New analysis by FixMyCar has found that ChatGPT can provide broadly accurate guidance on possible vehicle faults, but should not be used to support at home car repairs.
The study assessed how artificial intelligence responds to common car fault descriptions, with responses reviewed by a professional mechanic.
FixMyCar worked with Inderjit Matharu of Mobile Mechanics and Tyres to evaluate ChatGPT’s diagnostic suggestions and repair advice.
The prompts tested included symptoms such as difficulty changing gears accompanied by grinding noises, knocking sounds while driving, and a burning rubber smell.
Matharu said: “Overall, the responses are broadly accurate and cover common and realistic causes for the symptoms described.
“It follows a logical diagnostic flow that a professional technician would recognise.
“Most importantly though, nothing listed by ChatGPT is inherently inaccurate or dangerous.
“However, it is worth noting that some steps, such as checking transmission fluid, clutch evaluation, or internal transmission issues, require proper tools, access, and experience to diagnose correctly.”
General guidance only
He added that drivers should be cautious about acting on AI generated advice: “ChatGPT is suitable for understanding possible causes, but not for assisting self-repair.
“It correctly implies that further professional inspection may be required and drivers should be aware that a clutch system inspection, transmission fluid checks, linkage adjustments and any internal gearbox or synchroniser work should not be attempted by an untrained person.
“These tasks should be carried out by a qualified mechanic to avoid damage or safety risks.”
Asked whether drivers could trust ChatGPT’s advice, Matharu said: “Yes, to a point. ChatGPT provides a reasonable overview that could help drivers better understand possible issues, but it does not replace professional diagnosis. Drivers should treat this information as general guidance only. Professional inspection and confirmation by a qualified technician is always recommended.”
FixMyCar also surveyed more than 2,500 drivers visiting its website, finding that 16% had used AI tools such as ChatGPT to get information about car problems or repairs in the past 12 months.
A further poll of more than 950 drivers found that 20% believe they can fully trust ChatGPT for car repair or maintenance advice, while 33% were unsure and 12% said they fully distrust AI generated advice.
Matt Wrankmore, head of garage networks at FixMyCar, said: “It’s not surprising, given the rising popularity of AI tools, that drivers are turning to ChatGPT for advice about their cars.
“Our analysis shows that ChatGPT can be trusted to provide guidance on car problems and to fairly accurately suggest the repair steps required.
“But just as you should trust a doctor’s expert opinion over what you find on Google, I advise drivers to trust a professional mechanic’s diagnosis before taking action based on ChatGPT’s advice.
“Road and vehicle safety is of the upmost importance and will always be the priority for trained mechanics who will use both experience and training to assess and repair your car with a critical eye.”