Check Engine Chat vs PlainAuto

Your AI mechanic, running entirely on your phone. Ask any car question and get instant, accurate answers grounded in a curated automotive database covering 400+ vehicle models from 1976 to 2025. Oil specs, torque values, tire pressure, transmission fluid, spark plug gaps, DIY repair guides with tool lists and difficulty ratings, and symptom-based diagnostic troubleshooting. AUDIO DIAGNOSTICS (Pro) Record your engine sound. The AI analyzes the audio and identifies the problem such as knock, turbo failure, belt squeal, timing chain wear, transmission whine, VTEC rattle, and more. All processed on-device in seconds. PRIVACY FIRST Everything runs on your iPhone. No cloud servers. No accounts. No analytics. No tracking. Works in airplane mode. Your car problems are yours. FEATURES - Vehicle spec lookup (oil, torque, tire pressure, fluids) - DIY repair guides with tool lists and difficulty ratings - Symptom based diagnostic reasoning - Audio engine sound diagnosis - Aftermarket and mod guidance - Conversation history + Generate Report - Works fully offline after setup Requires iPhone with at least 6gb ram. Built by car enthusiasts.

PlainAuto explains your car — and the shop — in plain language. Whether you're a driver who wants to understand what that warning light means, or a technician who needs a quick torque spec, PlainAuto has you covered. CAR OWNER MODE • Warning Lights — what every dashboard light means, color-coded by urgency • Emergency Guide — flat tire, dead battery, overheating, fluid leaks, and more • DIY Repair Guides — step-by-step with tool lists and difficulty ratings • Maintenance Schedule — know exactly what's due and when • Cost Estimator — typical repair costs so you're never caught off guard • Mechanic Visit Prep — questions to ask, upsells to decline, your rights • Service History Log — track all maintenance, repairs, and costs over time • Seasonal Prep — winterizing, summer prep, pre-road-trip checklists • Fluids Guide — engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission, and more • Buying & Selling Guide — pre-purchase inspection, trade-in, private sale tips MECHANIC / TECH MODE • OBD-II Code Library — 500+ codes with plain-language causes and fixes • Torque Spec Database — lug nuts, head bolts, drain plugs, suspension, and more • Repair Procedures — step-by-step with special tools and time estimates • Diagnostic Decision Trees — symptom-based troubleshooting sequences • Wiring Color Codes — by manufacturer (GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chrysler) • Customer Explainer Cards — shareable cards that explain repairs in plain terms • Labor Time Estimator — standard labor times for common repairs • Parts Cross-Reference — cross-references across major brands • Fluid Capacities — by make, model, and year WORKS OFFLINE. No account required. No data collected.