The Gearbox Auto Services LLC – Terms and Conditions

By approving any quotation or estimate from The Gearbox Auto Services LLC (“The Gearbox”), the customer agrees to the following legally binding Terms and Conditions:

Minimum Charges and Inspection Policy - A minimum fee of AED 300 is applicable for all services, including diagnostics and inspections. If an inspection is advertised as free, it shall only be considered free upon the approval of any subsequent repair estimate. Otherwise, standard fees apply.
Customer Responsibility for Personal Belongings - Customers are advised to remove all personal items from their vehicles. The Gearbox assumes no liability for lost, damaged, or stolen belongings left in the vehicle at any time.
Pickup & Delivery Services - Complimentary pickup and delivery are offered only when estimates are approved. If no estimate is approved, a transportation fee will be charged based on the vehicle location.
Estimate Approvals - An estimate is deemed approved once written or recorded verbal confirmation is received via WhatsApp, SMS, phone, or email. Upon approval, a job card is generated, and work commences accordingly.
Estimated Completion Dates, Delays, Cancellation and Refund Settlement
Estimated—not guaranteed—completion dates. Any delivery date, repair duration, or verbal indication of timing given by The Gearbox is an estimate only and is based on the information reasonably available at the time of quotation and inspection. It is not a guaranteed completion date unless expressly stated in a separate written agreement signed by an authorised manager of The Gearbox.
Events affecting completion time. The estimated completion date may be extended where reasonably necessary due to hidden or subsequently discovered faults; further diagnosis; vehicle condition; prior repairs or modifications; parts availability; supplier, dealer, shipping, customs, programming, machining, specialist, testing, insurance, transport, or third-party delays; customer delay in approving additional work or payment; or circumstances outside The Gearbox’s reasonable control.
Delay notification and revised estimate. Where The Gearbox becomes aware that the estimated completion date is likely to be exceeded, it will use reasonable efforts to notify the customer in writing and provide a revised estimated completion period when reasonably possible. The customer agrees to respond promptly to requests for approval, payment, information, or collection necessary to progress the work.
No cancellation after incurred commitments without settlement. The customer may request cancellation at any time in writing. However, if diagnosis, labour, dismantling, programming, testing, procurement, shipping, specialist work, transport, or any other approved work has begun, the customer remains liable for:
- all completed labour and diagnostic time;
- all ordered, delivered, fitted, custom, non-returnable, or supplier-committed parts;
- all third-party, transport, storage, programming, machining, and administrative costs reasonably incurred;
- reasonable reassembly, securing, towing, or return-to-customer costs where applicable.
Refund calculation. Any refund, if due after the above amounts are deducted, will be calculated from the amount actually paid by the customer. The Gearbox will provide a written cancellation statement identifying completed work, parts, third-party costs, and the resulting balance. No refund is due for work properly completed or costs properly incurred under an approved estimate.
Vehicle collected before completion. If the customer elects to collect the vehicle before repairs are completed, the vehicle may be released only after all accrued charges have been paid in full and after the customer signs a vehicle-release acknowledgment confirming the vehicle’s condition, any dismantled or incomplete status, parts removed or retained, and any safety restrictions. The Gearbox may refuse release where doing so would be unsafe or contrary to applicable law, until the vehicle is made safe or transported by recovery vehicle.
Parts retained by the workshop. Ordered parts remain subject to the supplier’s return policy. Non-returnable, custom, fitted, programmed, damaged, or special-order parts remain chargeable to the customer. Where a returnable unused part is accepted back by the supplier, the customer will receive the actual supplier credit received, less any documented shipping, handling, restocking, currency, or processing charges.
No consequential-loss claims for excusable delays. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, The Gearbox is not liable for rental costs, loss of use, lost income, business interruption, fleet downtime, missed opportunities, depreciation, inconvenience, penalties, or other indirect or consequential losses resulting from an estimated completion date being extended for the reasons set out above. This does not exclude liability that cannot legally be excluded, including liability arising from The Gearbox’s proven negligence, fraud, or wilful misconduct.
Goodwill. Any goodwill discount, temporary transport assistance, repair contribution, or other gesture offered by The Gearbox is voluntary, without admission of liability, and does not establish a precedent.
Mandatory rights preserved. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits any consumer right, remedy, or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable UAE law.
Spare Parts & Custom Orders - Once a customer confirms an estimate involving special or pre-ordered parts, payment is non-refundable due to supplier procurement commitments. If customer-provided parts are installed: No warranty or liability applies. Labour charges are non-refundable regardless of outcome.
Down Payment Policy - The Gearbox reserves the right to request up to 80% down payment prior to commencing work. Work will not proceed unless the requested advance is received in full.
Accepted Payment Methods - Payments via cash, credit/debit card, or bank transfer are accepted. PDCs, CDCs, or deferred payments are only accepted via written and signed agreement with management.
Vehicle Release Conditions - Vehicles will not be released until all outstanding invoices are settled in full. Partial payments do not qualify for release unless pre-agreed in writing.
Warranty Terms - There is no warranty of any kind—neither on repairs nor on spare parts—unless explicitly and clearly mentioned on the official estimate and/or invoice issued by The Gearbox Auto Services LLC. If no such mention is present, the customer agrees that no warranty exists. Any previously implied or verbal agreements regarding warranty are considered null and void unless officially documented. The Gearbox Auto Services LLC shall not be held liable for any damages, losses, or failures related to repairs, parts, or labor unless a warranty is officially stated and has not yet expired. Warranty shall be voided under the following circumstances (including but not limited to): Third-Party Interference: If the vehicle is taken to any other garage, workshop, or dealership (including for inspection) after repairs were completed by The Gearbox. Customer-Supplied Parts: If any spare parts, oils, or consumables were provided by the customer. Unauthorized Use or Abuse: If the vehicle is driven in a manner inconsistent with the manufacturer’s guidelines (e.g., racing, drifting, off-roading, overloading, etc.). Environmental Damage: If vehicle damage is caused by external factors such as flooding, sandstorms, or accidents. Tampering: If the customer or third party tampers with the repaired components or relevant systems after delivery. Delayed Collection: If the customer does not collect the vehicle within 7 days of completion, the warranty period may be reduced or voided at The Gearbox’s discretion. Outstanding Payments: Warranty is not valid if the customer has not fully settled the invoice or any part of it. Warranty Lapse: If the clearly stated warranty period has expired, no legal or financial liability shall be accepted.
Post-Warranty Disputes - After the warranty period ends, The Gearbox disclaims all legal and financial responsibility for any malfunction, failure, or damage, regardless of origin.
Parking & Storage Fees - If a customer fails to collect the vehicle within 3 days of work completion, The Gearbox may charge up to 50 AED per day to cover parking and car maintenance fees.
Repair Outcomes & Customer Acceptance - The customer agrees that The Gearbox has the right to determine the appropriate parts and methods for any goodwill repair or remedial action. OEM, aftermarket, or used parts may be used at the discretion of The Gearbox when remedying a dispute, unless a specific written agreement dictates otherwise.
Force Majeure & Limitation of Liability - The Gearbox shall not be held liable for delays, damage, or losses caused by: Force majeure events (fire, flood, acts of God), Parts shortages or supplier delays, Third-party failures (e.g. towing companies), Maximum liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount paid for the disputed service.
Legal Jurisdiction - These Terms and Conditions are governed by UAE Federal Law and any disputes shall be settled under the jurisdiction of the Dubai Courts.
Customer-Supplied Spare Parts – Disclaimer & Liability Waiver - If a customer provides their own spare parts, consumables, oils, or components and requests The Gearbox Auto Services LLC to install or use them: No Warranty or Guarantee: The customer agrees that no warranty applies to any repair or service that involves parts or materials supplied by the customer. The Gearbox makes no guarantees that such parts will fit, function correctly, or resolve the issue. No Liability for Damage or Failure: The customer fully accepts responsibility for any malfunctions, damages, or safety hazards arising during or after installation of customer-supplied parts. The Gearbox shall not be held liable under any circumstances, including—but not limited to—engine failure, electrical faults, software mismatch, or safety issues. Labour Charges Are Non-Negotiable: Once labour has been performed, the customer is legally obligated to pay the full agreed-upon labour charge, regardless of the outcome of the repair or installation. Labour fees are due even if the part fails, does not function, or was found incompatible with the vehicle. Parts Inspection Refusal: The Gearbox is under no obligation to inspect, test, or validate the authenticity or quality of any parts supplied by the customer prior to installation. Use is at the customer’s risk. Waiver of Claims: By requesting the use of customer-supplied parts, the customer waives all rights to initiate disputes, chargebacks, refunds, or legal claims relating to the performance of those parts or related repairs.
Customer Acknowledgment & Waiver of Damages - The Gearbox Auto Services LLC strives to complete all repairs within estimated timelines; however, the customer understands and agrees that all delivery dates and repair durations are approximate and subject to change due to a variety of factors beyond the workshop's control. These include, but are not limited to, unforeseen mechanical issues discovered during repairs, the unavailability of specific or rare spare parts in the local market, supplier or dealership delays, international shipping lead times, customs clearance, and logistical disruptions. By approving any job or estimate, the customer agrees not to hold The Gearbox Auto Services LLC liable for any delays in vehicle readiness, regardless of cause. This includes loss of income, operational downtime, lost business opportunities, or rental earnings—especially in the case of commercial or fleet/rental vehicles. The customer further agrees that any such claims, deductions, or penalties will be considered null and void. The customer may not request discounts, compensation, or any deduction from the approved estimate or invoice based on project delays, even if a verbal or written time estimate was initially provided. All approved estimates remain fully payable in full regardless of extended delivery timeframes. The Gearbox commits to maintaining regular communication and will update the customer on delays as they occur. In exceptional circumstances, management may voluntarily offer goodwill discounts or service gestures, but these shall not be construed as an admission of fault or set precedent.
High-Risk Access, Interior Trim Removal, Electronic Reset & Programming Procedures - The customer acknowledges that certain modern vehicles, including but not limited to high-end, luxury, European, American, and electronically secured vehicles, may require access to sensitive areas of the vehicle in order to complete diagnostics, service reset, programming, software updates, module access, security bypass, calibration, inspection, or repair work. Such access may include, but is not limited to, removal or partial removal of dashboard panels, infotainment screens, interior trims, clips, covers, control units, electronic modules, wiring areas, diagnostic ports, hidden connectors, or components located behind or beneath interior panels. The customer understands and accepts that some vehicle components may be fragile, aged, brittle, previously repaired, glued, clipped, modified, heat-affected, sun-damaged, or weakened by manufacturer design, previous dismantling, prior accident repair, or normal wear and tear. During reasonable access, removal, refitting, diagnosis, reset, programming, or repair procedures, such components may crack, break, loosen, mark, fail, or require replacement even when reasonable care is taken by the workshop. The Gearbox Auto Services LLC shall not be held liable for damage, breakage, malfunction, cosmetic marks, clip failure, trim damage, screen damage, electronic faults, software locks, programming failures, or module communication issues caused by pre-existing weakness, prior repairs, hidden defects, manufacturer design limitations, age-related brittleness, previous tampering, aftermarket modifications, or unavoidable access requirements, provided that reasonable care was exercised by the workshop. Where The Gearbox Auto Services LLC accepts responsibility for direct physical damage caused solely by workshop handling, the customer agrees that the workshop’s responsibility shall be limited to repairing or replacing the affected component only, at the workshop’s discretion, using a suitable OEM, aftermarket, used, refurbished, repaired, or equivalent part unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Gearbox shall not be liable for loss of use, rental charges, depreciation, inconvenience, loss of income, business interruption, replacement vehicle costs, emotional distress, penalties, discounts, or any indirect or consequential damages. For high-risk procedures, The Gearbox may request additional written approval before proceeding. If the customer refuses such approval, The Gearbox reserves the right to stop the work, return the vehicle unrepaired, and charge for any inspection, diagnosis, labour, transport, or work already performed.
Third-Party Specialists, Subcontracted Repairs & Off-Site Vehicle/Component Transfer - The customer acknowledges and agrees that certain diagnostics, repairs, programming, calibration, machining, refurbishment, bodywork, electrical/electronic work, component repair, or other specialist services may require expertise, equipment, tooling, technical access, facilities, or capabilities that are not available in-house at The Gearbox Auto Services LLC. Where reasonably necessary for the diagnosis, repair, testing, refurbishment, or completion of approved work, The Gearbox reserves the right to engage suitably qualified third-party specialists, subcontractors, partner workshops, dealerships, machine shops, programmers, repairers, refurbishers, towing/transport providers, or other specialist service providers. By approving an estimate, quotation, job, or these Terms and Conditions, the customer provides advance authorization for The Gearbox to send or transfer individual vehicle components, assemblies, electronic modules, or other parts to an external specialist, and, where reasonably required, to transport or transfer the vehicle itself to a third-party workshop or specialist facility for the purpose of carrying out work connected with the approved repair. Such movement may include towing, transportation, collection, delivery, diagnostic or road testing, and temporary custody or parking reasonably necessary for completion of the approved work. The use of an external specialist or the temporary movement of the vehicle or its components off The Gearbox premises shall not, by itself, constitute unauthorized use, unauthorized transfer, or a material change to the approved repair. Separate case-by-case authorization shall not be required where the third-party work is reasonably necessary to complete the already-approved scope and does not materially change the approved price, nature of the repair, expected completion period, or applicable warranty terms. Where practicable, The Gearbox will inform the customer if the complete vehicle is required to be transferred to an external specialist facility. If third-party involvement results in additional work, a material additional cost, or a material change to the approved scope, estimated completion period, or applicable warranty terms, the customer will be notified and any further approval required by applicable law will be obtained before such additional work proceeds. The Gearbox shall exercise reasonable care in selecting and coordinating third-party service providers and shall remain responsible to the customer to the extent required under applicable UAE law. Nothing in this provision excludes or restricts any consumer right or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded. The customer further acknowledges that specialist availability, external processing, transportation, parts procurement, programming, machining, refurbishment, or other third-party procedures may affect estimated completion times. Any such delays shall be dealt with in accordance with the applicable delay provisions contained in these Terms and Conditions. If the customer subsequently refuses or withdraws authorization for necessary third-party specialist work, The Gearbox may suspend or discontinue the affected repair where it cannot reasonably or safely be completed in-house. The customer shall remain responsible for approved work already performed and reasonable parts, specialist, diagnostic, transportation, or other costs already incurred, subject always to applicable UAE law.