Introduction
CarCompatibility.com (“we”, “us”, “our”, or “the Site”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website.
We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Please read this policy carefully. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Site.
Data We Collect
Information You Provide Directly
- Contact forms: Name, email address, message (if you contact us via our contact page)
- Newsletter: Email address (if you opt-in to our mailing list)
- Feedback: Comments, reviews, or feedback you submit about our content
Information Collected Automatically
- Analytics data: Pages visited, time on site, device type, browser, operating system, referral source (via Google Analytics)
- IP address: Your IP address is automatically collected for analytics and security purposes
- Cookies: Identifiers stored on your device to personalise your experience
- Advertisement data: Advertising networks collect data about your interactions with ads
Information from Third Parties
- Amazon: Affiliate tracking data when you click Amazon affiliate links (no personal data is shared with us)
- Ad networks: Aggregated engagement data from display ad partners
What We Do NOT Collect
We do not collect sensitive personal data such as:
- Financial information (bank accounts, credit card numbers)
- Passwords or security credentials
- Health or medical data
- Racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, or religious beliefs
- Biometric data
Cookies & Tracking Technologies
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and improve your experience.
Types of Cookies We Use
| Cookie Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Site functionality, security, navigation | Session or persistent |
| Analytics | Google Analytics — understand how you use the Site | 2 years |
| Advertising | Google AdSense & ad networks — personalise ads | Varies (up to 2 years) |
| Affiliate tracking | Amazon Associates — track clicks and purchases | 24 hours to 90 days |
Managing Your Cookies
You can control which cookies are stored on your device. Here’s how to manage cookies in your browser:
- Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and other site permissions
You can also opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Third-Party Services
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our Site, including pages visited, time spent, and referral sources. Google Analytics uses cookies and similar tracking technologies.
Data shared: Anonymised IP address, page views, device info, referral source
Google Privacy Policy | How Google uses data
Google AdSense & Display Ads
We display advertisements from Google AdSense and other ad networks to support our Site. These partners may use cookies to personalise ads based on your browsing habits.
Data shared: Cookie data, device type, interests (inferred from browsing)
Amazon Associates Affiliate Program
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme. When you click an Amazon affiliate link, your click is tracked by Amazon (but no personal data about you is shared with us).
Data shared with Amazon: Click data, referral source, purchase data (if you make a purchase)
Third-Party Links
Our Site contains links to external websites (Amazon, tool resources, etc.). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites. Please review their privacy policies before providing personal information.
Legal Basis for Processing Your Data
Under UK GDPR, we process your personal data based on:
- Legitimate interest: Analytics, advertising, and Site improvement (we balance this against your privacy rights)
- Consent: Optional newsletter sign-ups and certain marketing communications (you can withdraw consent at any time)
- Legal obligation: If required by law or court order
- Performance of contract: Responding to customer inquiries
You have the right to object to processing based on legitimate interest. Contact us to exercise this right.
Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Right of access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you
- Right to rectification: Correct inaccurate data
- Right to erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal exceptions)
- Right to restrict processing: Limit how we use your data
- Right to data portability: Receive your data in a portable format
- Right to object: Object to certain types of processing (e.g., marketing)
- Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent for optional processing at any time
- Right to lodge a complaint: File a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
To exercise any of these rights, contact us with your request.
Data Retention
We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary:
| Data Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Contact form submissions | 12 months |
| Newsletter email addresses | Until you unsubscribe |
| Analytics data | 26 months (Google Analytics default) |
| Advertising cookies | Up to 2 years |
| Server logs (IP addresses) | 90 days |
After the retention period expires, we delete or anonymise your data. You can request earlier deletion by contacting us.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your rights, or have privacy concerns, please contact us:
CarCompatibility.com
Email: contact@carcompatibility.com
We will respond to data subject access requests and rights inquiries within 30 days, as required by UK GDPR.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the “Last updated” date and, if necessary, by email. Your continued use of the Site following such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.