Frequently Asked Questions

You upload a photo, PDF, or paste the text of your repair estimate. Our AI reads every line item, compares each service against regional pricing data and your manufacturer's maintenance schedule, and tells you which items are fairly priced, overpriced, or unnecessary. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

Yes — FairMechanic AI is completely free during our beta period. No account required, no credit card, no limits. We plan to introduce paid plans in the future, and early users will receive a discount.

Our analysis is based on regional pricing data, manufacturer maintenance schedules, and a database of known unnecessary upsells. It is highly accurate for common services like oil changes, brake jobs, filters, and fluid flushes. For unusual or complex repairs, treat it as a starting point for your own research rather than a definitive answer. We always recommend consulting a licensed mechanic for safety-related decisions.

Your files are processed to generate your analysis and then permanently deleted from our servers. We do not store, sell, or share your repair estimates. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

No. FairMechanic AI provides opinions for informational purposes only. Our analysis is a second opinion to help you ask better questions and make more informed decisions — not a substitute for a licensed mechanic's assessment. Always consult a professional for safety-critical repairs.

We accept photos (JPG, PNG), PDF files, and plain text. You can take a photo of a printed estimate with your phone, upload a digital PDF from your email, or simply paste the text of your quote directly into the tool. File size limit is 20MB.

Yes. FairMechanic AI works for any vehicle. If you provide your VIN and mileage, the analysis becomes more specific to your exact make, model, and trim. Without a VIN, we use general pricing and maintenance data which is still highly useful for most common services.

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code that identifies your specific vehicle. You can find it on your dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver's side), on your insurance card, or on your vehicle registration. Entering your VIN allows us to look up your exact vehicle specifications for a more accurate analysis.

Absolutely — that's one of the main reasons people use it. Each analysis includes specific negotiation tips with language you can use at the service desk. Most service advisors will work with you when you can clearly explain why you're declining a service.

Our analysis is a starting point, not a final verdict. If something doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and get a second opinion from another mechanic. We'd also love to hear about it — email us at hello@fairmechanic.ai and we'll use your feedback to improve the tool.

No. When we show you a parts link (for DIY repairs), clicking it costs you nothing extra. We participate in the Amazon Associates program and earn a small commission if you purchase through our link — at no added cost to you. This helps keep FairMechanic AI free.

We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@fairmechanic.ai. We read every message and use feedback to improve the analysis engine.