Answers
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about AutoTools — 25 questions across 5 topics, from pricing and privacy to diagnostics and installation.
Questions
25
Topics
5
Free
Always
Data
On-device
General
Yes, 100% free. No accounts, no signup, no subscription, no hidden costs. The tools are funded by non-intrusive advertising.
No. Every tool works instantly without an account. Data you create with the garage tools stays in your own browser — nothing is stored on our servers.
Once installed as an app (PWA), the main shell and several calculators work offline. Online features like OBD code search and the encyclopedia need a connection.
Calculators run in your browser. Customer cards, service books, parts stock and saved quotes are stored locally on your device as JSON. We use privacy-friendly analytics and advertising only.
The interface is in English today. The calculators are language-neutral and work everywhere.
Diagnostics & OBD
No. Our tools are educational aids that point you to likely causes and the checks to run. A professional diagnosis always requires confirming the fault with measurements, tools and experience.
Usually an emissions or sensor fault — not urgent, but read the code soon. A loose fuel cap is a classic cause.
A severe misfire that can destroy the catalytic converter. Stop driving when it is safe and have it checked.
Codes often share a root cause — for example a vacuum leak can trigger P0171, P0174 and misfire codes together. Diagnose the system, not each code alone.
On most modern cars, no. Any basic OBD-II reader works, or the free AutoTools live scanner with a Bluetooth LE adapter.
We include generic codes and common manufacturer (OEM) codes. Meanings and causes come from workshop documentation; always confirm with your vehicle’s manual.
Calculators
The ±3% diameter rule is the safe guideline; a garage may also check clearance, load index, speed rating and local regulations. Use the calculator to budget, not to decide alone.
Fill the tank, reset the trip, drive normally, then fill again to the same level. Consumption = fuel added ÷ distance × 100. The calculator does the rest.
At rest, a healthy battery reads 12.6 V+. Below 12.2 V it is about half charged, and below 12.0 V it is being damaged by deep discharge.
They are typical workshop figures for common engines. Always verify quantity, viscosity and spec against the vehicle documentation — engine codes differ even within one model.
A larger tire travels further per revolution, so the speedometer under-reads. The tire calculator shows the exact percentage difference.
Garage tools & privacy
No. The customer manager, service book, parts inventory and saved quotes live entirely in your browser’s local storage. They never leave your device.
The data is stored as JSON in your browser. For a backup, export before clearing browser data, or use your browser’s sync.
It is a lightweight quote/invoice generator for the workshop floor. For tax compliance and accounting, use dedicated software.
Pick a currency (MAD, €, $, £, DT, DA) and AutoTools sets the country’s default VAT automatically — you can still adjust it on each document.
They are budgeting estimates. Real prices vary by country, parts brand and workshop rates; a written quote from a professional is the final reference.
PWA & mobile
Open the browser menu and choose "Add to Home Screen" (or "Install app" on Chrome). AutoTools then launches full-screen like a native app, even offline.
Yes. Add vehicles and service entries in the Service Book, then enable notifications in the Reminders tool. AutoTools alerts you when something is due.
Web Bluetooth is not available on iOS Safari. The live scanner works on Chrome for Android with a Bluetooth LE ELM327 adapter.
When a new version of AutoTools is ready, we let you reload to get it. This keeps the offline app up to date.
Still need help?
We did not answer your question
Your answer is probably in the encyclopedia or the step-by-step guides. For a specific vehicle, the safest path is a quick check by your mechanic.