Terms, Conditions and Returns Policy

Suds Automotive
Ayr, Queensland, Australia

Effective Date: 20/03/2026

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions apply to all goods supplied and services performed by Suds Automotive (“we”, “us”, “our”).

By requesting a quote, booking work, paying a deposit, supplying parts, purchasing goods or authorising work to proceed, the customer (“Customer”) agrees to be bound by these Terms.

Nothing within these Terms is intended to exclude or limit any rights available under the Australian Consumer Law.

2. Quotes & Estimates

2.1 Quotations are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated.

2.2 Quotes are based on the information available and visible inspection at the time.

2.3 Additional charges may apply where:

• hidden damage, corrosion or prior poor workmanship is discovered
• seized, rusted or damaged components require additional labour
• electrical faults or compatibility issues arise
• fabrication work requires additional materials or labour
• the scope of work changes after the quote is issued.

2.4 Where reasonably practicable we will seek approval before undertaking additional chargeable work.

3. Pricing & Payment

3.1 All prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST unless otherwise stated.

3.2 A deposit may be required prior to ordering parts, scheduling fabrication work or securing booking times.

3.3 Special order items, electrical components and custom fabricated products require partial or full prepayment and may not be refundable once ordered.

3.4 Full payment is required prior to release of the vehicle unless otherwise agreed in writing.

3.5 Suds Automotive reserves the right to exercise a lawful repairer’s lien over any vehicle until payment has been received in full.

4. Special Orders & Returns

4.1 Special order, customised or non-stocked items cannot be cancelled once ordered.

4.2 Returns of stocked items may be accepted at our discretion and may incur a restocking fee.

4.3 Electrical components cannot be returned unless proven faulty.

4.4 Where a refund is approved at our discretion, a 20% restocking fee may apply and freight charges are non-refundable.

4.5 Change-of-mind refunds are not accepted.

5. Customer Supplied Parts

5.1 Suds Automotive does not generally install customer supplied parts unless agreed in writing.

5.2 Where customer supplied parts are installed:

• no warranty is provided on the supplied components
• labour warranty does not extend to failure of those components
• Suds Automotive is not responsible for compatibility issues.

6. Vehicle Modifications & Aftermarket Accessories

The Customer acknowledges that aftermarket accessories and vehicle modifications may:

• alter vehicle handling, braking and ride characteristics
• affect manufacturer warranties
• impact fuel consumption or performance
• affect factory safety systems
• alter vehicle weight distribution.

It is the responsibility of the Customer to ensure that the vehicle remains compliant with Queensland road regulations following modification.

Suds Automotive does not guarantee that all aftermarket accessories are ADR approved or road legal in every configuration unless specifically stated.

7. GVM Upgrades & Suspension Modifications

7.1 Certified GVM upgrades apply only where installed and operated in accordance with certification requirements.

7.2 Where no engineering certification is supplied, the vehicle remains subject to the manufacturer’s original GVM.

7.3 The Customer is responsible for ensuring the vehicle remains within:

• GVM limits
• GCM limits
• axle load limits
• towing capacity.

7.4 Suds Automotive accepts no liability for fines, insurance refusal or mechanical failure resulting from vehicle overloading.

7.5 Suspension upgrades may alter ride height and vehicle centre of gravity and must be operated accordingly.

8. Workmanship & Manufacturer Warranty

8.1 Products supplied are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty where applicable.

8.2 Suds Automotive provides a 12 month workmanship warranty on installation and fabrication work.

8.3 This warranty does not cover:

• normal wear and tear
• off-road or impact damage
• misuse or neglect
• water ingress unless proven to be caused by faulty workmanship
• failure of customer supplied parts
• pre-existing vehicle faults.

All warranty claims must be inspected by Suds Automotive prior to repair approval.

9. Off-Road Use & High-Risk Activities

Vehicles modified for off-road use may experience increased mechanical stress.

Suds Automotive is not responsible for damage arising from:

• extreme off-road use
• water crossings
• competition or racing
• recovery operations
• improper vehicle maintenance.

The Customer accepts the risks associated with off-road driving.

10. Pre-Existing Faults & Hidden Damage

Suds Automotive is not responsible for:

• pre-existing mechanical or electrical faults
• damage caused by fatigued, rusted or weakened components
• consequential damage caused by hidden defects.

Additional labour required due to these issues will be chargeable.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

11.1 Liability is limited to repair or replacement of defective goods or services.

11.2 Suds Automotive will not be liable for indirect or consequential losses including:

• loss of income
• loss of vehicle use
• towing or recovery costs
• travel or accommodation expenses.

This clause does not limit rights under Australian Consumer Law.

12. Vehicle Collection & Storage

12.1 Vehicles must be collected within two business days of completion notification.

12.2 Storage fees may apply after this period.

12.3 Vehicles left outside business hours remain at the owner’s risk.

13. Delays Beyond Our Control

Suds Automotive is not responsible for delays caused by:

• supplier shortages
• freight delays
• backorders
• industrial disputes
• events beyond our reasonable control.

Estimated completion dates are not guaranteed.

14. Insurance & Regulatory Compliance

The Customer is responsible for:

• notifying their insurer of vehicle modifications
• ensuring compliance with Queensland Transport regulations
• obtaining engineering approval where required.

Suds Automotive does not guarantee acceptance of modifications by insurers.

15. Cancellation Policy

15.1 Labour charges are non-refundable once work has commenced.

15.2 Bookings cancelled without reasonable notice may incur a cancellation fee.

16. Indemnity

The Customer agrees to indemnify Suds Automotive against claims arising from:

• improper use of modified vehicles
• vehicle overloading
• failure to maintain installed components
• operation of the vehicle in unsafe or illegal conditions.

17. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia.

18. Right to Refuse or Terminate Services

Suds Automotive reserves the right to refuse, suspend or terminate services where a customer engages in abusive, threatening, aggressive or unsafe behaviour toward staff.

In such circumstances Suds Automotive may cease work immediately and require payment for all work completed to that point.

19. Authority to Use Vehicle

The Customer authorises Suds Automotive staff to:

• enter the vehicle
• operate the vehicle
• conduct test drives where necessary
• move the vehicle within or outside the premises for diagnostic or operational purposes.

20. Amendments

Suds Automotive reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time.

The version published on our website or attached to our documentation at the time of engagement will apply.

21. Scope of Services & Risk Acknowledgement

Suds Automotive provides a range of automotive repair, modification and fabrication services. These include but are not limited to:

• mechanical servicing and repairs
• panel beating and collision repairs
• spray painting and refinishing
• four-wheel-drive accessory installation
• child restraint fitting
• custom fabrication including trays, toolboxes, load carrying racks, water tanks and diesel tanks
• engine replacement or engine component replacement
• suspension and steering modifications
• electronic diagnostics using scan tools
• auto electrical repairs and installations
• automotive air conditioning servicing and repairs
• tyre and wheel supply, fitting and balancing.

The Customer acknowledges that all automotive repairs and modifications carry inherent risks and that the outcome of work may depend on the condition of the vehicle and components at the time of inspection.

22. Mechanical Repairs & Diagnostics

Mechanical repairs and diagnostic procedures may involve disassembly of vehicle components and the use of specialised equipment.

Suds Automotive will take reasonable care when diagnosing and repairing vehicles, however we cannot guarantee that:

• all faults will be immediately identifiable
• previously undiscovered faults will not become apparent during repairs
• replacement of one component will not reveal further issues.

Additional repairs required due to hidden faults may incur further charges.

23. Panel Beating & Spray Painting

Panel repair and refinishing work may involve colour matching, blending and refinishing of vehicle panels.

While every effort is made to achieve a high quality finish, the Customer acknowledges that:

• slight colour variations may occur due to paint age or environmental factors
• previously repaired panels may affect final results
• underlying corrosion or structural damage may require additional repairs.

24. Fabrication of Tanks, Trays & Load Carrying Structures

Suds Automotive manufactures and installs custom fabricated components including:

• water tanks
• diesel tanks
• trays
• toolboxes
• load carrying racks
• side rails
• drawer systems.

These components are designed for normal automotive applications.

The Customer acknowledges that:

• excessive loading
• uneven weight distribution
• impacts from equipment or machinery
• extreme off-road use

may result in structural damage.

Suds Automotive accepts no liability for damage resulting from misuse or operation outside the intended design limits.

25. Four-Wheel Drive Accessories & Load Carrying Equipment

Installation of accessories including bull bars, roof racks, drawers, winches, recovery equipment and load carrying systems may alter vehicle weight distribution and handling.

The Customer is responsible for ensuring the vehicle remains within:

• manufacturer weight limits
• axle load limits
• towing limits.

26. Engine Replacement & Major Mechanical Work

Where engines or major mechanical components are replaced, Suds Automotive cannot guarantee the condition of other vehicle systems that may interact with the replacement engine.

The Customer acknowledges that:

• additional components may require replacement following engine installation
• existing vehicle wear may affect engine performance
• additional repairs may be required after installation.

27. Auto Electrical Systems

Auto electrical work may involve integration with complex vehicle electronic systems.

Suds Automotive is not responsible for issues arising from:

• pre-existing wiring faults
• non-standard vehicle modifications
• third-party accessories previously installed.

28. Automotive Air Conditioning

Air conditioning servicing and repairs are performed in accordance with industry standards.

However Suds Automotive is not responsible for failure of components that were not replaced during the repair process.

Air conditioning systems may develop further leaks or component failures due to age or wear.

29. Tyres & Wheels

Tyres and wheels supplied and fitted by Suds Automotive must be used in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

The Customer acknowledges that:

• wheel alignment may be affected by suspension wear or vehicle damage
• tyre wear may occur due to vehicle condition or driving habits.

Suds Automotive is not responsible for damage caused by:

• road hazards
• incorrect tyre pressure
• improper vehicle loading.

30. Child Restraint Installation

Where Suds Automotive installs child restraints, installation will be performed in accordance with manufacturer instructions and applicable Australian standards.

It remains the responsibility of the vehicle owner or parent/guardian to:

• ensure the child restraint is used correctly
• ensure the restraint is suitable for the child’s age and size.

Suds Automotive accepts no responsibility for incorrect use of child restraints following installation.

31. Chassis Stress & Structural Fatigue (Commonly Known as “79 Series Clause”)

Vehicle chassis and frames are engineered by manufacturers to operate within specific design limits.

The installation of accessories including but not limited to:

• trays
• canopies
• bull bars
• winches
• long range fuel tanks
• suspension upgrades
• towing equipment

may increase stress on the vehicle chassis.

Suds Automotive does not design, manufacture or warrant the structural integrity of the vehicle chassis.

Suds Automotive accepts no liability for chassis cracking, bending, fatigue or structural failure resulting from:

• vehicle overloading
• excessive towing
• uneven load distribution
• rough terrain operation
• off-road driving conditions.

32. Tray & Load Carrying Equipment Load Rating Clause

Custom trays, toolboxes, racks, drawer systems and load carrying equipment supplied or installed by Suds Automotive are designed for automotive use within normal operating limits.

The Customer acknowledges that:

• excessive loads
• uneven weight distribution
• impacts from equipment or machinery
• continuous heavy-duty use

may result in structural damage.

Suds Automotive is not responsible for damage caused by overloading or improper load distribution.

It is the Customer’s responsibility to ensure that loads carried do not exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s weight limits.

33. Water Crossing & Environmental Exposure Clause

Vehicles used in off-road environments may be exposed to water crossings, mud, sand, salt water and other environmental contaminants.

Suds Automotive is not responsible for damage caused by:

• water ingress into mechanical or electrical systems
• corrosion resulting from salt water exposure
• contamination of bearings, electrical connectors or sensors
• damage caused by submerged components.

Customers are responsible for ensuring vehicles are properly cleaned and maintained after exposure to these conditions.

34. Off-Road Dust & Contamination Clause (Bull Dust Clause)

Vehicles operating in remote or off-road environments may be exposed to fine dust and debris which can enter mechanical and electrical components.

Suds Automotive is not responsible for damage or component failure caused by:

• dust contamination
• clogged filters or sensors
• debris entering electrical connectors or air intake systems.

Regular maintenance and cleaning is the responsibility of the vehicle owner.

35. Agricultural, Mining & Heavy-Duty Use Clause

Vehicles used in agricultural, mining or industrial environments are often subjected to conditions beyond standard automotive use.

Suds Automotive is not responsible for damage resulting from:

• excessive loads
• operation on rough terrain
• impacts from machinery or equipment
• continuous heavy-duty use beyond normal road conditions.

Components installed by Suds Automotive are intended for normal vehicle operation unless otherwise specified.

36. Child Restraint Installation

Where Suds Automotive installs a child restraint, installation will be carried out in accordance with manufacturer instructions and relevant Australian standards.

The Customer acknowledges that:

• correct installation does not guarantee child safety in all circumstances
• the restraint must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• the restraint must be appropriate for the child’s age and size.

Suds Automotive accepts no responsibility for misuse of child restraints after installation.