Terms and Conditions

Last updated: April 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms and Conditions (the "Terms") govern your use of heterotroph.info (the "Site") and all related services provided by heterotroph (the "Company"). By using the Site, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with these Terms, you may not use the Site.

The Company reserves the right to change or update these Terms at any time without prior notice. Changes take effect upon posting on the Site. We recommend checking this page periodically for updates. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

If you are a user representing an organization, you confirm that you have authority to bind that organization to these Terms.

2. Use of Service

The Company provides users access to educational reference materials through the Site, including content related to brake checking, cooling control, engine diagnostics, suspension inspection, transmission control, tire inspection, auto electrical systems, comprehensive diagnostics, trip preparation, and practical recommendations for mountain and high-elevation driving. Users agree to use the services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms.

You agree not to use the Site to:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations;
• Harm, intimidate, or harass other users;
• Distribute viruses, malware, or other technologies that may damage the Site or user interests;
• Transmit or store unlawful content.

The Company reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to the Site at any time if it is determined that you violate these Terms.

Educational materials describe inspection report vocabulary and learning formats. They do not certify vehicle condition or replace certified automotive technicians. You remain responsible for verifying information before travel on serpentine routes or mountain passes.

3. User Obligations

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information when registering and using the Site. You are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of your password and account, and for all actions occurring under your account.

You agree to notify the Company immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or any other security breach. The Company is not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to fulfill these obligations.

You also agree not to transfer your rights and obligations under these Terms to third parties without prior written consent from the Company.

4. Intellectual Property Rights

All materials posted on the Site, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, icons, images, and software, are the property of the Company or its licensors and are protected by copyright and intellectual property laws.

You receive a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and use the Site and its content only for personal, non-commercial educational purposes. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works based on Site materials without prior written consent from the Company.

All rights not expressly granted in these Terms remain with the Company.

5. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Company is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from use of or inability to use the Site or services, including but not limited to damages from business interruption, data loss, or other intangible losses.

The Company is not liable for any losses arising from:

• Use of or inability to use the services;
• Unauthorized access to your data;
• Unauthorized use of your account credentials;
• Any other matters related to use of the Site.

If the Company is found liable for any damages, its liability shall be limited to amounts paid by you for services, if any, during the relevant period.

6. Disclaimers

The Site and all services are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. The Company does not warrant that the Site will operate without interruption or errors, or that any errors will be corrected.

The Company is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information posted on the Site. Educational materials about mountain terrain vehicle service are for general reference and do not replace evaluation by certified automotive technicians. You use the Site at your own responsibility.

Some jurisdictions do not allow exclusion of implied warranties; therefore the above limitations may not apply to you.

References to manufacturer bulletins or government transportation resources are provided for convenience. heterotroph does not control third-party content and is not responsible for changes to external documents after we publish cross-references.

7. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Company, its directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, expenses, liabilities, and costs, including reasonable attorney fees, arising from:

• Your use of the Site;
• Your violation of these Terms;
• Your violation of third-party rights;
• Your violation of any applicable laws or regulations.

The Company reserves the right to assume defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification, and you agree to cooperate with the Company in defending such matters.

8. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts located in Denver County, Colorado, for resolution of any disputes arising in connection with these Terms or use of the Site.

9. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute, disagreement, or claim related to these Terms or use of the Site, you agree to first attempt to resolve it through negotiations with the Company within 30 days of the dispute arising.

If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, you agree to submit it to arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Arbitration shall be conducted in Denver, Colorado, and the arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding on the parties.

10. Termination

The Company reserves the right to terminate or suspend your access to the Site at any time for any reason, including but not limited to violation of these Terms. Upon termination, all rights granted to you under these Terms shall immediately cease.

You may stop using the Site at any time. After access is terminated, you agree to stop using the Site and delete all materials obtained from the Company except where retention is required by law.

11. Changes to Terms

The Company reserves the right to change these Terms at any time. All changes will be posted on this page with the date of the last update. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

We recommend checking this page periodically. If you do not agree with changes, you must immediately stop using the Site.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions or comments about these Terms, please contact us:

Company: heterotroph
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (303) 582-7491
Address: Republic Plaza, 370 17th Street, Suite 2650, Denver, CO 80202, United States