AI Is Everywhere—Even in the Garage. Let’s Talk About It.

[shagginwagon83]

AI (artificial intelligence) might sound like some high-tech, futuristic thing, but it’s already part of everyday life—even for folks who spend more time turning wrenches than typing on a keyboard.

If you’ve ever searched Google for a wiring diagram, asked YouTube how to adjust valves on an old bus, or had eBay recommend a part you were already looking for, you’ve used AI. It’s working behind the scenes to make things faster, smarter, and sometimes even easier.

Where AI Shows Up Online (Even If You Don’t Notice It)

- Search engines – Google and Bing use AI to help you find the right info, whether it’s a forum post on TheSamba or a step-by-step rebuild guide.
- YouTube recommendations – AI suggests videos based on what you’re watching (sometimes helpful, sometimes sending you down a rabbit hole).
- Online shopping – eBay, AutohausAZ, and other parts suppliers use AI to recommend things based on your searches.
- Customer service chatbots – Ever messaged a website and got an instant response? That’s AI handling the first round of questions.

How You Can Use AI to Help in the Garage

There’s a free tool called ChatGPT (chat.openai.com) that can be surprisingly useful when working on cars—especially if you’re new to wrenching or tackling a job for the first time.

Ways It Can Help You:
Looking for torque specs or firing order? AI can pull that info fast (though always double-check with a manual).
Need help diagnosing a problem? AI won’t replace hands-on experience, but it can suggest things to check.
Explaining how something works? If you’re not sure how a carburetor or distributor advance works, AI can break it down in plain English.
Stuck on a stubborn bolt? AI can suggest tricks and techniques other mechanics have used.

But Is AI Always Right?

Nope. And that’s where the discussion gets interesting. AI pulls from a lot of sources, and sometimes it’s spot-on… other times, not so much. That’s why it’s a tool, not a replacement for hands-on experience. It can help speed things up, but it’s not a substitute for a Bentley manual or advice from someone who’s been doing this for decades.

Open Discussion: How Do You Feel About AI?

AI is growing fast, and it’s already changing the way we use the internet. Some people love it—saves time, helps with research, and makes life easier. Others are skeptical—how much can we trust it? Is it going to replace jobs? Will it make people too reliant on computers?

So, what do you think? Have you used AI for anything in the garage (or anywhere else)? Has it helped, or do you have concerns about where this is all headed? Let’s hear it!

Personally, I have owned my Volkswagen Vanagon for over 10 years now. It was my first bus. I learned a lot from Google, Youtube, and especially here on the Samba.

I have done my own DIY wheel alignments twice now - once in 2018 and just a couple of weeks ago. The second time went a lot quicker, because I fed AI my measurements and let it tell me what adjustments to make. As you always should, I verified the results manually at the end.

It has also helped me a lot with my 3D printing NLA VW parts. It has helped me learn to model and also helped me with my 3D printing issue.
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"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram: @joannthevan

[shagginwagon83]

Here is an example query using a Vanagon GPT.

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"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram: @joannthevan

[zerotofifty]

My own human based research is far superior to Shat GPT.

[shagginwagon83]

[OldSchoolVW's]

[Who.Me?]

[Abscate]

[finster]

AI is a tool and can be used well or misused. my concern is that most people won't double check the results and blindly rely on the AI generated material, much like people follow the satnav instructions and drive into a river or along a railway track.

as for customer 'service' chatbots... they are mostly useless and I now just ask to speak to a human advisor. trouble is the human is often a poorly trained call centre worker and english is their second language.

and when AI starts developing software, systems or tech will we keep up? or will we be the hapless soul asking 'hey google, why this not go vroom?'
_________________
"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut

nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect...

[borninabus]

don't you already have this topic posted in the Van forum?
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88 Van WBX, A/T - 13 JSW TDI 6M/T - 2012 Touareg TDI Sport

[shagginwagon83]

[shagginwagon83]

[kingkarmann]

[Bulli Klinik]

Having had vintage Buses for most of my life, I've grown used to the line, wiring diagrams that VW used during the air-cooled series of cars. I find them very easy to read and straight forward. I could certainly refresh myself on the current-path diagrams used in the Vanagon manuals.

Would AI have the capability to convert the Vanagon, current-path diagrams to the earlier style diagrams? Anyone want to give it a try?
_________________
PM me about quality metal-work on your vehicle.
Mike K
Bulli Klinik
Colorado Springs

[dhaavers]

Technology is awesome!

(link) Chicago Boaters Injured Using GPS, Crash Into Island

Yes, I’m a troll.

- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[E1]

Tech that throws humans under the bus so inhumans can defend it against humans… YAY!

Any questions? Why, Yes!


Human:
“Dear AI:

I’m stuck under a bus, what should I do to save my life?

Signed,
Desperate”

AI:
“Dear Human:

Get out from under the bus.

And Have a Nice Day!”


Since reality is just soooo verrrry hard, AI pushers must love robocalls, MIDI music, hot robotic maids, Tap-to-Pay criminals, Facetime dates, and all the while rooting against the humans in Mars Attacks.

Because, You know, all those have innocent uses to keep us lazy on the backs of real content producers, too.
_________________
1984 Westfailure/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s
AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans

"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere." — Colin Chapman

[Who.Me?]

[Shonandb]

[E1]

“Dear AI:

Since I’m indeed already under the bus, where are the pushrods on my Bay?

Signed,
Old & Curious”


“Dear Old & Curious:

As with any Bay area Greyhound, they may or may not have pushrod tubes, and may well be a dog that can’t be driven.

Hope this helps!

Force Be with You,
Your New Friends at AI”
_________________
1984 Westfailure/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s
AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans

"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere." — Colin Chapman

[Schepp]

[Shonandb]