Your car, explained in plain language.
About PlainAuto
PlainAuto is a dual-audience automotive reference app for both car owners and mechanics/technicians. It provides plain-language explanations of automotive concepts, from warning lights to OBD-II codes, all in one app.
Features
Car Owner Mode
- 22 warning lights with urgency levels, meanings, and what to do
- 8 emergency procedures with step-by-step instructions
- 14 maintenance schedule items with intervals and costs
- 12 DIY repair guides with tools, steps, tips, and warnings
- 15 cost estimates with money-saving tips
- 6 fluid guides (oil, coolant, brake, transmission, power steering, washer)
- 221 automotive glossary terms
- 8 mechanic visit prep guides with questions to ask and upsell warnings
- 3 seasonal prep checklists (road trip, winter, summer)
- 4 buying and selling guides with red flags
- Under-the-hood component guide
- Vehicle tracking with service history
Mechanic / Technician Mode
- 74 OBD-II codes with diagnostic steps and common causes
- 50 torque specifications with notes
- 16 repair procedures with step-by-step instructions
- 15 diagnostic decision trees with likelihood ranking
- 30 customer explanation cards for communicating repairs
- 50+ wiring color codes by manufacturer (SAE, GM, Ford, Toyota, BMW, Honda, etc.)
- 46 labor time estimates for quoting
- Parts cross-reference across major brands
- 20 bolt patterns with vehicle fitment data
- 16 fluid capacity categories by vehicle class
Premium Content
PlainAuto offers three one-time purchase tiers (no subscriptions):
- Owner Premium ($4.99) — Unlocks all car owner content: full DIY guides, cost estimates, fluid guides, mechanic prep, seasonal checklists, buying/selling guides, under-the-hood, and service history.
- Pro Upgrade ($9.99) — Unlocks all mechanic/tech content: full OBD codes, repair procedures, diagnostic trees, wiring colors, labor times, parts cross-reference, and customer cards.
- Complete Bundle ($12.99) — Unlocks everything in both Owner and Pro tiers.
Restoring Purchases
If you reinstall the app or switch devices, go to Settings > Restore Purchases to restore your previous purchases. No account is needed — purchases are tied to your Apple ID or Google account.
Disclaimer
PlainAuto is for educational and reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional automotive advice, diagnosis, or repair. Always consult a certified mechanic for vehicle repairs, especially safety-critical work.
Contact Support
For bug reports, feature requests, or any questions:
Platforms
PlainAuto is available for iOS and Android.
Privacy Policy
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