Cookie Policy

Last Updated: 1st January 2026

1. What Are Cookies?

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

Cookies allow a website to recognise your device and remember certain information about your visits, such as your preferences and settings.

2. How We Use Cookies

Auto Repair Centre (Loughton) Ltd uses cookies on our website to:

• Remember your cookie consent preferences
• Understand how you use our website
• Improve your browsing experience
• Analyse website traffic and performance

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
arcCookieConsent	Stores your cookie consent preferences	1 year
session_id	Maintains your session while browsing	Session

3.2 Analytics Cookies (Optional)

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
_ga	Google Analytics - Distinguishes users	2 years
_ga_*	Google Analytics - Maintains session state	2 years
_gid	Google Analytics - Distinguishes users	24 hours
_gat	Google Analytics - Throttle request rate	1 minute

3.3 Functional Cookies (Optional)

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering your location preferences.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
maps_preferences	Google Maps - Stores map preferences	Session

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages:

• Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. Google's privacy policy is available at policies.google.com/privacy
• Google Maps: Our contact page includes an embedded Google Map. Google's privacy policy applies to this service.

5. Managing Cookies

5.1 Using Our Cookie Banner

When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie settings popup allowing you to:

• Full Service: Accept all cookies including analytics for the best experience
• Basic Only: Only allow strictly necessary cookies

You can change your preferences at any time by clearing your browser's cookies and revisiting our website.

5.2 Browser Settings

You can also control cookies through your browser settings. Here's how to do it in popular browsers:

Google Chrome

1. Click the three dots menu ? Settings
2. Click "Privacy and security"
3. Click "Cookies and other site data"
4. Choose your preferred cookie settings

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the menu button ? Settings
2. Select "Privacy & Security"
3. Under "Cookies and Site Data", manage your settings

Safari

1. Go to Safari ? Preferences
2. Click "Privacy"
3. Manage your cookie settings under "Cookies and website data"

Microsoft Edge

1. Click the three dots menu ? Settings
2. Click "Cookies and site permissions"
3. Click "Manage and delete cookies and site data"

5.3 Opt-Out Tools

You can also use these tools to opt out of analytics cookies:

• Google Analytics Opt-out: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
• Your Online Choices: youronlinechoices.com

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you choose to disable certain cookies:

• Essential cookies: Cannot be disabled; required for the website to function
• Analytics cookies: Disabling these won't affect your experience but will limit our ability to improve the website
• Functional cookies: Some features like embedded maps may not work correctly

7. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

8. More Information

For more information about cookies, visit:

• aboutcookies.org
• allaboutcookies.org
• ICO Guide to Cookies

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies: