Terms of Service

1. Introduction & Definitions

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User", "you", "your") and VehicleCare ("we", "us", "our", "the Company"), a business operating under the laws of the Republic of South Africa, with principal place of business in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

VehicleCare is a mobile and web-based vehicle maintenance companion application that enables users to track wear items, log services, manage compliance documents (including but not limited to license disk, roadworthy certificate, driver's license, PrDP, and insurance), and receive reminder notifications.

By accessing, downloading, installing, or using the VehicleCare application, website, or any related services (collectively, the "Services"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must immediately cease all use of the Services.

2. Eligibility & Account Registration

2.1. You must be at least 18 years of age and legally capable of entering into binding contracts under South African law to use the Services. Minors may only use the Services under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian who accepts these Terms on their behalf.

2.2. To access certain features, you must register an account using accurate, current, and complete information. You agree to maintain the accuracy of your account information and to keep your password secure. You are solely responsible for all activity occurring under your account.

2.3. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that provide false information, engage in fraudulent activity, or violate these Terms.

3. Consumer Protection Act Compliance

3.1. VehicleCare complies with the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 ("CPA"). Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any right or remedy conferred by the CPA where such exclusion would be unlawful.

3.2. Cooling-off period: In accordance with Section 44 of the CPA, you have the right to cancel any paid subscription within 7 (seven) business days of first subscribing, for a full refund, provided you have not materially used the premium features during that period.

3.3. Fair and reasonable terms: We undertake that these Terms are fair, reasonable, and just in terms of Section 48 of the CPA. No provision herein shall be construed as unfair, unreasonable, or unjust.

3.4. Plain language: These Terms are drafted in plain language as required by Section 22 of the CPA. If any term is unclear, please contact us at info@vehiclecare.co.za for clarification.

4. Subscription Plans, Billing & Payment

4.1. VehicleCare offers a Free plan and a Pro subscription plan. Pricing is denominated in South African Rand (ZAR) and inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) at the applicable rate.

4.2. Pro subscriptions are billed monthly via PayFast or other approved payment processors. By subscribing, you authorise recurring charges until cancellation.

4.3. Price changes: We may adjust subscription fees with 30 days' prior written notice via email. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the new pricing.

4.4. Late or failed payments: If payment fails, we will attempt to retry. After 7 days of non-payment, your account may be downgraded to the Free plan with potential loss of premium data access.

4.5. All payments are processed in accordance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). We do not store your full credit card details.

5. Cancellation & Refund Policy

5.1. You may cancel your Pro subscription at any time through your account settings or by emailing info@vehiclecare.co.za. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing cycle.

5.2. No partial refunds: Except as required by the CPA cooling-off period (Section 3.2) or where we materially breach these Terms, we do not provide pro-rata or partial refunds for unused subscription periods.

5.3. Refunds for technical failure: If the Services are materially unavailable or defective for more than 48 consecutive hours due to our fault, you may request a credit or refund for the affected period.

5.4. Refund requests must be submitted within 30 days of the charge date and will be processed within 14 business days to the original payment method.

6. User Data, POPIA & Privacy

6.1. We process personal information in strict compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 ("POPIA"). Our Information Officer can be contacted at info@vehiclecare.co.za.

6.2. By using the Services, you consent to our collection, use, and processing of your personal information as described in our Privacy Policy.

6.3. Data retention: We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by South African law (e.g., tax records for 5 years under the Tax Administration Act).

6.4. You have the right under POPIA to access, correct, delete, or object to the processing of your personal information. Submit requests to info@vehiclecare.co.za.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1. All intellectual property rights in the Services, including but not limited to software, code, designs, logos, trademarks, and content, are owned by VehicleCare or its licensors and are protected by South African and international intellectual property laws.

7.2. We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable licence to use the Services for personal, non-commercial vehicle maintenance purposes.

7.3. You may not reverse-engineer, decompile, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from the Services without our express written consent.

8. User Content & Vehicle Data

8.1. You retain ownership of all data you input into the Services, including vehicle information, service records, and photographs ("User Content").

8.2. You grant us a non-exclusive licence to use, store, and process your User Content solely for the purpose of providing and improving the Services.

8.3. Accuracy disclaimer: VehicleCare provides estimates and reminders based on the information you provide. We do not guarantee the accuracy of wear predictions, and you should always consult a qualified mechanic for definitive assessments. The Services do not constitute professional automotive advice.

8.4. Roadworthiness: Compliance document tracking is for convenience only. VehicleCare is not affiliated with the South African Department of Transport, RTMC, or any testing station. It remains your sole responsibility to ensure your vehicle is legally roadworthy.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1. To the maximum extent permitted by South African law, VehicleCare shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Services.

9.2. Our total aggregate liability for any claim arising under these Terms shall not exceed the total amount you have paid to us in the 12 months preceding the claim, or R1,000.00 (One Thousand Rand), whichever is greater.

9.3. Nothing in this Section 9 limits liability for fraud, gross negligence, wilful misconduct, or any liability that cannot be excluded under the CPA.

10. Service Availability & Modifications

10.1. We aim to maintain 99% monthly uptime but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. Scheduled maintenance will be communicated in advance where practicable.

10.2. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any feature of the Services at any time with reasonable notice.

10.3. We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be notified via email or in-app notice at least 14 days before taking effect. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

11. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

11.1. These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

11.2. Any dispute arising from these Terms shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved within 30 days, either party may refer the dispute to mediation under the rules of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA).

11.3. If mediation fails, the dispute shall be finally resolved by arbitration in Johannesburg, conducted in English, in accordance with AFSA rules. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding.

12. Contact Information

For questions, complaints, or legal notices regarding these Terms, contact us at: