The Future of Car Repair? Using ChatGPT to Diagnose Engine Problems
Recently on oǧlumTV, we explored the use of AI with a current project series car. Which got us thinking…
When your car starts making strange noises, loses power, or throws up a dreaded check-engine light, the first instinct is usually panic… followed by Googling symptoms, asking a friend, or heading to the mechanic [this can be costly]. But what if you could get AI-powered car advice instantly?
That’s exactly what many drivers are beginning to explore with ChatGPT, the AI assistant known for answering just about anything. The big question is: can ChatGPT really diagnose car problems, or is this just hype?
Why Drivers Are Turning to ChatGPT for Car Problems
- Instant Answers – Instead of sifting through dozens of forums, you can describe your car’s symptoms to ChatGPT and get a structured list of possible causes.
- Step-by-Step Troubleshooting – AI can suggest logical next steps: check the battery, inspect spark plugs, scan with OBD-II, etc.
- Education – Even if ChatGPT can’t pinpoint the exact issue, it often explains why something might be wrong, helping drivers learn more about their vehicles.
- Second Opinion – Before spending hundreds at the shop, AI can give you a better idea of what to expect. There are bad actors in every trade/profession/walk of life. A little knowledge goes a long way and may save you from someone looking to take the p***!
Where ChatGPT Shines in Car Diagnostics
- Identifying common issues: Rough idling, engine misfires, dead batteries, fuel delivery problems — ChatGPT can provide a detailed list of possibilities.
- Simplifying complex symptoms: If you don’t know much about cars, AI can break things down into plain English.
- Low-cost first step: It’s free to ask ChatGPT, which makes it appealing before paying a mechanic.
But Here’s the Catch: What AI Misses
As shown on oǧlumTV’s video ‘Asking ChatGPT to Diagnose My Car’, Artificial Intelligence is not perfect. It can miss critical context clues that an experienced mechanic would instantly catch. For example:
- It can’t physically inspect your car.
- It can’t smell fuel leaks, hear specific engine knocks, or measure compression.
- It sometimes gives “likely” answers that sound convincing but don’t apply to your specific model.
This makes ChatGPT an excellent guide, but not a replacement for diagnostics tools or a certified mechanic.
Man vs. Machine: The Real Test
When put to the test, AI can point you in the right direction — but the final call still rests with you (or your mechanic). In your case, ChatGPT gave a solid breakdown of the symptoms but overlooked one crucial issue you spotted yourself.
This highlights a key truth: AI is best used alongside human judgment, not instead of it.
The Future of Car Repair with AI
The automotive industry is already experimenting with AI diagnostics. Imagine:
- AI-integrated OBD-II scanners that interpret trouble codes with natural language.
- Voice assistants in cars that help drivers troubleshoot on the spot.
- Mechanic + AI collaboration, where shops use ChatGPT-style assistants to save time on initial triage.
While AI won’t replace mechanics any time soon, it’s clear that tools like ChatGPT are shaping the future of DIY car repair and diagnostics.
Should You Use ChatGPT for Your Car Problems?
Yes — but with caution. Use it as:
✅ A starting point for understanding your car’s symptoms
✅ A way to prepare questions before visiting your mechanic
✅ A tool for learning more about how your car works
❌ Don’t rely on it as the final word — safety, precision, and expertise still belong to qualified mechanics.
Final Thoughts
So, is ChatGPT the future of car diagnostics? Not entirely — but it’s already proving itself as a valuable co-pilot in understanding automotive problems. The smartest move for drivers is to use AI as a helpful assistant, while letting skilled mechanics handle the hands-on work.
As AI continues to evolve, don’t be surprised if your next car comes with a built-in ChatGPT-style assistant to help troubleshoot problems before you even pull into the shop!
Want to see how we got on using ChatGPT? Watch it here >