support requests
- Sending newsletters and educational updates (only with consent)
- Notifying you of important policy changes or site updates
Legal Compliance & Safety (Legal Obligation)
- Complying with applicable laws and regulations
- Protecting against fraud, spam, and security threats
- Responding to law enforcement requests when legally required
Analytics & Website Improvement
We analyze anonymized usage data to:
- Understand which content is most helpful to users
- Identify technical issues and improve site performance
- Plan new educational content based on user interests
- Ensure mobile-friendly and accessible design
Data Minimization: We only collect data necessary for these specific purposes and retain it for the minimum time required.
Third-Party Services & Data Sharing
Google AdSense & Advertising Partners
Important Notice: We use Google AdSense to display advertisements that help support our free educational content.
What this means for you:
- Third-party cookies may be placed on your device by Google and advertising partners
- Non-personalized ads are displayed based on page content, not your personal profile
- Your browsing data may be processed by Google for ad delivery and measurement
- You can opt out of personalized advertising through Google Ads Settings
Advertising Data Processing:
- Location: Data may be processed in the United States and other countries
- Purpose: Ad delivery, frequency capping, and performance measurement
- Control: Visit Google Ads Settings to manage preferences
Analytics Services
Google Analytics (Anonymized)
- Purpose: Website traffic analysis and content optimization
- Data collected: Anonymized user behavior, page views, session duration
- Opt-out: Available through Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
Other Analytics Tools
We may use additional privacy-focused analytics tools (such as Plausible.io) that:
- Process data anonymously without personal identification
- Don’t use cookies or cross-site tracking
- Comply with privacy-by-design principles
Email Service Providers
For newsletter subscriptions and communications:
- Service providers may include MailerLite, ConvertKit, or similar platforms
- Data shared: Email address and subscription preferences only
- Purpose: Delivering educational content and updates
- Unsubscribe: Available in every email or by contacting us
Data Sharing Limitations
We DO NOT:
- Sell personal information to third parties
- Share data with unauthorized partners
- Use information for purposes beyond those disclosed
- Transfer data without appropriate safeguards
We MAY share anonymized data:
- Aggregated statistics for industry research
- Performance metrics with service providers
- Technical data for troubleshooting and support
International Data Transfers & Legal Compliance
Global Privacy Framework Compliance
GDPR Compliance (European Union)
For users in the EU/EEA, we ensure:
- Lawful processing based on legitimate interest or consent
- Data minimization and purpose limitation
- Appropriate safeguards for international transfers
- Full user rights including access, rectification, and erasure
CCPA Compliance (California, USA)
For California residents, we provide:
- Transparent disclosures about data collection and use
- Right to know what information is collected and why
- Right to delete personal information (with exceptions)
- Non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights
Other Jurisdictions
We respect privacy laws in all jurisdictions where our users are located and adapt our practices accordingly.
Data Transfer Safeguards
When data is transferred outside your country:
- Adequacy decisions – We rely on EU adequacy decisions where available
- Standard contractual clauses – For transfers to countries without adequacy decisions
- Certified partners – We work with Privacy Shield and equivalent certified providers
- Technical safeguards – Encryption and security measures protect data in transit
Your Privacy Rights & How to Exercise Them
Universal Rights (Available to All Users)
Access to Information
- Request details about what personal information we hold about you
- Understand how your data is processed and for what purposes
- Response time: 30 days maximum
Data Correction
- Request updates to inaccurate or incomplete information
- Modify your email preferences or contact details
- How to request: Email: privacy@procarmanuals.com
Communication Preferences
- Unsubscribe from newsletters and marketing communications
- Opt out of non-essential cookies and tracking
- How to manage: Click unsubscribe links or contact us
Enhanced Rights (GDPR/CCPA Users)
Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”)
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Exceptions: Information required for legal compliance or legitimate interests
- Timeline: Completed within 30 days when legally permissible
Data Portability
- Receive your data in a machine-readable format
- Transfer information to another service provider
- Available for: Information provided with your consent or for contract performance
Right to Restrict Processing
- Limit how we use your information in specific circumstances
- Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Assessment: We evaluate each request individually
Automated Decision-Making
- We do not use automated decision-making or profiling that significantly affects users
- All content recommendations are based on general user behavior patterns
California-Specific Rights (CCPA)
Categories of Information Collected (Last 12 Months)
- Identifiers: Email addresses from voluntary submissions
- Internet activity: Website usage through cookies and analytics
- Technical data: Device information and IP addresses (anonymized)
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
- We do not sell personal information to third parties
- Advertising partnerships involve data sharing for ad delivery only
- Opt-out link: Available in site footer and this policy
How to Exercise CCPA Rights
- Email: privacy@procarmanuals.com with “CCPA REQUEST” in subject
- Verification: We may ask for verification to protect against fraud
- No discrimination: Exercising rights won’t affect service quality
ZData Security & Retention
Security Measures
Technical Safeguards
- SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission
- Secure hosting with reputable providers
- Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments
- Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel
Organizational Safeguards
- Staff training on data protection and privacy principles
- Data handling procedures minimizing exposure risks
- Incident response plan for potential security breaches
- Regular audits of data processing activities
Data Retention Periods
| Information Type | Retention Period | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Email subscriptions | Until unsubscribed + 1 year | Legal compliance |
| Contact form submissions | 2 years | Support and follow-up |
| Website analytics | 26 months (Google Analytics default) | Performance analysis |
| Security logs | 1 year | Fraud prevention and security |
Automated Deletion: We implement automated systems to delete data when retention periods expire.
Data Breach Response
If a security incident occurs:
- Assessment within 24 hours of discovery
- User notification within 72 hours if required by law
- Authority notification to relevant data protection authorities
- Remediation measures to prevent future incidents
- Transparency about what happened and steps taken
Cookies & Consent Management
Cookie Banner & Consent
First Visit Experience
- Cookie banner displayed with clear consent options
- Granular choices: Essential, Analytics, Advertising categories
- Equal prominence: Accept and Reject buttons equally visible
- No pre-ticked boxes: Active consent required for non-essential cookies
Ongoing Consent Management
- Preference center accessible via footer link
- Easy withdrawal of consent at any time
- Consent logging with timestamps and version tracking
- Regular consent refresh for long-term users
Cookie Categories Explained
Essential Cookies (No consent required)
- Site functionality and security
- User session management
- Load balancing and performance
- Cannot be disabled without affecting site functionality
Analytics Cookies (Consent required)
- Google Analytics (anonymized)
- Page performance monitoring
- User behavior analysis (aggregated)
- Purpose: Content improvement and optimization
Advertising Cookies (Consent required)
- Google AdSense ad delivery
- Frequency capping
- Ad performance measurement
- Purpose: Supporting free educational content
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
Through Our Website
- Click “Cookie Settings” in the footer
- Update preferences in our preference center
- Changes take effect immediately
Through Your Browser
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions
Note: Disabling cookies may affect site functionality and user experience.
Children’s Privacy Protection
Age Requirements & Restrictions
Our Position on Children’s Privacy
- ProCarManuals.com is designed for general audiences, primarily adults interested in automotive repair
- We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 (or 16 in the EU)
- Our content focuses on automotive education that typically requires adult supervision
If We Discover Child Data
- Immediate deletion of any personal information from children under the applicable age
- Parent notification when possible and appropriate
- Process review to prevent future collection
Parental Rights
Parents or guardians who believe we have collected their child’s information may:
- Request access to the information
- Request deletion of the information
- Contact us at privacy@procarmanuals.com
COPPA Compliance (US Users)
For users in the United States:
- We do not target or knowingly collect information from children under 13
- We do not display behavioral advertising to users we know are under 13
- We maintain reasonable procedures to protect against unauthorized collection
Changes to This Privacy Policy
Policy Updates & Notifications
When We Update This Policy
- Changes to legal requirements or privacy regulations
- Modifications to our data processing activities
- Updates to third-party services we use
- Improvements to user rights and protections
How We Notify Users
- Prominent website notice for 30 days after changes
- Email notification to newsletter subscribers for significant changes
- Updated date at the top of this policy
- Version tracking for user reference
Significant Changes
Major changes affecting your rights or data processing will include:
- Clear explanation of what changed and why
- Impact assessment on your privacy
- New consent request when legally required
- Transition period when possible
Your Continued Use
Acceptance of Changes
- Continued use of our website after policy updates indicates acceptance
- However, significant changes may require active consent
- You may discontinue using our services if you disagree with changes
Historical Versions
Previous versions of this policy are available upon request for reference and legal compliance purposes.
Contact Information & Data Protection
Privacy Inquiries & Requests
Primary Contact
Email: privacy@procarmanuals.com
Subject Line: Please specify your request type (Access, Deletion, Correction, etc.)
Response Time: 48-72 hours for acknowledgment, 30 days for full response
Types of Requests We Handle
- Data access and portability requests
- Correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion requests (where legally permitted)
- Consent withdrawal and opt-out requests
- General privacy questions and concerns
Legal & Compliance Contact
For Legal Matters
Email: admin@procarmanuals.com
Subject: Mark as “PRIVACY LEGAL INQUIRY” for priority handling
Regulatory Inquiries
We cooperate fully with data protection authorities and regulatory bodies. Official inquiries should be sent to our legal contact above.
Complaint Resolution
If You’re Not Satisfied
- First, contact us directly to resolve concerns
- We are committed to addressing privacy issues promptly and fairly
- Most issues can be resolved through direct communication
Regulatory Complaints
You have the right to file complaints with relevant data protection authorities:
- EU users: Your local Data Protection Authority or the European Data Protection Board
- California users: California Attorney General’s Office
- Other jurisdictions: Your local privacy or consumer protection authority
Effective Date: This policy becomes effective immediately upon posting and applies to all information collected from the effective date forward.
Agreement: By using ProCarManuals.com, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy and all applicable terms of service.
