MechanicAdvisor telematics platform connects service shops with fleets

BOSTON — Mechanic Advisor Inc. has introduced Steermatics, a real-time telematics and remote diagnostics service for connected fleets that enables vehicle repair shops to employ remote vehicle diagnostics and automated retention marketing tools.

Steermatics offers repair shops and their technicians remote access to real-time diagnostic data, such as vehicle health and predictive maintenance alerts.

Fleets that use Steermatics will have the option to deploy Force by Mojio on a special subscription plan, activating GPS tracking and fleet management features to help them better manage their vehicles, the company said.

Steermatics will be fully integrated within Steer, MechanicAdvisor's CRM for auto repair shops. Participating repair shops will be able to purchase 4G LTE-connected OBD-II devices that can be installed in their fleet customers' vehicles, enabling the collection of telematics data.

Shop technicians are able to remotely monitor the fleet's vehicles via user interface that links the data with Steer's automated marketing and customer communication tools.

When a vehicle is in need of service — whether for regular maintenance or for an unexpected repair — both the fleet customer and the service technician will receive automated alerts and information about the issue, including the recommended course of action, and online scheduling. Shops can send quotes and invoice a customer directly.

"Together, MechanicAdvisor and Mojio are implementing telematics technologies to change the way a vehicle is serviced, providing greater transparency and safety to the auto repair process," MechanicAdvisor CEO Parker Swift said.

Business owners who connect their fleet vehicles to Steermatics via a participating repair shop can also subscribe to the Force by Mojio fleet management service.

Key features include:

• Live GPS location tracking with safety, security and maintenance alerts;
• A detailed trip history with safety scores for drivers; and
• Vehicle health monitoring with maintenance management, diagnostic alerts, recall information and Mojio's TireCheck tool to identify tires that are in need of replacement.

"Steermatics evolves the way that repair shops connect with their customers by reducing the friction too commonly associated with maintaining fleets," Mojio CEO Kenny Hawk said.

"Remote access to real-time vehicle health insights from our platform enables a more transparent and proactive service relationship, clearing the path to long-term customer retention."

Vehicle-related data and insights made available to auto repair shops via Steermatics includes:

• VIN to identify the vehicle and associate with the customer account;
• OEM PIDs for accurate odometer, fuel level and oil life percentage, plus TPMS data to proactively identify tire damage;
• Odometer values to trigger proactive service reminders based on manufacturer or technician recommended service milestones;
• Freeze-frame data and diagnostics trouble codes to identify real-time problems and remotely diagnose emerging issues;
• Complete Fuel Trims (long and short term) and O2 sensor data to help troubleshoot inconsistent vehicle performance issues; and
• Predictive maintenance alerts that warn of imminent 12v battery failure and the need for air filter replacement.

Only data related to vehicle health and maintenance is shared with participating auto repair shops, the companies said, adding that behavioral and location-based data, such as GPS location, are excluded and will not be shared with MechanicAdvisor or the participating auto repair shops.

MechanicAdvisor offers the Steer CRM marketing platform, telematics and a directory for repair shops nationwide.