Australians turn to AI for car fixes as costs bite

Australians are turning to artificial intelligence for car repair advice, a trend that experts find concerning. A recent report by automotive group Mycar found that one in three motorists trust AI chatbot recommendations as much as those from human mechanics. This shift coincides with changing driving habits, as more Australians are driving less and opting for public transport to save money amid rising costs, including fuel prices.

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This year’s mobility index shows a nation adapting to economic realities while embracing new technologies.

The Mycar Mobility Index, in its third year, surveyed over 2000 Australian vehicle owners. It revealed that a quarter of respondents are driving less, and two-fifths are cutting back on discretionary trips due to high fuel prices and other increasing expenses. The survey also indicated a growing interest in electric and hybrid vehicles, with almost half of drivers planning to purchase one for their next car, a 10% increase from the previous year. However, one in ten plan to keep their current vehicle for longer.

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We want drivers to feel empowered and informed but you’ve really got to make sure you’re having the right conversations with the professionals and not replacing the technicians’ advice with AI.

MyCar chief customer officer Adele Coswello noted that Australians are adapting to economic realities while embracing new technologies. "This year’s mobility index shows a nation adapting to economic realities while embracing new technologies," she said. While AI can be a useful tool for understanding basic car maintenance, such as replacing windshield wipers, Ms. Coswello stressed the importance of professional advice for complex issues. "We want drivers to feel empowered and informed but you’ve really got to make sure you’re having the right conversations with the professionals and not replacing the technicians’ advice with AI," she told AAP. "It’s a balance of ‘yes, I’m learning, but should I be executing this?’."

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It’s a balance of ‘yes, I’m learning, but should I be executing this?’.

One driver, Claire Cunningham, shared her experience using ChatGPT to diagnose a persistent issue with her 2019 Kia Sportage after multiple mechanic visits failed to identify the problem. The AI provided a checklist that helped mechanics pinpoint a broken door seal. Although acknowledging that generative AI might not solve every problem, Ms. Cunningham stated she would use it again for advice. "I’d already gone to the experts and they were at a loss, so it helped to have that extra tool," she said.

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I’d already gone to the experts and they were at a loss, so it helped to have that extra tool.