Mechanic's Ear ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and related services (collectively, the "App").
By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the App.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide to Us
We may collect information that you voluntarily provide when using the App, including:
- Email Address: Used for account creation, authentication, and communication
- Vehicle Information: Make, model, year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for diagnostic purposes and recall lookups
- Diagnostic Data: OBD2 codes, scan results, maintenance logs, and service history you choose to store
- Voice Recordings: Optional voice notes for maintenance logging (stored as text after transcription)
- User Content: Any notes, comments, or information you input into the App
1.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you use the App, we may automatically collect certain information, including:
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers
- Usage Data: Features used, time spent in App, interaction patterns
- Performance Data: App crashes, errors, and technical diagnostics
- Location Data: Approximate location (if you enable location services) for finding nearby mechanics
1.3 Bluetooth OBD2 Data
When you connect a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter to the App:
- Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are read directly from your vehicle
- Real-time vehicle sensor data may be accessed
- This data is processed locally on your device and stored only if you choose to save it
- We do not share raw vehicle data with third parties without your explicit consent
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- Provide Services: Deliver diagnostic information, code explanations, and vehicle management features
- VIN Lookups: Query the NHTSA database for vehicle information and safety recalls
- Personalization: Remember your vehicles, preferences, and maintenance history
- Communication: Send service reminders, important updates, and respond to inquiries
- Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to improve App features and user experience
- Support: Provide customer service and technical support
- Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Security: Detect and prevent fraud, unauthorized access, and other malicious activities
3. Third-Party Services
The App integrates with the following third-party services that may collect and process your information:
3.1 Supabase (Database & Authentication)
3.2 RevenueCat (Subscription Management)
3.3 Google AdMob (Advertising)
- Displays advertisements in the free version of the App
- May collect device identifiers and usage data for ad personalization
- You can opt out of personalized advertising in your device settings
- Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
3.4 Amazon Associates (Affiliate Program)
- Product recommendations may include affiliate links to Amazon
- We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links
- Amazon may collect information when you click these links
- Privacy Policy: Amazon Privacy Notice
3.5 NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- VIN lookups and recall information are retrieved from the public NHTSA database
- VINs are sent to NHTSA servers only when you initiate a lookup
- This is a free government service; we do not control their data practices
4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:
4.1 With Your Consent
We may share your information when you explicitly consent or direct us to do so.
4.2 Service Providers
We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf (as listed in Section 3).
4.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government regulation, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to:
- Comply with legal obligations
- Protect our rights, property, or safety
- Prevent fraud or security threats
- Protect the rights and safety of our users
4.4 Business Transfers
If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
5. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Specifically:
- Account Information: Retained until you delete your account
- Vehicle Data: Retained until you remove the vehicle or delete your account
- Diagnostic History: Retained as long as you maintain your account, or until you manually delete records
- Usage Data: Typically retained for 12-24 months for analytics purposes
After deletion, some information may remain in backup systems for a limited period for legal and security purposes.
6. Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your information:
6.1 Access and Portability
You can access and export your data through the App's settings.
6.2 Correction
You can update or correct your information directly in the App.
6.3 Deletion
You can delete specific records or your entire account through the App settings. Contact us at [email protected] if you need assistance.
6.4 Opt-Out of Communications
You can unsubscribe from promotional emails using the unsubscribe link in any email we send.
6.5 Advertising
You can limit ad tracking through your device settings:
- iOS: Settings → Privacy → Advertising → Limit Ad Tracking
- Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization
6.6 California Privacy Rights
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect and how we use it, and the right to request deletion of your personal information.
7. Children's Privacy
The App is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.
8. Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information, including:
- Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS
- Secure authentication through industry-standard protocols
- Regular security audits and updates
- Limited employee access to personal information
However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your jurisdiction. By using the App, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where our service providers operate.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated Privacy Policy in the App
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)
Your continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
11. Contact Us
12. Acknowledgment
By using Mechanic's Ear, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.