What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit them. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferences or login status.
Cookies serve important functions:
- Functionality: Keeping you logged in, remembering your preferences
- Analytics: Understanding how visitors use the Site
- Advertising: Showing you relevant ads based on your interests
- Affiliate tracking: Recording when you click affiliate links
Cookies are not harmful and do not contain viruses. Most modern websites use them to improve user experience.
Types of Cookies We Use
| Cookie Category | Purpose | Provider | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Site functionality, security, session management | CarCompatibility.com | Session or persistent (varies) |
| Analytics | Track page views, user behaviour, traffic sources | Google Analytics | Up to 2 years |
| Advertising | Personalise ads based on browsing history and interests | Google AdSense, Ad Networks | Up to 2 years |
| Affiliate Tracking | Track clicks on Amazon affiliate links and referrals | Amazon Associates | 24 hours to 90 days |
Analytics Cookies
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our Site. This helps us improve content, fix problems, and create better guides.
What Data Is Collected?
- Pages you visit and how long you spend on each
- Your device type (mobile, tablet, desktop)
- Your browser type (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
- Operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)
- Where you came from (search engine, social media, direct link)
- An anonymised version of your IP address
Data Protection
Google Analytics data is anonymised by default. Your individual visits are not identified. We use this data only to see trends (e.g., “80% of visitors view wiper blade guides on mobile”).
Opting Out
You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking:
- Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Manage your Google account privacy settings
For more information, see Google’s Privacy Policy.
Advertising Cookies
We display ads from Google AdSense and other ad networks. These partners use cookies to show you more relevant advertisements based on your interests and browsing history.
How Advertising Cookies Work
Advertising networks create a profile of your interests based on:
- Websites you visit
- Types of content you view
- Products you search for
- Ads you interact with
This allows them to show you ads for car parts and maintenance products you’re likely interested in.
Data Shared
We do not share your personal data (name, email, phone) with advertisers. Ad networks receive only:
- Cookie identifiers
- General interest categories (e.g., “automotive”)
- Device and browser information
Opting Out of Personalised Ads
- Visit Google Ads Settings to manage your ad preferences
- Join the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) opt-out
- Use the Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out
Note: Opting out does not stop ads; it just makes them less personalised.
Affiliate Tracking Cookies
We are an Amazon Associates affiliate partner. When you click an Amazon link on our Site, Amazon sets a tracking cookie to record that you were referred by us.
What Amazon Tracks
- That you clicked a link from CarCompatibility.com
- What products you view on Amazon
- If you make a purchase (so we receive a commission)
- Products in your shopping cart
How Long Does the Cookie Last?
Amazon’s affiliate cookie lasts for up to 90 days in most cases. This means if you click our Amazon link today but make a purchase a week later, we’ll still receive a commission.
Your Privacy
No personal data about you is shared with us. We don’t know your name, email, or purchase history. We only know:
- That a visitor from our Site made a purchase
- General product categories purchased
- Approximate commission amount
See Amazon Associates Privacy for details.
How to Manage Cookies
You have full control over cookies on your device. You can view, manage, and delete cookies at any time using your browser settings.
View & Delete Cookies
- Click the menu icon (⋮) in the top-right corner
- Select Settings
- Click Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- You’ll see all cookies. Click a Site to view its cookies
- Click the X next to a cookie to delete it
- Click the menu icon (☰) in the top-right corner
- Select Settings
- Go to Privacy & Security
- Under Cookies and Site Data, click Manage Data
- Find CarCompatibility.com and click Remove
- Click Safari in the menu bar
- Select Preferences (or Settings on newer versions)
- Click the Privacy tab
- Click Manage Website Data
- Find our Site and click Remove
- Click the menu icon (•••) in the top-right corner
- Select Settings
- Click Privacy, search, and services
- Under Cookies and other site permissions, click Manage cookies and site permissions
- Find CarCompatibility.com to view and delete cookies
Disabling Cookies
Block All Cookies
You can configure your browser to block all cookies. However, this may affect Site functionality:
- Some pages may not display correctly
- You may not be able to use certain features
- Personalisation features may not work
We recommend allowing essential cookies while blocking non-essential analytics and advertising cookies if you prefer.
Block Cookies by Type
| Browser | How to Block Non-Essential Cookies |
|---|---|
| Chrome | Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data → Block third-party cookies |
| Firefox | Settings → Privacy & Security → Enhanced Tracking Protection (tick “Standard” or “Strict”) |
| Safari | Preferences → Privacy → Prevent cross-site tracking (Mac) or Settings → Privacy (iOS) |
| Edge | Settings → Privacy → Tracking prevention (select “Strict”) |
Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our use of cookies, new technologies, or legal requirements. We’ll update the “Last updated” date above. Please review this policy periodically for changes.
Questions?
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us.