Privacy Policy

Here's the deal - we use your info to actually do our job and provide you with solid service. Nothing sketchy, promise:

• Scheduling & Service: Setting up your appointments, ordering parts, performing diagnostics, and keeping detailed records of what we've done to your vehicle.
• Communication: Calling or emailing you about your service status, sending appointment reminders (because life gets busy), and reaching out if we find something that needs attention.
• Maintenance Reminders: Shooting you a heads-up when it's time for an oil change, brake inspection, or other preventative maintenance. We've seen too many engines seized up from missed oil changes.
• Billing & Payments: Processing payments, sending invoices, handling warranty claims if applicable.
• Improving Our Services: Analyzing which services are most common, what times are busiest, and where we can do better. We're always trying to streamline things.
• Legal Compliance: Keeping records for warranty purposes, tax requirements, and other regulatory stuff we gotta deal with in Canada.

We might also send you occasional newsletters or special offers, but you can opt out of those anytime. Just hit that unsubscribe link or let us know.

We take security pretty seriously around here. After all, we're protecting diagnostic computers worth thousands of dollars - we know a thing or two about security measures:

• Encrypted Storage: All your personal data is encrypted both when it's sitting in our database and when it's being transmitted. Think of it like putting everything in a locked safe.
• Secure Payment Processing: We use industry-standard payment processors that are PCI compliant. Your credit card info never touches our servers directly.
• Limited Access: Only staff members who actually need access to customer information can get to it. Not everyone needs to see everything.
• Regular Backups: We back up all data regularly to secure servers, so if something goes haywire, we won't lose your service history.
• Secure Facility: Our physical shop has security systems in place, and customer records are kept in locked areas when not in use.
• Software Updates: We keep all our systems updated with the latest security patches. Same principle as keeping your car's software updated.

That said, no system is 100% bulletproof. We do everything we can, but if there's ever a breach, we'll let you know immediately and work to fix it.

We're not in the business of selling your data to random companies. But there are a few situations where we need to share info:

• Parts Suppliers: Sometimes we need to provide your VIN or vehicle details to order the right parts. They don't get your personal contact info though.
• Payment Processors: Your payment info goes through secure third-party processors like Stripe or Square. They're the experts at handling that stuff safely.
• Warranty Companies: If you've got warranty coverage, we might need to submit service records to them for claims processing.
• Service Partners: Occasionally we'll refer specialized work to trusted partners (like if your European vehicle needs a specific part we can't get). We'll only share what's necessary for them to help you.
• Legal Requirements: If we're legally required to hand over information (like a court order or government request), we have to comply. But we'll fight any unreasonable requests.
• Business Transfers: If we ever sell the business or merge with another shop, your records would transfer to the new owners. You'd be notified if this happens.

We don't sell or rent your personal information to marketers, data brokers, or anyone else. That's just not how we operate.

We don't keep your information forever, but we do need to hang onto it for a reasonable amount of time:

• Service Records: We typically keep these for 7-10 years. This helps with warranty claims, tracking vehicle history, and honestly, it's pretty useful when you come back years later asking "what did you guys do to my car back in 2020?"
• Financial Records: Canadian tax law requires us to keep invoices and payment records for at least 7 years.
• Appointment History: We keep this as long as you're an active customer, plus a few years after your last visit.
• Marketing Preferences: We'll keep track of your communication preferences until you ask us to delete them or you've been inactive for a really long time.
• Website Data: Analytics and website usage data is typically kept for 1-2 years, then automatically deleted.

If you want us to delete your information sooner, just ask. We'll do it unless we're legally required to keep it (like for tax purposes).

This is your data, and Canadian privacy laws give you some solid rights. Here's what you can do:

• Access Your Information: You can request a copy of all the personal data we have about you. We'll get it to you within 30 days.
• Correct Inaccurate Info: If we've got something wrong (like an old phone number or incorrect vehicle info), let us know and we'll fix it.
• Delete Your Data: You can ask us to delete your personal information. We'll do it unless we need to keep it for legal reasons.
• Opt Out of Marketing: Don't want service reminders or promotional emails? No problem. Just click unsubscribe or tell us directly.
• Restrict Processing: You can ask us to limit how we use your data in certain situations.
• Data Portability: Want to take your service records to another shop? We can provide them in a commonly used format.
• Withdraw Consent: If you've given us permission for something (like marketing emails), you can change your mind anytime.

To exercise any of these rights, just shoot us an email at service@glaithroncontinuum.info or give us a call. We'll need to verify your identity first (can't just hand out customer data to anyone who asks), but we'll handle it quickly.

If you've got concerns about how we're handling your data, you can also file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. But honestly, we'd prefer if you came to us first so we can sort it out directly.

Yeah, we use cookies. Not the chocolate chip kind (though those would be better). These are small files that help our website work properly:

• Essential Cookies: These keep the website functioning - things like remembering you're logged into the appointment system or keeping items in your cart if we add online parts ordering.
• Analytics Cookies: We use these to see which pages people visit, how long they stay, where they're getting stuck. Helps us improve the site. We use Google Analytics but have it set to anonymize IP addresses.
• Preference Cookies: These remember your settings, like if you prefer certain view options or have dismissed certain notifications.
• Marketing Cookies: These track whether you came from an ad or clicked on a promotional email. Helps us figure out what marketing actually works.

Most browsers let you block or delete cookies if you want. Just know that some features might not work as smoothly. You can usually find cookie settings in your browser's privacy or security section.

We don't use any creepy retargeting stuff that follows you around the internet. That's always weirded us out.

Our website might link to other sites or use third-party services. Here's what you should know:

• Parts Manufacturer Sites: We sometimes link to manufacturer websites for more detailed product info. Once you click through, their privacy policies apply, not ours.
• Social Media: If we've got social media buttons, clicking those will take you to Facebook, Instagram, etc. Those companies have their own privacy policies.
• Map Services: Our contact page probably uses Google Maps to show our location. Google's privacy policy covers how they handle that interaction.
• Review Platforms: If you leave us a review on Google or other platforms, that's governed by their terms, not ours.

We try to only work with reputable companies, but we can't control their privacy practices. It's worth checking their policies if you're concerned.

We'll send you a few different types of emails, and you've got control over most of them:

• Transactional Emails: These are the must-send ones - appointment confirmations, service completion notices, invoices. You can't opt out of these because they're directly related to our service.
• Service Reminders: When it's time for your next oil change or inspection, we'll send a reminder. You can opt out of these if you prefer to track maintenance yourself.
• Promotional Emails: Special offers, seasonal maintenance tips, new service announcements. These are totally optional - unsubscribe anytime.
• Newsletters: If we send them (and that's a big if), they'd have helpful maintenance tips and shop updates. Again, totally optional.

Every marketing email has an unsubscribe link at the bottom. One click and you're off that list. You can also call or email us to manage your preferences - whatever's easiest for you.

We might need to update this privacy policy from time to time. Maybe there's a new law we need to comply with, or we've added a new service that changes how we handle data.

When we make changes, we'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. If it's a major change that significantly affects your privacy, we'll send you an email or post a notice on our website.

It's probably worth checking back here occasionally, especially if you haven't visited in a while. We'll always try to be transparent about what's changing and why.