A survey by McKinsey showed that more customers value their car aftersales experience more than their experience in buying a car. 

This means they pay more attention to what it is really like after they’ve bought their car. 

This includes dealing with aftersales support and the repair and maintenance experience from car repair shops.

On this post, we look into how the Tecphro dashboard from AI Parts can improve customer experience and relationships in the auto repair industry. 

In this industry, trust is important, and AI Parts’ groundbreaking technology can help car shop owners earn more of that.

Built-in Disadvantage

In terms of customer experience, the auto repair industry is at a disadvantage. 

From the get-go, it is already associated with a negative experience. 

It has become such a universal fact that terms like “auto anxiety” or “car repair anxiety” are regular topics in car forums and everyone knows exactly what these phrases mean. 

For emergency repairs, there is a fear of just how much the bill will be at the end.

Customers feel they are held hostage by two options: pay-up or ruin your car. 

They also feel like they have to pay more after buying a car just to use it.

There is also a huge distrust between drivers and car mechanics. This isn’t even because of a bad experience. It’s just because there’s a huge opportunity for misunderstanding.

Customers typically don’t have sufficient knowledge on how a car works yet they’re expected to trust someone that can potentially make more money than necessary.

A Shift in Customers Create Opportunity

Auto shop owners however have the opportunity to reinvent the customer experience. 

This comes from the changing demographic of who is coming in to have their car checked or repaired. 

As the millennial generation grows up, they are starting to occupy a bigger part of the market.

In a study by MIT, despite the popularization of alternative transport modes, it was discovered that millennials actually have greater car use than previous generations. 

This means as the transition happens, car shop owners have a brand new set of customer behaviors they can tap into for better results.

This is were the AI Parts’ dashboard Techpro comes in. Aside from improving the overall inventory and parts ordering system of any car shop, the AI Parts ecosystem is also a great example of upgrading services in a way the end customers will feel.

1. Fewer Errors

Techpro is a machine-learning platform. What this means is that the information it provides is not static. It is designed to be smarter and better with further use. 

At any given time, the feedback it provides will be as accurate as possible based on the available data. This protects your car shop from errors. 

The preventive maintenance solutions also give mechanics an idea of where to look first. The preventive maintenance model could point at which parts are nearest the end of their service life.

This hastens the search for possible causes of car issues and provides another layer of direction for the mechanic. 

2. Minimize Surprise Big Spends

One of the biggest features of AI Parts software is its preventive maintenance tool. 

Using AI, the software uses advanced modeling and a lot of data to predict the service lifespan of car parts. 

Drivers will have access to the sort of technology that can closely manage and customize car maintenance programs. They will know exactly when they should have the car serviced.

This helps drivers understand the importance of preventive maintenance and it helps shield them from big, preventable events that will otherwise happen without predictive maintenance. 

3. Provide Data-Based Maintenance Programs

As with the previous item, car shop managers and mechanics can use the same preventive maintenance tool to help provide actionable and data-driven advice to customers. 

Growing up with nearly unlimited access to information, millennial customers take data seriously. Forbes calls millennials the “most data-driven generation”. 

With Techpro, auto shops can start providing data and present graphs. This will help them explain maintenance needs in a more specific way. 

Modeling systems by AI Parts takes some of the mystery out and helps owners understand the importance of maintenance activities for the reliability and service life of their vehicles. 

4. A Service Relationship Strengthened by Data

With the entire AI Parts ecosystem, it’s easier for car shops to build a relationship with their clients. 

Instead of one-off visits, the platform can be used to work out a more proactive maintenance schedule with customers. 

The preventive maintenance tool makes scheduling more personalized for each customer instead of the traditional one-size-fits-all method.

Instead of arbitrary dates, mechanics and car owners can use our tools to create responsive maintenance schedules.  

This helps car shops improve their relationship with customers and increase loyalty in the very competitive aftermarket car sales service.  

5. Predict Service Needs of Customers

Service needs prediction also works through preventive maintenance tools. 

If linked with the Techpro system, it will be easy for car shop owners to gauge the changing demands of customers. 

For example, it will be easy to spot a potential rise in demand for batteries, replacement headlights, or brake pads on a week-by-week basis.

This helps auto shops prepare in terms of manpower skills, tools, and inventory to ensure it is able to service all customers. This cuts wait times and improve the overall experience of customers. 

This also minimizes lost business due to unavailable parts. 

6. Smarter Inventories Means Less Waiting Times for Clients, a Faster Moving Inventory

Techpro provides auto repair shops with powerful software that can model and predict demand for car parts. With it, shops will be able to stock up on the most in-demand car parts

This also shrinks the chance of investing in inventory that might not be desirable after all. 

The platform uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to merge expert mechanic opinion, experience, and other data to assess the reliability and compatibility of every spare part. 

With Techpro, auto repair shops will avoid purchasing incompatible or low-quality parts. The platform aggregates the experience of other auto repair shops. Suppliers with fast delivery times, high-quality parts, and good customer service are easily identifiable on the Techpro dashboard.

These issues, common for many car shops, will extend waiting times for customers and will have negative consequences on customer retention.

These are just some examples of how the AI Parts product ecosystem can help the auto repair shops. 

For the past few years, the proliferation of AI and machine learning technologies in the automotive industry has multiplied. Yet, car maintenance and auto repair services remain untouched by the technology despite the unique opportunities they present for predictive maintenance and inventory management solutions. 

With widespread use, the platform can also have the potential to impact the manufacturing sector providing it with on-the-ground insight on consumer demand. All of this contributes to an aftermarket experience for customers that is far beyond what is available today. 

 

By now, everyone in the tech world has heard about the impending takeover of the fifth generation technology in mobile networks, or 5G. 

5G has come but its spread will be slow.

Right now, it is only available in a few cities in the world, far too few to really make an impact and show off its potential. But despite this, the technology has provided sufficient proof that it can and it will work at the speeds it has promised. 

Unlike 4G which focuses on high-speed uploads and downloads, 5G has features that make it ideal for more: the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and the future of computing. 

AI Parts is bringing the best in AI to the automotive aftermarket service and sales industry. Our patented platform, which will rely heavily on neural networks to make predictive maintenance available to more people, sees the importance of 5G for the future of AI.

On this article, we look into how high-speed mobile networks and virtually zero latency can impact the future of AI.

Perfect for IoT

A big problem with IoT is the number of devices that will require connections to the network.

In one square kilometer area, 4G will work for up to 4,000 devices. For context, the city of Mumbai has 28,508 people per square kilometer. New York has over 10,000 people within the same area.

Even with current consumer demand, there is just isn’t enough space to advance IoT implementation.

The threat of a “capacity crunch” is one of the major reasons telco providers have been looking forward to 5G rollouts. Even before the rollout of 4G networks, projections already saw the limitations of 4G technology to handle growing demand.

By utilizing wavelengths with frequency over ten times that of 4G, 5G is capable of handling up to a million unique devices within one square kilometer.

With no shortage of connections, the technology creates the ideal backbone for the Internet of Things.

More sensors for air quality, traffic, noise, earthquakes, etc. can fit in cities without much threat to the capacity of 5G nodes.

The technology’s capacity can help IoT change the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

These fields require and can easily process vast amounts of data. With IoT, data fields will be filled, helping AI applications model the world with greater accuracy. This means better results.

IoT will provide a level of resolution to data never seen before. As the world shifts to IoT, the data fields AI applications will have access to will unlock some amazing benefits. 

Yet, a challenge exists.

Cities and urban hotspots will probably be the first (and maybe only) spots to enjoy the technology as the higher frequency 5G has a very short range. 

High band 5G which makes gigabit download speeds possible, has a maximum range of about half a kilometre in real-world tests. It is very susceptible to physical interference like trees or even glass windows can block the signal.

This means hardware investments will be expensive (access points can only cover a very small area) and the low density in rural areas can limit viability.

Powerful Data Streams

Higher frequency 5G means more waves per second. And since data rides waves, it’s expected that 5G will be faster than 4G.

In a real-world test by CNET, they were able to download 10 hours of 4K resolution videos in just five minutes.

Download speeds on a street in Chicago reached over 1Gbps at peak. The uploads, as expected, remained within 4G territory but telcos are saying that could be improved. 

AI, which is usually done on the cloud, can benefit greatly from ultra-high upload and download speeds. 

Devices can send more data in less time and cloud software can provide feedback in volume. Compression becomes unnecessary.

A use case will be self-driving cars. These vehicles can potentially off-load some of the computing to the cloud. The amount of data generated by LiDars, cameras, and other sensors should be comfortable within the capability of 5G.

Real-time Response

One major advantage of 5G is in latency, or how fast it can transmit and receive a response.

Current 4G technology has a latency of around 50ms while 5G, in theory, can have as little as 1ms delay. That is 150 times faster than a blink of an eye.

This ultra-low response time carries a huge impact on lifesaving applications.

In October 2019, IBM and Samsung announced a partnership that will take full use of low-latency 5G connections in high-stress situations. 

Pairing IBM Watson with Samsung’s 5G-enabled devices and wearables, the two companies built an enterprise platform for applications where fast response times can mean life or death.

5G In Action

Their platform has been trialed by police forces and it uses Samsung’s own smartwatch to continuously stream vitals. The same technology can be used by firefighters, soldiers, and other frontline workers.

Vitals collected by wearables are streamed to an off-site mission control. This lets leadership make key decisions in real-time and react to cues from AI with great speed.

This platform can similarly be applied to industries like mining, manufacturing, and construction.

Data can be uploaded to AI on a cloud, processed, and sent back faster than before.

This technology will also find use cases in industries such as finance, energy, healthcare and even retail. 

Edge Computing and 5G 

One other thing that 5G is strangely unleashing is edge computing.

Edge computing is when advanced processes like AI and machine learning are done on devices themselves, decreasing dependency on the cloud.

Common examples are on-device/offline speech input and on-device AR applications.

As manufacturers like Samsung and Qualcomm are pushing boundaries by creating chips compatible with 5G signals, they have also embedded stronger on-board AI processing.

The message is clear: 5G speeds and near zero latency will not be replacing raw, on-device computing power.

While 5G is seen to free consumers from the limits of 4G, it has also acknowledged that it can quickly become limited. As more and more consumer AI applications are built, demand for bandwidht will grow and eventually outpace the capabilities of 5G.

With this in mind, the push to make the calculations closer to where the data will be used – such as phones, cameras, computers – makes more sense.

As AI also become important in applications where they can’t fail, edge computing can help developers become more selective.

For example, an autonomous vehicle will need to process and understand hazards detected by sensors.

If it needs to transmit data and wait for it to be sent back, it might be too late before it automatically hits the brakes. And with the limited reach of 5G, what if it loses its connection?

For many industry experts, the symbiosis formed by edge computing and 5G will mean exponentials gains to the system.

“Simpler” AI tasks can be done on the device itself. Feedback can be provided immediately even when the data connection fails.

Creates a Smoother Transition

Edge computing is also seen as a way to smooth out the transition from 4G to 5G.

Powerful, on-board processing or edge computing, will slowly wean off some of the demand from 4G technologies while already showing off some 5G features such as powerful “cloud-like” computing.

A simple example would be augmented reality. Present edge computing can already provide a compelling experience. When 5G comes into the future, it can further enhance the familiar AR experience.

And when 5G reaches maturity, edge computing can help limit data transfers only for the most necessary cases. 

A Mutual Relationship 

It’s time to switch things around. So if 5G has the potential to expand the impact of AI in our lives, how can AI impact 5G?

Telco companies worldwide are already using AI to manage their networks. With the slow but steady expansion of 5G, customer expectations and industry commitments made are on the rise.

According to Ericsson, a leading provider of infrastructure devices says that up to 53% of providers will have AI systems manage their networks. 

A Growing Capacity for AI

5G solves many of the limitations AI and IoT for accelerated scaling. Its impact on AI technology will be greater than any of the previous technologies that came before it.

The timing couldn’t be more ideal as innovators like us here at AI Parts are unlocking the potential of the technology in the aftermarket automotive sales industry.

As 5G signals cover more areas around the world, so will further rise the use of artificial intelligence.

Cars are incredible machines and with every new model that comes into the market, drivers are treated to a new set of innovations.

In building cars, specific parts were designed to take a beating.

These parts were designed to handle a lot of wear and take the brunt of the many stresses experienced by cars.

The good thing is that these parts were also designed to be replaced. They are simple to take out and the car aftersales market provides car owners with many options for whatever budget.

In fact, there are so many options out there that it can be very hard to choose.

This is why the Techpro dashboard integrates product pages for spare parts.

On the platform, car parts from different suppliers are rated for compatibility and reliability against price.

With the thousands of spare parts available, the platform will also use advanced software to match the correct parts with the correct models and flag potential compatibility issues before they can happen.

This list is for every driver who wants to be educated about parts they will be replacing. Car ownership can, at times, be very daunting and knowing these parts beforehand will simplify things in the future.

1. Oil Filters

The oil filter is a membrane that ensures the oil that circulates around the engine is free from solid impurities. It uses pressure from the running engine to push oil through folds in the membrane as shown in the photo above.

The oil filter is replaced during an oil change. Since this was designed to be disposable, oil filters are some of the cheapest car parts in the market despite its very important job.

Timely replacement of engine oil and filter will prevent expensive repairs for engine trouble.

2. Spark Plugs

The tip of the spark plug ignites the small explosions that run engines.

Spark plugs break down with use and they can become less effective. This results in fuel waste. Bad spark plugs can mean noisier engines, less power when accelerating, and up to 30% drop in mileage and efficiency.

In most cases, new spark plugs should be installed at around 30,000 miles (48,000 kilometers) but this number can vary due to driving conditions and car models.

Just like the oil filters, these parts are cheap to replace.

3. Battery

Car batteries have a set lifespan and that’s usually between three and five years.

A broken-down car battery is one of the most common reasons for stalled vehicles.

A car’s battery provides power during start-up and supplies a stable current to more sensitive car electronics. When the engine runs, it also generates power to charge the battery through the alternator.

Batteries will definitely be an item on AI Parts’ future dashboard for preventive maintenance.

For now, the team has created a simple predictive maintenance widget to help drivers check when their batteries might give in. You can try it out by clicking the link here.

4. Lights

Laws were made to make sure every driver takes care of their lights and for good reason.

Car lights keep the driver safe. Headlights make it possible to drive in relative darkness and indicator lights keep the vehicle highly visible at night, in heavy rain, snow, or fog.

An average car can have more than fifteen outdoor lights and it’s likely for a few of them to blow out during its lifetime.

Fortunately, they’re cheap and easy to replace. Manuals will list down the specifications of compatible lights.

To keep things safe, make it a habit to check car lights before leaving your parking area especially before long drives. Discovering busted lights while on the road can be very stressful.

5. Belts

This isn’t about seatbelts.

These belts are found inside the hood of cars. They are used to transfer kinetic energy between components of your engine and are usually made of rubber. Through time, these belts can slip, become loose, or even snap.

It’s a bit tougher to know when belts must be replaced. Manufacturers usually do not specify their lifespans.

The best thing you can do is to make sure your mechanic checks the belts during your visits. Cracks and missing threading are some of the usual signs it is time for new ones. They can also be the source of weird engine sounds.


6. Engine Air Filter

The engine air filter makes sure that the air required by the engine during combustion is free of dust or debris.

Just like most car parts, there are many factors that can affect the lifetime of car filters.

Checking the installed air filter is an easy thing to do. Just consult the manual and you’ll find instructions on how to do this. If the filter is filled with dark, dusty spots, it’s probably time for a replacement.


7. Alternator

The alternator is a component that manages the charge and discharge of the battery.

When the engine is generating power, the alternator works to charge the battery. When the engine isn’t, it uses the stored power to run onboard electronics.

Alternators are considered a major expense worth a few hundred dollars and they’re a common replacement.

Don’t worry just yet. While a faulty alternator is a common problem, most can last for a few hundred thousand kilometres before giving out.


8. Fuses

Car fuses were designed to fail. They protect car electronics by “breaking” when too much current flows through their calibrated conductors.

While they seem easy to replace, don’t do it.

A busted fuse is usually a sign of a bigger problem within the car electronics. It is best to have a mechanic or car electrician check the wiring of the vehicle before the fuse is replaced and the power is restored. In some cases, it really could just be a broken fuse.

9. Brake Pads

These pads undergo a lot of stress. After all, they use friction to “grind cars to a screeching halt”. Eventually, they will have to be replaced.

A broken down brake pad can damage the mount which is a much more expensive job.

It is wise to replace brake pads as soon as they show any signs of damage. Grinding noises when braking or squealing and screeching are the most obvious symptoms. The pads shouldn’t be less than a quarter-inch thick.

Never run a car with a faulty brake pad. To help you plan when to replace your brake pads, you can try out the AI Parts Preventive Maintenance Widget here which also works for batteries.

10. Wiper Blades

These wiper blades are made of rubber and with constant exposure to water, heat, and cold, they tend to breakdown quite quickly.

They’re important to replace because busted wipers can scratch glass.

This can leave unsightly permanent scratches on the windshield.

Worn down wipers also mean bad visibility during rain. Just like other replaceable car parts, there are many original and third-party options in the market so its cheaper than ever to grab a replacement set.



Efficiency and Reliability

It is the car owner’s responsibility to maintain a car that is safe, reliable and efficient to use.

These ten most replaceable parts must be familiar to any car owner and driver. Most likely, you’ll spend for a few of them over the lifetime of your vehicle.

If you want, you can print out this blog post and bring it with you on your next maintenance and request your trusty mechanic to check each part with you.

You will read it everywhere. This pandemic will change the way we live. But what will these changes look like?

In this post, we explore how the pandemic will change our relationship with cars and transport.  

Before this year, waking up and driving to work was a mundane ritual for billions. In just a few weeks since COVID-19’s first case, public spaces shuttered. These rituals became obsolete.

What does it all mean for cars stuck on “park” both at home and at dealerships? What does this mean for trains and buses suspending services or running with just a fraction of passengers?

 

Derailed Q3 and Q4

There is a bleak consensus among experts— the automotive industry will take a massive hit.

IHS Markit projects a shattering 22% decline in sales for the rest of 2020. This equates to just about 69.6 million units sold, almost 20 million fewer than the previous year. 

The world is bracing for a recession expected to hit harder than 2008-2009. Buyer confidence is low and purse strings are tied in preparation for what is still an uncertain future. 

 

One Family, One Car

A side effect of this pandemic will be the decreased desirability of households with two or more cars.

With many companies adopting permanent or semi-permanent work-from-home schemes, an entire family can now share just one car. This can further dampen demand especially in the UK and the US where multiple car ownership is common.

 

Car Ownership to Become Essential

In March 2020, carpooling services from Lyft and Uber were suspended. Scoop, a carpool service professionals, has also imposed a limit of two passengers per trip. This further curbs even more exclusive options for non-car owners. 

For some experts, the slump in demand will be jolted by a small but valuable spike. The drop in confidence for the safety of mass transportation can make private car ownership essential for more consumers.

This small spike in automobile demand has been seen in China. The country is the world’s largest automobile market and is also origin of the virus. It is the first to settle into life after the pandemic.

In an Ipsos survey, non-car owners in China are the most motivated to make the purchase right now. It’s easy to imagine similar sentiments in other regions globally. 

While this bump won’t be enough to revive losses from the pandemic, it gives some hope as factories begin to open. 

 

Essential Maintenance on the Rise

While vehicle purchases are indefinitely postponed, essential vehicle maintenance is expected to rise. Car owners will be wanting to extend the service lives of their vehicles as a cost saving measure against the purchase of a new car. It can also safeguard from potentially expensive breakdowns.

On this blog, we’ve discussed the potential of car maintenance in increasing vehicle efficiency and service life. We’ve also tackled proper car care during the quarantine period. 

At this time, car shop owners must strategise how to open their businesses and how the pandemic can permanently affect their capacity and practices.

AI Parts’ Techpro dashboard for car shop owners is uniquely positioned to assist during this time. Using a purely digital dashboard and a predictive maintenance system, Techpro can lessen human-to-human contact. The dashboard also gives car owners access to an AI-powered preventive maintenance tool.  

 

Public Transport 

In China, it was observed that a bus passenger can infect a fellow commuter sitting 4.5 meters away. In New York, 123 employees of the public transport authority has died from the virus.

These are stark examples of just how dangerous public transportation can be. The virus poses a real threat to passengers and employees who run public transport systems in densely populated cities.

For UK bus rental startup Zeelo, some routes will disappear. Low-volume routes will become obsolete. Restrictive passenger limits will also challenge pricing and sustainability of mass transport systems. 

John Johnson, Chairman of the trade association representing London buses CPT, told Load Star: 

“Coach operators are facing a real struggle if something isn’t done to arrest the drop in passenger confidence. Companies and schools need to seize the opportunity to provide safe transportation with an existing fleet which already serves the UK well.”

– John Johnson, Chairman of the trade association representing London buses CPT, to Loadstar

In Japan where the railway system is the backbone of the economy, corporate measures such as staggered work hours, business closures, and public fear have reduced ridership by up to 30%. 

These observations forecast an ominous future for public transportation. Calls to suspend expansion projects are being made and ticket spend for the average commuter are expected to rise. 

An expected volume of passengers precedes the huge investments made in public transportation. For example, trains are expensive to build and maintain but they make economic sense due to their efficiency and scale. What will happen to them once ridership shrinks permanently?

 

Safety and/or Privacy

One of the best ways cities can control the spread of COVID-19 is through contact tracing. This is identifying everyone who has been in contact with a confirmed case so they can be isolated and tested.

Amnesty International has singled out some of the extreme ways China’s innovation allows for heightened contact tracing. 

The Close Contact Detector, developed by a government-backed company, can track a person’s location within three rows inside a train car, bus, or plan. 

AliPay has also launched a color-coding scheme for users and their “health status”. The platform uses vast amounts of data and AI to make predictions about each person’s likelihood of contracting COVID-19. 

The AliPay app is now used to control entry in high-volume locations like train stations, requiring millions to subscribe to the service. 

On our LinkedIn page, we also shared an AI platform that uses machine vision for cameras in public spaces to enforce social distancing. 

While these technologies might have yielded positive results against COVID-19, they provide a glimpse to a future where commuters will need to give up a lot of data to participate in mass transport system. The same rules may apply to mass gatherings, offices, schools, etc. 

 

Logistics Boom 

The logistics sector could see unprecedented levels of growth. This was evident when Amazon offered to hire an additional 75,000 in the US and 50,000 in India to meet a demand spike triggered by the pandemic. Instacart, a US shopping service, offered jobs for 250,000 people.

This can trigger investment in fleets for urban logistics. While the growth of online shopping has been aggressive in the past few years, COVID-19 has caused demnad to spiral out of control and companies are struggling to meet demands.

Small to mid-size delivery vans and other commercial vehicles for urban logistics have become essential vehicles. Smarter integration with fulfillment centers will be a huge feature to have. 

 

Disappearing Drivers

The pandemic also renewed interest in self-driving vehicles.

By not requiring human drivers, autonomous vehicles reduces human-to-human contact and protect the vulnerable workers in sectors like logistics.

Baidu’s Apollo is a slow-moving vehicle originally designed for transport of light goods. Now, 104 of these high-tech buggies has been deployed in different parts of China  to help frontliners transport and receive hospital supplies. 

In the US, Cruise has used self-driving technology to deliver food to senior homes in San Francisco. Their modified General Motors EVs  were accompanied by safety drivers in PPEs during their routes. 

Self-driving buggies in Hong Kong are automatically disinfecting high-traffic areas in the airport.

 

Obliged to Innovate

It’s a terrifying time for every industry. The pandemic has floored the brakes on almost every business from around the world.

As the medical community rushes to control the virus’ spread, businesses who can adapt to a different future will have greater chances of surviving.

While the outlook is bleak, the automotive industry is thrust into an unknown territory. It will have to change its focus to meet the demands of a post-COVID-19 world. It is now challenged to solve mass transit problems and it will face new questions about safety and security of its passengers.

Cars will remain important after the pandemic, but for different reasons.

Caring for a car is a serious gig. For many, a car is the second most expensive purchase they will ever make after a house. 

Owners will do many things to help cars keep their performance and looks.

But there’s another serious reason why you should be properly maintaining a vehicle. By keeping a car in great shape, drivers can prevent up to 30% decrease in vehicle efficiency. That’s plenty of fuel savings and every effort counts when it comes to cutting down on energy waste. 

Filter the Information Well

For car care tips, ‘just anywhere’ isn’t a great source of information. Maintenance tips you learn from friends or read about online can potentially do more harm than good. 

On this list, we discuss common car care misconceptions as well as things car owners overlook in their maintenance program. 

For the average car driver, this list should inspire you to double-take on everything you know about proper car care.

1. Not Checking the Engine Oil Type (or Using the Wrong One)

This isn’t about choosing between the expensive “synthetic” option or the cheaper “conventional” engine oil. 

Using the right engine oil means knowing what viscosity of oil should be used on your car. The manual is best place to check for the numbers. Alternatively, you can always Google. For most cars, it’s either 5W-20 or 5W-30. 

Viscosity is a measure of how “thick” oils are. Different engines need different thicknesses of oils. Usually, a lower number after the dash means thinner oil. 

This is an important item to check as you might be unknowingly damaging your vehicle. Shell’s Lube Match tool here can help with your search. It’s a great quick guide but use it only if you can’t find your manual.

2. Defrosting Your Windshield with Hot Water

Stop doing this immediately!

Some people do this during cold winter mornings because they can’t wait for the ice to thaw. Other drivers think it’s to prevent the car heaters from overworking first thing in the morning. 

Doing this can shatter your windshield. 

This is very simple science. Glass, when exposed to cold temperatures, shrinks. By dousing it with water, glass expands too quickly. The integrity fails and poof! — shards on your dashboard.

The heating system in cars were built for defrosting windshields. Using them doesn’t mean you are overworking them. The warm-up actually helps the engine heat-up properly for the ride in cold weather. 

If you need to move fast in the morning, park in a garage or park facing the sun so sunshine can gradually melt off the ice build-up before you even walk out of your house.

3. Water instead of Coolant in the Radiator

Is using water in the radiator OK in warmer climates? No.

Antifreeze’s obvious advantage is in the name. If you use it in colder regions, it will never turn solid in the radiator. It will never expand and break hard-to-reach parts. 

But how does it benefit people who never experience freezing temperatures?

Aside from antifreeze, coolants are also designed to have anti-rust properties. They absorb some of the electrolysis (the potential to rust) from the metals in the radiator.

This is crucial as these parts are often exposed to extreme conditions and moisture.

By raising the boiling point (not just freezing!), coolants are more resistant to overheating. Regular water can boil at 100-degrees Celsius, evaporate, and create a high-pressure environment. A coolant, on the other hand, can keep removing heat beyond that temperature.

Using water might save some money but cutting corners here will catch up with you after a few months. A trustworthy mechanic will tell you to use coolants all the time. 

4. Ignoring maintenance schedules

Skipping the car wash is one thing but ignoring maintenance schedules is begging for a headache. 

Car maintenance isn’t about fixing what’s already broken. It’s about ensuring things are in order and replacing parts or components that were designed to be replaced. 

AI Parts’ predictive maintenance tool checks these components and it uses advanced data processing and modeling to predict when you will need to have them replaced.

Maintenance schedules from manufacturers are meticulously estimated. It’s very important that you pay close attention to the maintenance schedule. With modern cars, many issues don’t surface until it is too late.

For example, using burnt oil won’t be very noticeable until it burns your engine. By then, a 30-euro oil change have grown to a couple thousand.

5. Not using it enough

On a previous article, the AI Parts blog has discussed how to take care of cars during the quarantine period due to the pandemic. This was a timely list because cars were never designed to stay put for a long time. 

For people who carpool or have two or more cars, be sure to regularly use every car.

Keeping them in the garage can drain batteries, ruin tires and build rust since oil and lubricants don’t get distributed. Gas can also go stale. 

Can gas really go stale?

Yes. If you’ve ever had a whiff of gasoline or diesel, you know the strong odor is due to its ability to evaporate quickly. The problem is it’s hard to tell when fuel has gone bad (Don’t go around sniffing gas!). Many experts say by three months, the gasoline would have significantly degraded that it can affect the engine performance.

6. Ignoring recalls

Recalls are public announcements by manufacturers acknowledging an error in manufacturing. Usually, these manufacturers take it upon themselves to offer free repairs.

However, many people don’t respond to these recalls because while they’re free, they can take up a lot of time. Millions of people ignore recalls because of this reason.

While the issue might not affect drivers immediately, it probably will in a few months or years.

Sometimes, it’s about safety like with Honda’s airbags. Sometimes, it’s problems in manufacturing like in the 2020 Porsche Cayenne’s transmission oil pipe.

Due to manufacturing advancements, recalls are rare and usually involve a  smaller number of cars. In fact, the biggest one happened back in 1981 with Ford recalling over 21 million vehicles due to problems with the “Parking” gear. 

7. Using the Wrong Maintenance Parts

This can be out of a driver’s control. When they drive up a shop, they usually have nothing except the mechanic’s word to stand on.

Basing options on the price won’t cut it. The most expensive option doesn’t always guarantee the best performance.

There are thousands of types of car parts and for the more obscure parts, drivers don’t have the choice. A quick research online and you’ll find many people complaining about bad car parts, even those that lead into dangerous accidents. 

AI Parts’ Techpro dashboard is trying to remedy this. With its integrated car parts selection, mechanics worldwide can contribute to a database of trusted car parts and suppliers. They can also flag incompatible parts so others don’t make the same mistake twice.

When you’re cruising at 100 kmph on a highway, a cheap, failure-prone part shouldn’t be on your mind. 

8. Not Changing Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers are built to a standard set of specifications. Why? Because manufacturers want them replaced regularly. With many brands making wipers in the market, they’ve also become relatively inexpensive.

These wipers are made of rubber and a metal and plastic mount.

As the rubber breaks down, your car wipers can be rubbing sharp metal against your expensive windshield. Scratches from this will definitely be permanent.

Replacing wipers every six to twelve months is a good rule.

Anything that might cause unsafe driving should be replaced. If bad wipers start ruining the view from the driver’s seat, it’s time for a replacement.

9. Dismantling Parts You’re Unsure Of

Saving some money by going D.I.Y. is great. In fact, some car manuals are so detailed they expect drivers to do some maintenance work.

But don’t go overboard. Sometimes, it’s not as easy as removing a nut or a screw and putting it back. If there is a need to access a specific part or system in the car, make sure it is something you are very familiar with. 

A simple mistake, especially in a fast-moving, high power vehicle, is a steep fall.

A trick to know what you can and can’t do at home is talk to a trusted mechanic. You might even learn a thing or two. Having some interest in your car and its upkeep can easily save you some money.

A Little Effort Saves a Whole Lot!

By taking care of the car you have, you’re taking care of a lot of other important things: your wallet, your time, the environment, and of course, the safety of the driver and passengers. 

Here at AI Parts, we imagine a future when we can provide more powerful tools for drivers and mechanics alike to give cars the best care.

We see important benefits for everyone in this space. We hope the list has broken some common misconceptions and practices you have about car maintenance. 

A recent study claims training an AI systems produces five times the lifetime emissions of a standard car.

Two hundred eighty-four tonnes of carbon dioxide are allegedly pumped into the air every time AI is taught a new language. For many, it felt like the technology was another disaster waiting to happen.

Since the study’s release, many have highlighted flaws in the method of quantifying AI’s carbon footprint. For example, many AI platform providers (Google and Amazon) are actively seeking renewable energy to power their data centers. And the “training” used in the method isn’t exactly how most applications are made today.

The strongest rebuttal, however, would be AI’s incredible potential in making any sector more environmentally friendly. 

At AI Parts, our goal is to see our product contribute to the positive impact of AI and machine learning on the environment. With our predictive maintenance dashboard and Techpro, we see the potential to decrease inefficiencies of cars and a smarter supply chain for aftermarket car parts. With our products, we aim to shrink waste on repeat logistics activities as well as prolong the service life of vehicles. 

Top Three Polluters First

In this article, we highlight sectors infamous for their negative impact on the environment. 

These sectors are some of the biggest in the world, consuming most of the resources worldwide. And while many say they are moving too slow, these sectors are already driving positive change through AI. 

The first item on the list is the reason you can read this article.

 Power

Generating electricity is, for obvious reasons, one of the biggest polluting industries globally. It pumps out about 25% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

Even with the rise of renewable sources, the burning of coal is still the world’s largest source of electricity. That can remain true for half a decade more. 

Greener Energy with AI

Many technologies that produce cleaner, zero-emission power already exist. Solar energy, hydroelectric, and wind energy are all significant sources of power. 

In April of 2019, renewable energy sources in the US surpassed generation from sources like coal. This achievement bookmarks the progress towards environmentally-sustainable options.

AI’s role isn’t finding a new alternative, it’s in how these options integrate efficiently and flawlessly. A major flaw of renewables that makes it hard to sell is its unpredictability.

Here, AI’s impressive capability of high-resolution modeling takes over. Last February 2019, Google’s AI program DeepMind modeled and predicted the electricity generation by a 700 MW wind farm. 

Wind conditions conducive to power generation can be very hard to predict. However, Google’s program can see 36 hours ahead of anyone. This allowed the wind farm to be more certain in selling energy and meeting commitments.

This sort of technology can allow renewable energy sources to grow and scale their business with less risk. 

Smarter Distribution Networks

If there is a stronger understanding of the availability of renewable energy, a smooth transition to a fully renewable future isn’t hard to imagine. 

This pairs nicely with the ability to predict demand. Platforms like Origami Energy uses machine learning to simplify trading in renewables by forecasting. In Norway, sensors feeding into AI sense irregularities and identify points-of-failure for power distribution. 

The use of AI for optimizing industrial-scale consumers of electricity will also leave a dent in human power use. For example, Google used AI to tweak cooling systems for its data center. 

Instead of coolers working constantly, they predict heat generation on their servers and respond accordingly. This additional step reduced energy use for Google’s data centers by an impressive 40%. 

 

Transportation

Transportation is the sector that burns most of the world’s petroleum. In Europe, 25% of greenhouse gas emissions are due to transport. From this number, road transport (cars, trucks, buses, etc) accounted for 70% back in 2014.

This is why Europe began offering generous tax cuts for low- and zero-emission vehicles. 

Smarter Maintenance, a Gateway to Increased Efficiency

On a consumer-level, AI Parts predictive maintenance tools can help with maintaining a car’s mileage. 

A car that isn’t maintained properly can easily burn 30% more fuel than one that is kept in top shape. Through the AI Parts predictive maintenance software, drivers have one platform to monitor all replaceable car parts and possible points-of-failure. This provides users with optimized information on how to maintain their vehicles. 

Predictive maintenance also extends the service life of a vehicle. This means less demand for mined metals and less materials being converted to scrap. Low-emission mobility can be achieved through AI modeling, even for not-so-new vehicles so it can easily impact all car owners. 

Next-Level Optimization

Optimization in logistics has turned a new leaf with AI. Its potential impact on the environment in this regard is impossible to deny. 

In real-world tests such as this one done in Indonesia, a logistics company saved millions of dollars in fuel cost by harnessing AI’s route optimization powers. For a dairy company in the UAE, AI’s route optimization saved 27% on distance travelled and 16% in the number of routes required for its deliveries. 

AI isn’t confined to adapting to what’s already there. It can also design it. 

Building Cities with Optimal Mobility

In 2017, Toronto’s politicians voted for the permanence of a 2.4-kilometre bike lane. This wise decision was influenced deeply by data provided by AI.

• 

This event provides a glimpse of how algorithms can influence the way people build their cities. London, another major city, logs 780 million events per day through Transport for London(TfL)’s 14,000 sensors scattered around the city. These data, fed into neural networks, can help the agency plan its next steps.

Optimal road network planning will also reduce traffic jams. This can result in 12% carbon emission savings. Watching how AI already influences the way people travel, this significant cut on pollution is achievable.

 

Manufacturing

Industry, or everything that turn raw materials into a product, is the third most polluting sector in the world. Vast amounts of energy are consumed in manufacturing. Nature is displaced in the search for raw materials. The amount of waste products it churns is a huge problem. 

One notorious example is the fashion industry which is entirely responsible for 10% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Did you know it takes 3,700 liters of water to make a pair of jeans?

AI doesn’t seem to back down from a challenge. In the production of semiconductors, AI cuts scrap rates to 30%. Simply put, more materials result in product and not scrap meta. 

AI-powered preventive maintenance software can also be used within the manufacturing industry to make sure all types of machinery are in perfect condition function as efficiently as possible. Platforms like GE’s Predix system decrease losses this way. 

Smarter supply chain management will also shrink losses of products while in transit. 

AI in this field will mean manufacturers can have better projections and match market demands perfectly, instead of driving up volume blindly. Manufacturers can start creating volume and avoid expensive surplus.  

R&D

When it comes to manufacturing, AI holds the most promise in research and development.

Innovation can be very costly, high-risk and it requires a lot of time. But with the power of AI, simulating millions of conditions to test an idea cuts cost and time spent to the minimum. Many industry leaders have invested in this idea, like Porsche’s laboratory. With it, car designers cut a lot of cost and time in testing and improving their ideas. 

The impact of AI on research and development has the potential to change how every product is made and how they work. With sustainability becoming more of a global goal, innovators within the industry will definitely consider sustainability as a desired outcome. 

 

The Future is Bright Green

It’s hard to conclude in one statement just how impactful AI can be in making civilization, business titans and all more sustainable. These examples barely scratch the surface but they give a great idea of just how powerful the technology can be. 

With investments pouring into startups, software and services in AI, it’s great to see Mother Nature benefit from human ingenuity.

The state of AI within the automotive industry

Automotive companies are marching to the low hum of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This new chapter, marked by a drastic change in the way the world works, maximizes the use of robotics and AI. 

As COVID-19 continues to challenge even the most robust economies worldwide, the situation set a stage for AI systems to demonstrate their capability. AI did not disappoint. 

With any emerging innovation, watching it merge with existing processes is always exciting. Unsurprisingly, with no established method, carmakers are introducing the innovation from very different directions. 

On this list, we handpicked innovations that show the many ways the industry is unlocking the potential of machine learning and AI. 

Toyota 

Toyota, by far the biggest-selling car maker from Japan, was lukewarm about robots and AI on factory floors. Amid reports of doubling efficiencies by competitors, the legendary Toyota Management System puts human ingenuity next to nothing. In 2018, they made waves by decommissioning robots and bringing back skilled, human workers. For then Head of Manufacturing and then EVP Mitsuru Kawai, “We always start with manual work.”

But their interest in AI did not vanish, it only refocused. In 2017, Toyota established Toyota Ventures AI, a venture capital firm dedicated to startups in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Through this Silicon Valley-based VC, they acquired technology bringing AI-powered quality assessment to factories. However, their focus is strongly on AI-powered driver assistance and self-driving automobile technologies. 

Hyundai and Kia 

Hyundai and Kia are sister car makers from South Korea, a country with the largest ratio of robots to humans. But recently, they have leveraged AI beyond manufacturing. 

Kia Motors America has launched KIAN, a chatbot powered by artificial intelligence. With the ability to respond to queries and even schedule test drives, the NLP chatbot was a success. KIAN converts three times more customers than its website. The AI Parts blog has recently identified automotive sales as a strong opportunity in the automotive industry for AI. 

Hyundai has also announced VEX, a wearable robot designed for its factory workers. Using AI and sensors for human movement, it enables an 80-kilogram man to lift a 3-kilogram tool like it’s nothing. Hyundai’s vision of the future factory is run by superhumans, or temporary cyborgs of sorts.

For drivers, Kia and Hyundai also developed the next generation AI-powered gearbox. Using map data, road conditions, weather, etc, it optimizes gear-shift when making turns so the car doesn’t have to wait for the brake pedals. 

BMW

BMW is experimenting with AI in the realm of automotive design. They’ve had some early success, at least in generating buzz and excitement. 

One of its latest concept cars, a futuristic vehicle with “skin” that stretches and adapts to wheel angle has gone viral. Using interlocking triangles which BMW calls “Alive Geometry” shows how future cars can change shape on the go. Remarkably, this design was built with artificial intelligence. 

BMW design expert Holger Hampf says they are still exploring how AI can influence their product design. In his process, AI and neural networks build from data — parameters, conditions, specifications – to which designers must add beauty.

With AI, creative product designers become moderators where they are expected to distill, refine, and cultivate ideas by AI. It is certainly exciting to see what lies ahead for BMW with this design method. 

VOLKSWAGEN

Volkswagen’s approach is a lot like Kia – enhance what is essentially human first. 

“For us, the key question is, can we augment the human being by giving that person added artificial intelligence?”, CIO Martin Hofmann told Automotive World. This is easily demonstrated by the use of collaborative robots or “cobots” on their production floor. In the future, robots can take over more undesirable tasks. Volkswagen calls this the Self-Learning Factory. 

The uniqueness of Volkswagen’s approach is in how human-centric it is at every level. It’s vision: build robots anyone can train. Using AI, these robots should be easy to configure. With machine learning, they will also learn to improve their function or “get better at their job”. So for example, a factory worker can teach the robot to lift one week, hold a drill in the next, etc. This approach maximizes the adaptability of the robot.

Volkswagen subsidiary Porsche is more ambitious. The brand has released a manual for company execs on how to be a top-down AI-driven business. The luxury car brand uses AI and machine learning to test its self-driving and assistive driving technologies. The Porsche Engineering Virtual ADAS Testing Center (PEVATeC) also generates millions of real-life driving scenarios to test new technologies faster and for cheap.

FERRARI 

Trust Ferrari to integrate performance with technology, including AI. At CES two years ago, Intel has announced its partnership with Ferrari North America. Through cameras mounted on drones, the tradition of racetracks meets artificial intelligence. 

Intel’s system will capture images and a neural network will process these images at lightning speed. This provides drivers, racing teams, and fans valuable data in realtime. 

Built for Each Other 

From car building right down to the racetracks, it’s hard to believe AI and the automotive industry weren’t built for each other. At AI Parts, unlocking the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning is our goal. Just like these trailblazing companies, we believe in the potential of putting two great things together. 

In the past two decades, the automotive industry has relied heavily on emerging technology to lure car buyers.

With pressure from the success of newcomers like Tesla, legacy brands like Toyota, Ford, and GM saw how “high-tech” attracts customers. For global consulting agency McKinsey, AI is the automotive’s industry “new value creating engine” and right here at AI Parts, we are building products that use AI to unlock brand new value in the automotive maintenance industry.

With some $11.2 billion poured into AI by car manufacturers, it’s hard to imagine a future without it. So how and where exactly is AI revolutionizing the automotive industry?

1. Autonomous Driving and Driver Assist

This technology is probably the most subscribed-to field of automotive AI. Batmobiles and spy cars in movies have turned self-driving cars into a global dream. And now, driverless cars are here.

Beyond cinematics, self-driving cars make transport safer and smarter for everyone. With AI’s ability to handle larger data streams and make decisions in a snap, it can cut traffic congestion, reduce car emissions, and even change the concept of car ownership altogether. 

Carmakers are taking huge steps to make this a reality. Just check out Tesla’s onboard AI computer with a proprietary chip and 16 billion transistors. But tech being ready is just half the story. It’s still hard for people to let go of steering wheels.

To ease the transition, many carmakers are rolling out AI-powered driver-assist systems. Today, there are plenty of cars with smart assist technology for under €27,000.00. While they can’t steer a car, they make driving safer for more users every day. 

2. Design and Manufacturing

The first step in manufacturing is designing a car. Two years ago, AI did just that. The Hack Rod is the first-ever vehicle designed by AI by just processing information on existing vehicles. Beyond automating design, AI’s modeling capabilities will also speed up prototyping, testing, and evaluation.

In manufacturing, AI has proven its worth in quality control. Ford is already using AI for monitoring car seat production. In F1 development, AI even takes a more crucial role by spotting weak communication between members of the design team.

On factory floors, AI can oversee human-machine interactions and identify risks before damage can occur. Strategic scheduling and complex process management are perfect tasks for machine learning systems. Paired with robotics, it’s easy to see AI’s potential in automotive manufacturing as boundless. 

3. Marketing and Sales

Back in 2018, Lexus used AI to write an ad based on award-winning presentations from other products. Now, imagine the same technology building an ad for every customer using their personal data. Tailor-made ads for customers could be the future of car advertising. 

AI in marketing is about data crunching. Capturing and engaging car buyers begin at knowing as much as possible about them. How companies use and react to the increasingly personal information available online will be key in capturing the distracted consumer of the future.

The personalized approach goes beyond ads. With neural language processing (NLP) like the one used on Saidtext, chatbots can provide bespoke advice. They can answer customer questions, send follow-ups, and assist buyers until they make the purchase with minimal human intervention. 

4. Predictive Maintenance

Maintenance is a huge part of the automotive industry. With AI, maintenance will shift from being reactive to predictive. The AI Parts predictive maintenance dashboard wants widespread access to this technology. 

AI’s superior prediction capability makes it easy to forecast exactly when car components reach the end of their service life. With data from lab testing, environment, car use, and a host of other factors, such analyses report in easily actionable instructions. AI in maintenance will mean less breakdowns and greater longevity for cars.

Predictive maintenance also leads to greater parts availability and less downtime for car owners. With AI Parts’ Techpro, auto mechanics will be choosing the best-performing replacement parts while understanding trends in customer demand.

5. AI in customer experience

AI can turn cars from tools into collaborators.  Imagine stepping into a stranger’s car and your music plays, displays show your favorite clips, and the lights shift to a familiar hue. AI-powered cars will learn every person’s riding preferences, react to stress levels, and even driver mood. Imagine this personal experience every time you carpool or take a cab.

AI will also improve the aftersales service. AI-powered chatbots can provide instant replies and handle complex customer queries. Stronger AI implementation will not only increase efficiency but will allow customers to enjoy a more tailored service. 

A Future That’s Already Here

Many of the world’s largest companies now rely on AI and the automotive industry is now catching up the best way it can – at breakneck speeds. Once called out for being “slow” on capitalizing the benefits of emerging technologies, the automotive industry is now poised for a transformatio. 

Here at AI Parts, we’re playing our part. We’re leveraging AI and machine learning to benefit car owners in ways rarely seen before. With smarter predictive maintenance, the potential impact on customer experience, safety, and on the environment will be remarkable. 

With billions of people stuck at home, it’s not the time to think about cars. However, we can’t let you believe they require no attention while they’re left parked for weeks. 

Cars are not designed for staying put but with global lockdowns against the pandemic, car owners were left with no choice.

And a car that won’t start or a huge repair bill will be an awful surprise when you’re ready to get back to what many call the new normal.

Here at AI Parts, we want to make auto maintenance smarter.

With predictive auto maintenance, you can expect the safest, most efficient vehicle every time. But to help you out in the meantime, we’ve come up with a list of six simple steps to help you keep your car OK while it’s not in use. 

1. Clean up your interiors. Make sure you leave nothing damp (wet umbrellas, gym clothes, dirty shoes) inside that can become petri dishes for moulds or bacteria. Check if you have any food left inside your car. Aside from moulds, stale food and foul odours can attract critters. You wouldn’t want to be welcomed by roaches or mice next time you get in your car. These unwanted visitors can chew through important (and expensive!) electronics, too.

2. Park in a covered area. This protects your car from the elements including the harsh sun and rain. If you don’t have a garage, consider a car cover. A good car cover offers protection from particles and the sun BUT make sure your car is clean before you cover it. Dust, sand, and small rocks stuck between the cover and your car can rub nasty scratches on your car. 

TOP TIP: Never park under the wrong tree. Tree sap can be very damaging to your paint job, just like bird poop (or bird bombs). While a tree can provide some shade, these chemicals from nature will do serious damage to car paint. 

3. Keep a full tank if you can. More fuel means less moisture in the gas tank. Filled tanks are more resistant to rusting or corrosion. With gas prices dropping, this should be easier to do and a car with a full tank always offers some additional peace of mind.

4. Don’t engage the handbrake. It’s better to use the “P” or park mode on your car for extended periods. The handbrake forces contact between surfaces that can lead to sticking through time. Old-school bricks against your tires is a more sustainable way of making sure your ride stays put. 

5. Be generous with tire pressure. Inflate tires to the maximum possible pressure (check manufacturer guidelines). You will also need to move the car now and then. When one section of the tire bears the entire weight of the vehicle for days, this can cause “flat spots”. A bad flat spot means you’ll have to replace your tires. Oof!

6. Try to run your engine for at least 15 mins once every two days. This little trick will keep your battery charged. To prevent a dead battery, ensure all lights are shut off (including the tiny one in the glove box). If you have a second car that’s not getting used, you can detach the battery terminals.

These small things will be greatly appreciated by your car. If you follow the list, once you can go back to your daily commute, you’ll be without any hitch. For now, make sure you check on your car and limit unnecessary trips. 

For the past months, AI Parts has been working hard on building three different products for the automotive maintenance market. Designed for different kinds of users, all share a common backbone: the startup’s innovations in AI and machine learning technology.

With our recent patent being granted, we’re even more excited to introduce to you the results of our hard work. Designed to revolutionize the industry, our software will ease work for trusty mechanics, help predict customer demand, and most importantly, provide a better experience for everyone who drives a car. 

First on the list is a toolkit for automotive maintenance providers.

TechPro – The Smart Workhorse

This app integrates every idea that AI Parts is built on. Designed for auto maintenance shops, the Techpro platform makes smart suggestions on replacement parts and spots errors before they can happen.

The platform leverages available research data on car parts, maintenance, expert user input, a rich supplier database, and a strong feedback system to do all the hard work.  

TechPro keeps its users from drowning in options for auto parts suppliers. The deal is simple: use AI and machine learning so users get the right parts, every time. This app will cut waiting times, shrink losses from ordering wrong or low-quality parts, and increase customer trust and satisfaction. 

EverDrive – Predictive Maintenance Dashboard – AI for Every Driver

ALL cars on the road share one need: maintenance. This powerful tool from AI Parts reduces the chances of “surprise” breakdowns for any driver. 

Using the Cox proportional hazards model, the dashboard uses AI to aggregate factors (weather, driving behavior, car make, condition, and many more) to predict when any car part will fail. This helps drivers seek preventive maintenance before minor fixes become big headaches. 

Mixing this technology with TechPro, the potential becomes endless! If a TechPro-powered maintenance provider can access predicted replacements or breakdowns, it can stock up on the right parts. Drivers and shop owners can finally say goodbye to ridiculous waiting times for parts and preventable breakdowns!

AI Parts has created a simple demonstration that can predict when you will need to replace your car battery or brake pads here. It’s a rough demo but it’s a good peek on what the technology will do and its ease-of-use.

SaidText – Powerful AI that Goes Beyond Voice Memos

SaidText is an enterprise solution designed for uninterrupted work. Need to provide instructions to members of the team? Just talk to the app.

The app will go beyond translating words to text. Using AI, it will identify the urgency of your request and send it to the appropriate receiver. 

With TechPro and the Predictive Maintenance Dashboard, the SaidText app can be used to order automotive parts, file issues with vehicles, and other important tasks. Use the app and say “I need a set of 2012 Peugeot 205GTi spark plugs now!” and you’ll get an estimated time of delivery before sunset. With TechPro’s technology, you know you are getting the best choice every time without flicking through a list.

Beyond automotive, SaidText can be appropriated for other industries like hospitals, manufacturing, or other fast-paced industries where a static memo just won’t do. 

 

The Hard Work Continues…

Automotive maintenance and the automotive aftersales industry is valued in the hundreds of billions. We think this giant global industry deserves impactful changes using the latest AI and machine learning technologies. As we enter the testing stage, we are making sure every day that our products and technology are ready for the real world before release. 

If you want to learn more about our products, please reach out to us or follow our LinkedIn page for constant updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ai-parts/