Tutorial 24 · 12 min read · Works with Grok Bot, ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini (free plans are fine)
AI prompts for mechanics: copy, fill in the brackets, get back on the tools
Mechanics don't get into the trade to write texts. But repair explainers, reminders, review replies and job notes still need doing, usually after the roller door's down.
This page has 12 prompts built for mechanics and automotive workshops. Copy one into your AI assistant (Grok Bot, ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini). Swap the [square brackets] for your job details and you'll have a draft in seconds.
One rule: AI is a helper, not the mechanic. You test, you decide, and you check every draft before it goes out.
What you'll need
- Your phone with a free AI app (Grok Bot, ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini)
- A notes app for your favourite prompts and booking times
- Your own test results, prices and job details. Never let AI invent them
How to use these prompts
- Copy the whole prompt (press and hold on your phone, or tap Copy prompt).
- Paste it into your AI assistant. The free versions are fine.
- Fill in every [bracket]. Delete any that don't apply.
- Leave out customer surnames, phone numbers and plate numbers. Add those in your own software.
- Check every spec, part number and price yourself.
- Make it sound like you, then send it from your usual app.
⚠️ AI BACKS UP YOUR OWN TESTING. IT NEVER REPLACES IT. Real tradies (mechanics and sparkies) already use AI to sanity-check a diagnosis, and it can be a handy second pair of eyes. But AI can be wrong, can mix up models and years, and can sound sure when it isn't. Always confirm against the manufacturer's data, the workshop manual, the wiring diagram and proper test procedures. Never replace a part, or sign off a safety-critical repair, just because AI said so.
1. Second opinion: likely causes and the next test
Section: AI as a second opinion for fault finding
Copy this prompt and fill in the [square brackets]:
I'm a qualified mechanic. Vehicle: [year, make, model, engine, km]. Symptoms: [what the customer reports and what I've seen]. Fault codes: [codes and freeze-frame data]. What I've already tested and the results: [tests and readings]. List the most likely causes, ranked from most to least likely, with a one-line reason for each. For each cause, give the next test that would confirm or rule it out. Say clearly where you're unsure. Don't give final specs. I'll check them in the manufacturer's data.
Tip: Give it your real test results. The better your notes, the better the list. Use it to jog your memory, not to make the call.
2. Challenge my diagnosis
Copy this prompt and fill in the [square brackets]:
Here's my diagnosis: [e.g. faulty cam sensor]. Vehicle: [details]. Symptoms: [details]. Codes: [codes]. Tests done: [tests and results]. Play devil's advocate. What evidence would point to a different cause? What test would prove me right or wrong before I order parts?
Tip: Handy before you order an expensive part. If AI raises a fair point, test it. Don't just take its word.
3. What am I missing?
Copy this prompt and fill in the [square brackets]:
I've been chasing this fault on a [vehicle] for [time]. Symptoms: [details]. Codes: [codes]. Here's everything I've checked and the results: [list]. What common causes, known issues or simple checks might I have skipped? Keep it to a short checklist. Mark anything you're unsure of with [CHECK].
Tip: Ask it to stick to a short list. Then check any "known issue" against the manufacturer's service information.
4. Explain a repair or quote in plain words
Section: Customers & quotes
Copy this prompt and fill in the [square brackets]:
Write a short, friendly message to [first name] explaining the work I'm recommending on their [car]. What I found: [findings]. What I recommend: [repair]. Why it matters: [reason]. What happens if they wait: [only what I've told you]. Plain words, no jargon, no scare tactics, under 150 words. Leave the price as [$___].
Tip: Only list problems you actually found. Don't let AI add faults or make it sound more urgent than it is.
5. Follow-up on work the customer declined
Copy this prompt and fill in the [square brackets]:
Write a polite, no-pressure follow-up to [first name] about the [work, e.g. front brake pads] I recommended on [date] that they decided not to go ahead with. Remind them what I found in one line, offer to book it in, and keep it under 80 words.
Tip: One friendly follow-up is fine. Keep it factual. If it's a safety issue, ring them as well.
6. Booking reply
Copy this prompt and fill in the [square brackets]:
Write a short reply to a customer asking to book their [car] in for [service/WOF/repair]. Offer these times: [times]. Tell them how long to allow: [time], and whether they need to leave the car: [yes/no]. Ask for their rego and a contact number. Under 80 words, text-message style.
Tip: Save your usual times in your phone notes so you can paste them in.
7. Parts list from a job note
Section: Job notes
Copy this prompt and fill in the [square brackets]:
Turn my job note into a tidy parts list with columns [part, quantity, notes]. Copy part names and numbers exactly as I wrote them. Don't add parts I didn't list and don't guess part numbers. Flag anything unclear as [CHECK]. Note: [paste job note]
Tip: Always check part numbers against the supplier catalogue or manufacturer's data for that exact vehicle.
8. Warranty-safe wording
Copy this prompt and fill in the [square brackets]:
Help me word a job summary for [first name] so it's clear and fair. Work done: [details]. Parts used: [details]. Anything I noticed but didn't fix: [details]. Stick to the facts. Don't promise how long anything will last and don't make warranty promises beyond what I tell you: [my warranty terms]. Under 150 words.
Tip: Use your own warranty terms. If you're unsure about consumer law, check Consumer Protection (NZ) or the ACCC / your state's fair trading office (AU).
9. WOF or rego reminder text (NZ)
Section: Reminders
Copy this prompt and fill in the [square brackets]:
Write a short, friendly text to [first name] reminding them their [WOF/rego] for their [car] is due on [date]. Offer to book the WOF in, give my booking link or number: [link/number], and keep it under 50 words. Plain Kiwi wording.
Tip: Check the due date in your own records first. Don't let AI work out dates for you.
10. Rego or service reminder (AU)
Copy this prompt and fill in the [square brackets]:
Write a short, friendly text to [first name] reminding them their [car] is due for a [service / rego renewal / safety or roadworthy inspection if required in my state] on [date]. Offer to book them in, include [booking link/number], under 50 words. Use Australian spelling.
Tip: Rules for inspections differ by state. Check what applies in yours before you mention it.
11. Reply to a Google review
Section: Reviews & marketing
Copy this prompt and fill in the [square brackets]:
Write a short reply to this Google review of my workshop. If it's positive, thank them by first name and mention the job briefly. If it's negative, stay calm, don't argue, don't share private details, and invite them to call me on [number] to sort it out. Review: [paste]
Tip: See reply to reviews. Read it twice before posting, especially a reply to a bad review.
12. Facebook post
Copy this prompt and fill in the [square brackets]:
Write a short Facebook post for my workshop in [town]. Topic: [e.g. why it's worth checking your tyres before a long trip]. Friendly, plain words, one practical tip, and a call to action to [call/message/book]. No customer names or plates.
Tip: Get the customer's OK before you post photos of their car.
Not sure which AI tool suits your workshop?
Take the free 6-question quiz. Pick "Mechanic / automotive" and you'll get a starter stack matched to your jobs and how comfortable you are with tech.
Before you send anything
Run the 2-minute check in can you trust ChatGPT?. Not sure what's OK to paste into AI? Read is ChatGPT safe for business data?.
FAQ
Can AI diagnose a car?
No. It can suggest likely causes and tests to try, like a second opinion. You do the testing and make the call, using the manufacturer's data.
Is it safe to put customer details into ChatGPT?
Leave out surnames, phone numbers and plates. See is ChatGPT safe for business data?.
Do these prompts work in New Zealand and Australia?
Yes. Put [NZ] or [your state] in the prompt, and check any rules, like WOF or inspection requirements, locally.
Do I need to pay for AI to use these?
No. Every prompt here works in the free versions.
Checklist
- ☐ Every [bracket] filled in or deleted
- ☐ No surnames, phone numbers or plates pasted into AI
- ☐ Every spec, part number and price checked against manufacturer or supplier data
- ☐ Diagnosis confirmed by your own testing, not AI
- ☐ Safety-critical repairs decided by you
Common mistakes to avoid
- Replacing parts because AI suggested a cause you haven't tested
- Trusting torque figures, fluid specs or part numbers from AI
- Letting AI make a repair sound more urgent than it is
- Making warranty promises in an AI draft you wouldn't make yourself