mycar has published research showing that 47% of Australians use AI tools to help decide how to service their vehicles. The survey also found that 33% of petrol and diesel drivers trust AI advice as much as, or more than, a professional technician.
The findings, based on a national survey of 2,025 vehicle owners, point to a shift in how drivers seek information about maintenance, repairs and future vehicle purchases.
AI is becoming part of routine car ownership for many Australians. The research found that 49% of internal combustion engine drivers say AI helps them feel better informed when speaking with technicians or service providers.
That growing confidence appears to be changing behaviour. One in five respondents said AI has made them more comfortable replacing windshield wipers or changing tyres. Smaller shares said it had encouraged them to consider more complex maintenance tasks, including replacing air filters, rotating tyres, replacing fuel filters and replacing brake pads.
The figures suggest digital advice is moving beyond simple research into hands-on vehicle work, raising questions for workshops and roadside safety as more motorists weigh chatbot recommendations alongside professional inspections.
"This year's Mobility Index finds Australians are increasingly turning to AI to better understand what's happening with their cars, and it's helping them feel more informed when it comes to maintenance and servicing. While AI is a powerful tool for improving transparency and understanding, it's not a replacement for expert care. AI tools consider vehicle servicing questions in isolation, based on the prompt provided to them, and can't take a holistic view or conduct a comprehensive assessment of the vehicle. At mycar, we see AI as a way to support better conversations and help drivers make smarter decisions about their vehicles, but it's important not to place all your trust in AI tools," said Sylvain Borré, managing director of mycar.
Younger motorists are leading the shift. The data showed 64% of Gen Z respondents use AI tools in relation to their vehicles, outpacing the broader population.
Cost pressures
The survey also points to broader changes in transport habits as households respond to higher running costs. More than two in five Australians, or 43%, said they are cutting back on discretionary trips such as weekend drives and getaways because of fuel prices and broader cost-of-living pressures.
Another 26% said they are driving less overall or switching to alternative transport, while 27% reported using public transport more often. Walking and cycling are also becoming more common, with 23% choosing active transport instead of driving and 14% saying they want to work remotely more often to reduce travel costs.
Those responses suggest affordability is shaping daily mobility decisions as much as technology is changing how drivers maintain their vehicles. For service providers, that may mean dealing with cars kept for longer and customers scrutinising repair bills more closely.
Seven in 10 respondents said rising vehicle prices, interest rates and living costs have affected their vehicle purchasing decisions. Some 15% said they are keeping their current vehicle for longer and focusing on essential maintenance rather than non-urgent repairs.
A further 21% said they are now more likely to buy a second-hand vehicle, while 20% said they are delaying their next vehicle purchase indefinitely. That points to a market where replacement cycles could stretch and demand for servicing older cars could rise.
A separate industry voice in the research linked that trend to pressure on the repair sector.
"Fuel shocks and ongoing cost-of-living pressures are having a profound impact on Australian drivers. As more drivers hold on to their vehicles for longer or delay purchasing decisions, we're seeing increased demand on the servicing and repair sector to keep older vehicles safe, compliant and roadworthy for longer lifecycles. That will make continued investment in skills, training and repair capability critical as the average age of vehicles on the road continues to rise," said Stuart Charity, chief executive officer of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association.
Vehicle choices
The same pressures are also influencing what Australians say they want to buy next. Close to half, or 46%, said they plan to choose either an electric vehicle, a self-charging hybrid or a plug-in hybrid for their next purchase, up 10 percentage points from a year earlier.
Rising fuel prices appear to be part of that shift. More than a quarter of respondents, or 26%, said higher fuel costs make them more likely to consider an electric vehicle, while hybrids were seen by many as a more manageable step away from petrol and diesel models.
Yet price remains a barrier. Nearly one in four respondents, or 23%, said the upfront cost of electric vehicles and hybrids is too high given rising vehicle prices, higher interest rates and broader household cost pressures.
That leaves a mixed picture for the transition in Australia's car market. Interest in lower-emission vehicles is rising, but many consumers still face financial constraints that may delay a switch.
"This year's Mobility Index shows a nation adapting to economic realities while embracing new technologies. Rising fuel prices are pushing more Australians to consider an EV or hybrid. That's exactly what mycar is preparing for: training our technicians, investing in EV-ready stores, offering state-of-health battery testing for peace of mind, and ensuring drivers have access to expert care whether they're driving petrol, diesel, hybrid or fully electric," said Adele Coswello, chief customer officer of mycar.