Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Drive Hacks ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website drive-hacks.com. This policy explains what these technologies are, why we use them, and your rights to control our use of them.

This Cookie Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small data files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used by website owners to make their websites work more efficiently and to provide reporting information.

Cookies set by the website owner are called "first-party cookies." Cookies set by parties other than the website owner are called "third-party cookies." Third-party cookies enable third-party features or functionality to be provided on or through the website (e.g., advertising, interactive content, and analytics).

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device until they expire or you delete them
• Secure Cookies: Cookies that are only transmitted over secure HTTPS connections
• HttpOnly Cookies: Cookies that cannot be accessed through client-side scripts

3. Why We Use Cookies

We use first-party and third-party cookies for several reasons:

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary for the operation of our website. They enable you to navigate our website and use its features, such as accessing secure areas. Without these cookies, some services cannot be provided.

• User authentication and security
• Shopping cart functionality
• Form submission and validation
• Load balancing and site performance
• Cookie consent preferences

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information about how visitors use our website, such as which pages are visited most often and if users receive error messages. This information helps us improve how our website works.

• Google Analytics for website traffic analysis
• Page load times and performance monitoring
• User journey and behavior analysis
• Error tracking and debugging
• A/B testing and optimization

3.3 Functionality Cookies

These cookies allow our website to remember choices you make and provide enhanced, more personal features.

• Language and region preferences
• User interface customizations
• Recently viewed products
• Accessibility settings
• Video player preferences

3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver advertisements more relevant to you and your interests. They also help limit the number of times you see an advertisement and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

• Google Ads and remarketing
• Facebook Pixel for social media advertising
• Interest-based advertising
• Conversion tracking
• Cross-device targeting

4. Specific Cookies We Use

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Cookie Consent Manager

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Accept only essential cookies
• Customize your preferences by category

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our website footer or by clearing your browser cookies and revisiting our site.

5.2 Browser Controls

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
• Block third-party cookies
• Block cookies from particular sites
• Block all cookies from being set
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

5.3 Browser-Specific Instructions

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data

5.4 Mobile Device Controls

For mobile devices, you can control cookies through your browser app settings or device settings:

• iOS: Settings > Safari > Block All Cookies
• Android: Browser app > Settings > Privacy > Accept cookies

6. Third-Party Cookie Providers

6.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how our website is used. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information about website usage without identifying individual users.

You can opt-out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

6.2 Social Media Platforms

We use social media plugins and tracking pixels from platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These services may set their own cookies when you interact with their content on our website.

6.3 Advertising Networks

We work with advertising partners who may use cookies to deliver targeted advertisements. You can opt-out of interest-based advertising through:

• Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada
• Network Advertising Initiative
• Your Online Choices

7. Impact of Disabling Cookies

While you can disable cookies, please note that doing so may affect your experience on our website:

7.1 Essential Cookies

Disabling essential cookies may result in:

• Inability to log in or maintain sessions
• Loss of form data when navigating between pages
• Reduced security features
• Need to re-enter preferences on each visit

7.2 Analytics Cookies

Disabling analytics cookies means:

• We cannot improve our website based on usage data
• We cannot identify and fix technical issues as quickly
• Your visits will not be counted in our analytics

7.3 Marketing Cookies

Disabling marketing cookies results in:

• Less relevant advertisements
• More repetitive advertising
• Inability to measure advertising effectiveness
• No personalized content recommendations

8. Data Protection and Security

8.1 Cookie Security

We implement security measures to protect cookie data:

• Secure flag for cookies transmitted over HTTPS
• HttpOnly flag to prevent script access
• SameSite attribute to prevent CSRF attacks
• Regular security audits and updates

8.2 Data Minimization

We follow data minimization principles:

• Collect only necessary cookie data
• Use shortest possible retention periods
• Regularly purge expired cookie data
• Implement automatic data deletion

9. International Data Transfers

Some of our third-party cookie providers may transfer data outside of Canada. When this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Adequacy decisions by Canadian authorities
• Standard contractual clauses
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct
• Binding corporate rules

10. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you through our website banner or email if changes are significant
• Maintain previous versions for your reference
• Provide a summary of key changes when appropriate

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us: