PistonbookA mechanic in your pocket, for free.
A warning light, a squeal when braking, an OBD code? Just ask: the AI mechanic answers knowing your vehicle and its service history.
In shortThe AI mechanic answers your questions about your vehicle: servicing, warning lights, noises, tyres, OBD fault codes. It knows the model, the mileage and the latest services logged in Pistonbook. It is free with a personal Mistral key, created in two minutes. It answers in English when the app is in English.
What is it for?
It knows your vehicle
Model, engine, mileage, latest services and reminders: no need to explain it all again.
Short answers
"Is my oil change overdue?", "What does P0420 mean?": a clear answer, with a rough price.
Careful
Brakes, steering, oil light: it tells you when not to drive and when to see a professional.
How do I turn it on?
The mechanic runs on Mistral, a French AI. Your personal key is free.
Create a key
On admin.mistral.ai, API menu, API Keys, "Create new key". Copy it.
Turn off training
API menu, Privacy: turn off the use of your requests to train models.
Paste it in the app
Settings, AI mechanic: paste the key and tap "Test". Then, on a vehicle, tap "AI mechanic".
What is sent?
Sent to Mistral
Make, model, year, engine, mileage, recent services, reminders, OBD codes and your question.
Never sent
Your name, your email, the number plate, the VIN, photos, invoices, prices, your location. The key stays on your phone, never with Pistonbook.
AI mechanic
Is it really free?
Yes. Pistonbook charges nothing, and the free Mistral key is enough: around 10 questions a minute. Mistral may change its free plan, and the app will tell you if your key stops working.
Why do I need my own key?
So the mechanic stays free with no subscription: each question goes straight from your phone to Mistral, without going through our servers.
Does it replace a mechanic?
No. It helps you understand and decide, but it cannot see the car. If you have any doubt about brakes, steering or a red warning light, see a professional.
Are my conversations kept?
Not by Pistonbook: the conversation is erased when you leave the screen. On Mistral's side, turn off training (step 2) so it is not used to train their models.