1. Who We Are

GarageIQ ("we", "us") is a free automotive information resource operated by Joseph Michael. Contact: contact@garageiq.org

2. What Data We Collect

• Account data (optional): If you create an account, your email address is stored securely in Supabase. Passwords are hashed — we never store them in plaintext.
• Garage & service log: Vehicles you save and service entries you log are stored in Supabase, linked to your account. This enables cross-device sync.
• Forum posts: Posts and replies you write are stored in Supabase and visible to other users.
• Local storage (no login): Step progress, recently viewed guides, maintenance mileage, and guest service log entries are stored only in your browser's localStorage and never sent to our servers.
• Analytics data: We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to understand how visitors use GarageIQ. GA4 collects anonymized data including pages visited, time on site, device type, and approximate location (country/city level). This data is processed by Google and subject to Google's Privacy Policy. Google Analytics uses cookies and similar technologies.
• Vehicle searches: We do not log or store your individual vehicle searches, VIN lookups, or OBD code queries on our own servers.

3. Cookies & Tracking

GarageIQ uses the following cookies and browser storage:

• Google Analytics cookies (_ga, _gid, _ga_*): Set by Google Analytics to distinguish users and sessions. These persist for up to 2 years. You can opt out via Google's opt-out browser add-on.
• Supabase auth cookies/tokens: Set when you sign in, used to maintain your session. Cleared when you sign out.
• localStorage (browser only): Stores your preferences (dark mode, language), step progress, recently viewed guides, and guest service log. Not transmitted to any server.

We do not use advertising cookies, Facebook Pixel, or any other third-party advertising trackers.

4. Third-Party Services

• NHTSA (nhtsa.gov): Recall data, complaints, VIN decoding. No personal data is sent.
• EPA (fueleconomy.gov): Engine specifications and fuel economy data. No personal data is sent.
• Supabase: Secure backend database and authentication. Data is stored in the US. See Supabase's privacy policy.
• Google Analytics 4: Site usage analytics. See Google's privacy policy. Measurement ID: G-JW0TDDH5KF.
• Google Fonts: Typography loaded from Google's CDN. Google may log your IP address.
• Affiliate retailers (AutoZone, Amazon, O'Reilly Auto Parts, RockAuto): Parts links in repair guides may be affiliate links. Clicking these links sends you to those retailers' websites, which have their own privacy policies. See Section 6 (Affiliate Disclosure) for details.

5. Data Storage & Security

Account data, garage vehicles, and forum posts are stored in Supabase with row-level security (RLS) — only you can read or modify your own data. Role escalation is blocked at the database level. Data is synced across all your devices when you're signed in.

6. Affiliate Disclosure

GarageIQ participates in affiliate programs with AutoZone, Amazon, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and RockAuto. When you click a parts link in a repair guide and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This income helps keep GarageIQ free. Affiliate relationships do not influence which parts are recommended — suggestions are based solely on what's needed for the repair.

7. Children's Privacy

GarageIQ is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, contact us and we will delete it.

8. Your Rights

You may request deletion of your account and all associated data by contacting us — we will permanently remove it from Supabase within 30 days. For privacy inquiries: contact@garageiq.org

If you are in the EU/EEA, you have additional rights under GDPR including the right to access, rectify, or restrict processing of your personal data. Contact us to exercise these rights.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Continued use of GarageIQ after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy. Material changes (such as adding new data collection) will be noted at the top of this page with a revised date.

1. Acceptance

By accessing or using GarageIQ ("the Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

2. Informational Use Only — Safety Warning

GarageIQ is an informational resource only — it is not professional mechanical advice. Vehicle repair involves inherent risks including personal injury, death, property damage, fire, and voiding manufacturer warranties. You assume all risk for any repair you undertake.

Always consult a qualified, certified mechanic (ASE-certified or manufacturer-certified) before performing safety-critical repairs including — but not limited to — brakes, steering, suspension components, fuel systems, electrical systems, airbag systems, and emissions equipment. GarageIQ is not responsible for any injury, damage, loss, or legal liability arising from actions taken based on information found on this site.

3. Data Accuracy

Vehicle data is sourced from official NHTSA and EPA government databases. We make no warranty — express or implied — that data is accurate, complete, current, or suitable for your specific vehicle, trim, or model year. Torque specifications, fluid types, and procedures must be verified against your vehicle's official factory service manual before performing any work. Data errors or omissions do not create any liability on our part.

4. Affiliate Links Disclosure

GarageIQ participates in affiliate advertising programs. Parts links in repair guides (to AutoZone, Amazon, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and RockAuto) may be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, GarageIQ may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. This is disclosed in compliance with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines on endorsements and testimonials (16 CFR Part 255). Affiliate relationships do not affect the repair guidance or parts recommendations provided — we only recommend parts that are appropriate for the repair.

5. Analytics

GarageIQ uses Google Analytics 4 to collect anonymized usage data. By using the Service, you consent to such data collection as described in our Privacy Policy. You may opt out of Google Analytics at any time using Google's browser opt-out add-on.

6. User Accounts & Community

You are solely responsible for content you post in the community forum. Prohibited content includes: spam, illegal material, personal attacks, medical or legal advice, vehicle safety misinformation, and any content that could endanger another person. We reserve the right to remove any content and permanently ban accounts without notice for violations of these standards or applicable law.

7. Intellectual Property

GarageIQ's original code, visual design, and guide content are © 2026 Joseph Michael. All rights reserved. Government data from NHTSA and EPA is public domain. Vehicle images sourced from Wikipedia are licensed under Creative Commons — see individual image pages for specific licenses. You may not reproduce, distribute, or commercially exploit GarageIQ's original content without written permission.

8. Limitation of Liability

GarageIQ is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. In no event shall GarageIQ, its operators, or contributors be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages of any kind arising from: (a) your use of or inability to use the Service; (b) reliance on information provided by the Service; (c) any repair performed based on information from the Service; or (d) unauthorized access to or alteration of your data.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless GarageIQ and its operators from any claims, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Service, violation of these Terms, or any repair you perform based on information from the Service.

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States. Any disputes shall be resolved in the applicable federal or state courts. If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

11. Changes to Terms

We may revise these Terms at any time. Continued use of GarageIQ after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. Check this page periodically for updates.

12. Contact

For questions about these Terms: contact@garageiq.org