Check engine light on? Don’t guess.
Know what’s wrong with your car before the shop tells you.
Type in a check-engine code or describe the noise. CarCareTaker explains it in plain English, estimates what it should cost, and checks whether your repair quote is fair — and it keeps track of what’s due on every vehicle you own.
- No scanner needed
- Cancel anytime
- Veteran-owned
What it does
Diagnose a code or symptom
ProEnter a check-engine code or describe what the car is doing. Get the likely cause, how urgent it is, and what it should cost — DIY versus shop — in plain English.
Check a repair quote
ProType in what the shop quoted you. See whether it's fair, a bit high, or high compared to typical prices for your vehicle, plus the questions worth asking.
We call the parts store for you
ProTell us the part you need and we'll place the call to a real parts store, then send you pricing and availability by email and in the app.
Recall check in one tap
See open safety recalls for any vehicle in your Garage — no VIN or paperwork needed, just what you already told us.
Know what's due
Log service as you go and see what's due or overdue on each vehicle. Pro members also get reminder emails before something slips.
Your true cost of ownership
Every service you log rolls up into what each vehicle has actually cost you — not just the sticker price.
How it works
Add your vehicle
Year, make, model, mileage — about 30 seconds per car.
Ask about a problem
Enter a check-engine code, describe a symptom, or type in the quote a shop gave you.
Get a straight answer
The likely cause, how urgent it is, and what a fair price looks like — before you hand over your keys.
Stay ahead of the next one
Log maintenance as you go and see what's due, so fewer surprises turn into check-engine lights.
Free to start. Pro when you need it.
Free
$0
- 1 vehicle
- Maintenance log and what's due
- Recall check
- VIN scan
- Cost tracking
- Order parts online
Pro
Best value: annual$24.99/year
or $5.99/month
- Up to 4 vehicles
- Diagnose a code or symptom
- Check a repair quote
- We call the parts store for you
- Reminder emails before service is due
- Everything in Free
Questions
Do I need a scanner or any hardware?
No. If your check-engine light is on, many auto parts stores will read the code for free — just type it in. No code? Describe what the car is doing instead.
Does this replace a mechanic?
No. Diagnoses and price ranges are AI-generated general information to help you understand the problem and ask the right questions. Always have a qualified mechanic confirm before you commit to a repair.
What do I get for free?
One vehicle with maintenance tracking, what's due, recall checks, VIN scan, and cost tracking — free for as long as you like. Pro ($24.99/year or $5.99/month) adds AI diagnostics, quote checks, parts-store calls, reminder emails, and up to 4 vehicles.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. Manage or cancel your subscription from Settings whenever you want — no phone call required.