Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How AI Mechanic works, what the free plan includes, and how trials and cancellation work.
FAQ
Questions drivers ask us.
What if my car is smoking, leaking fuel, or loses its brakes?
Stop — do not drive it. If you smell fuel, see smoke or flames, feel the brake pedal sink or lose braking, lose steering, or feel dizzy or nauseous from exhaust fumes: pull over safely if you can, get everyone out and away from the vehicle, and call 911 or emergency services. A smoking hybrid or EV battery can ignite or reignite — move at least 100 feet away and let firefighters handle it. Exhaust fumes inside the cabin are also a carbon monoxide danger — carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas in exhaust that can build up without warning. If exhaust fumes are getting into the cabin, or you suspect carbon monoxide: pull over, stop the engine, and get everyone out into fresh air immediately. Call 911 if anyone is dizzy, nauseous, has a headache, or seems confused, and do not keep driving with symptoms. Have the exhaust system inspected before driving again — and never run an engine in a closed garage. Have the vehicle towed, never driven, to a professional. AI Mechanic's in-chat guidance applies the same emergency rules, but no app replaces emergency services in the moment.
What is AI Mechanic?
AI Mechanic is an AI assistant for everyday car owners. Describe a symptom, upload a photo, or enter an OBD-II code to explore likely causes, urgency, repair options, and what to discuss with a shop using your vehicle details.
Is it really free?
Yes. The free plan includes 200 AI tokens every month — roughly 40 text questions, or about 13 photo analyses — with no card required. Text questions cost 5 tokens; photo analysis costs 15. Included tokens reset every 30 days on every plan — and unused tokens don't roll over.
Can it read a check engine light or OBD-II code?
Yes. Enter a code such as P0420 or P0300 and you get what it means on your engine, the common causes, and which checks usually come first.
Can it help with a photo or a noise?
Attach a photo of a part, a leak, visible damage or a dash light, or describe a noise in text. AI Mechanic uses your vehicle profile to suggest explanations and confirmation checks. Recording-based sound analysis is not currently available.
What does the Digital Garage do?
It stores each vehicle with its VIN, engine, oil type, tire size and service history, gives you a health score and report card, and tracks oil, brakes, coolant, plugs, registration and insurance so you can see what is coming due. When you mention a service in chat, your garage updates itself. Scheduled email reminders are not currently enabled.
Will it tell me whether to do the job myself?
Repair guidance can compare estimated DIY and shop costs, with difficulty and safety notes. Suggested parts open vehicle-based searches, not verified fitment guarantees. Confirm repairs and compatibility with a qualified professional.
What can I get from my VIN for free?
Available manufacturer-reported specifications from NHTSA vPIC can be saved to your vehicle profile without spending AI tokens. Coverage varies. A VIN does not provide current mileage, full service history, title status, accident history, or resale value.
Can I use a plate or screenshot?
You can save a U.S. plate and its issuing state manually. Chat can read clearly visible VINs, plates and other vehicle facts from an image; review the saved characters, then open the vehicle profile to run a VIN lookup. Photo analysis uses the normal AI allowance. A plate alone cannot retrieve a VIN or ownership records here.
Are recall results specific to my VIN?
The in-app check retrieves NHTSA campaigns for a year, make and model. It does not confirm your VIN is affected or whether a repair was completed. Use the linked NHTSA VIN check or contact your dealer.
Can you tell me what my car is worth?
We link to external valuation and selling services from your vehicle profile. We do not currently calculate an in-app market valuation or guarantee a sale price. Condition, mileage, location and title history affect offers.
Can I connect an OBD-II scanner in iPhone Safari?
No. This PWA accepts codes you type or show in a photo; it does not connect directly to a Bluetooth scanner or provide live OBD data.
Does this replace a mechanic?
No. AI Mechanic is informational and is not a safety inspection, professional diagnosis or insurance appraisal. If a symptom may be safety-critical, stop driving and have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle.
Can I cancel a paid plan?
Yes. Paid plans can be cancelled anytime from your Account screen.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. Paid plans start with a 7-day free trial. A card is required to start the trial; you are not charged until the trial ends, and canceling in Account before day 7 means you pay nothing.