Queenslanders turning to AI for car repairs, RACQ warns
The Club’s survey showed 14.2% of motorists were using AI to diagnose and help fix their vehicles and 23% asked friends or family instead of seeking professional help from a certified mechanic.
Despite knowing the risks of putting off services, one in three Queenslanders delayed or skipped car maintenance, with 40% of those postponing by three to six months and 21% by more than six months.
RACQ data shows the most common tasks that were delayed were routine services, windscreen wiper replacements and tyre changes.
Principal Technical Researcher Andrew Kirk said it’s very risky to do DIY car maintenance, as modern vehicles are often complex with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and electronic control systems.
“While AI tools, internet searches and advice from well-meaning friends can provide general information, they cannot physically inspect a vehicle, accurately diagnose every fault, or verify that a repair has been performed correctly,” Mr Kirk said.
“Attempting to diagnose and repair vehicle faults without appropriate training and equipment can result in critical safety issues being missed or incorrectly repaired.
“Car maintenance must be taken seriously – a fault in a safety-related system could lead to issues on the road and cause a fatal or life-altering crash.”
“For more complex maintenance tasks, it’s important to get your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic or at one of the RACQ Auto stores,” he said.
RACQ Roadside Assistance callouts in FY26 by region:
|
Location |
Total Events |
|
Brisbane |
199,348 |
|
Gold Coast |
98,229 |
|
Moreton Bay |
61,365 |
|
Sunshine Coast |
57,435 |
|
Logan |
43,497 |
|
Ipswich |
27,259 |
|
Townsville |
23,510 |
|
Cairns |
22,390 |
|
Redland |
19,232 |
|
Toowoomba |
18,023 |
|
Fraser Coast |
15,885 |
|
Bundaberg |
15,312 |
|
Noosa |
12,445 |
|
Mackay |
11,906 |
|
Rockhampton |
9,848 |
*Survey findings from RACQ Quarterly Consumer Omnibus - FY27 Q1. Total n=600
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