A creator on Instagram has shared a DIY car repair tool that, according to him, “car mechanics might not want you to know about.”

Based on a video shared by @gnutechai, a website called CarCareKiosk.com could help you solve nearly any issue with your car, step-by-step.

In the video, which has garnered over 3.2 million views, an AI narration walks viewers through the process of using the site. 

"Choose your car's brand, select the model, identify the issue, and a video will pop up demonstrating the solution," the narrator describes, while the screen displays an individual browsing the site on a computer.

Can we trust the car care website?

As the creator described, the website fulfills its commitments effectively. It features nearly all car brands available in the U.S., offers a range of model years, and provides videos that address various repair processes.

However, judging by a mix of Reddit and forum posts, user opinions about the site vary.

One Reddit user commented on a post inquiring about the website, saying it’s primarily suited for beginners.

“This website is designed for individuals who have recently purchased a vehicle and are looking for guidance on its features. While it lacks some details related to routine maintenance, it’s quite useful,” they commented. “Some users seem to misunderstand the purpose—it consolidates a wealth of information in one location, eliminating the need to scour YouTube, and it focuses on typical maintenance tasks rather than providing comprehensive instructions for repairing your entire vehicle independently.”

Meanwhile, a poster on a Toyota forum saw it differently: “They’re well worth a look for virtually any make/model, and their videos are brief and to the point,” they wrote. “Very helpful with specific things I’ve needed to do to my 2004 Solara.”

What car repairs can I handle on my own?

Fixing your own car can save money, but it’s not always the best idea. According to experts, simple jobs like oil changes, replacing air filters, or checking tire pressure are great for DIY. They’re quick, easy, and don’t require much skill.

However, for intricate repairs, it's usually wiser to rely on professionals. Attempting a major fix on your own can lead to greater expenses later on, and certain repairs require specialized tools or knowledge that most of us lack.

In the discussion, it appears that most users feel the website is more beneficial for mechanics compared to car owners. 

"One user sarcastically remarked, 'Then go visit a mechanic to fix the mess you created while attempting to save a few bucks.'" 

"Another person pointed out, 'This information is primarily beneficial for auto mechanics and car owners who wish to feign a deeper understanding of automotive problems.'" 

"I looked into it," said another person. "It's completely off."

The Daily Dot has reached out to @gnutechai via Instagram message for further comment. We’ve also contacted carcarekiosk.com via email.