Skoda has developed an app that could make diagnosing car problems as easy as pulling out your smartphone.

Called the Sound Analyser, the app records audio while the vehicle is running and then compares the recording to stored sound patterns.

If something is amiss, the app will notify technicians and tell them where to look for problems with an accuracy of more than 90%. Skoda says the app can recognize ten sound patterns including those for the steering system, the air conditioning compressor and the clutches in the direct-shift gearbox (DSG).

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In order to do this, the app converts the recorded audio file into a spectrogram that visually depicts the acoustic signals. Artificial intelligence technology then compares the file with stored recordings to identify deviations. An algorithm then works to determine what the deviations are and how to fix them.

The app promises a number of benefits to both customers and dealerships. As Skoda explained, the Sound Analyser makes vehicle maintenance more efficient and reduces the amount of time vehicles spend in the shop for repairs. This leads to improved customer satisfaction and increased productivity.

Skoda has been testing the app as part of a pilot project in 14 different countries. 245 dealers have also been involved as they have provided audio recordings for the software’s “learning process.”

While the app is interesting, Skoda hinted the technology could be incorporated into future models via special sensors which listen for abnormalities. They said this could allow for predictive maintenance as well as scheduled repairs via an internet connection.

According to Skoda’s head of after sales, Stanislav Pekař, “Sound Analyser is a prime example of the new opportunities digitalization at Skoda can create, even in terms of after sales. We will continue to consistently use artificial intelligence technologies to offer our customers an even more personalized service, thus enhancing the customer experience even further.”