Piston Labs — Canonical Messaging (Compiled)
Last Updated: January 2026
Purpose: Internal reference for consistent product messaging across all channels
What We Do (Core)
Piston Labs helps independent repair shops retain customers by fixing the moment where the relationship usually breaks: after the visit.
Most shops don't lose customers because of bad service.
They lose them because follow-up breaks down and maintenance reminders are generic, mistimed, or forgotten.
We replace guesswork with accurate, mileage-based service timing, so drivers know when service is actually due and shops stay connected—without campaigns, CRMs, or added work.
The System (High Level)
Piston Labs sits between the vehicle owner and the service shop.
- The device stays in the car and runs automatically in the background.
- Service timing is based on real usage (mileage), not calendar assumptions.
- When service is due, drivers and shops see the same clear information.
- Vehicle owners control their data and permissions.
- Service records belong to the vehicle owner.
This alignment is the product.
Canonical Pillars (Locked)
1. Retention Is the Outcome
We exist to keep customers coming back to independent repair shops.
2. Accuracy Builds Trust
Drivers only act on reminders they believe.
Accurate timing—not frequency—creates trust.
3. The Reminder Drives the Relationship
Who sends the reminder stays top-of-mind when service is due.
4. It Must Not Add Work
If it creates operational burden, it won't scale.
Piston Labs runs automatically in the background.
Shop-Facing Product Summary
Piston Labs gives shops a simple way to improve service communication using real vehicle usage data.
With a small plug-in device and a lightweight platform, it turns mileage signals into clear, customer-ready service reminders—without changing how your team operates.
What Shops Get
- Better retention without marketing programs
- Clearer service conversations
- Aligned timing with customers
- No campaigns to manage
- No workflow changes
- No staff training overhead
Customer-Facing Product Summary
Piston Labs helps you stay ahead of car problems without having to think about them.
A small plug-in device stays in your car and keeps track of usage so you know—clearly and simply—when service is actually needed.
It's designed to feel more like a modern, informative check-engine light than another app or piece of technology to manage.
What Drivers Get
- Maintenance based on how you drive
- Clear service reminders you can trust
- Fewer surprises
- A direct connection to their preferred shop
Car Pal — Countertop Display (Final Copy)
Front (Holder)
Clear Vehicle Health. No Guesswork.
Optional subline: Simple vehicle health alerts from your dashboard
Cards
| Card | Copy |
|---|---|
| For Your Car | A small plug-in device that stays in your car and keeps track of usage, so you know when service is actually needed. |
| How It Works | Car Pal runs quietly in the background. When service is due, you and your shop see the same clear information. |
| Privacy & Data | Vehicle usage data only. No unnecessary data. No location history by default. |
| For the Shop (optional) | Helps shops provide clearer, mileage-based service recommendations. |
Footer (all cards): Available through this shop
Rotating Taglines (Approved Set)
- Maintenance, based on how you drive.
- Service reminders you can trust.
- Stay ahead of maintenance.
- Drive. We'll handle the timing.
FAQ (Canonical)
Is this an AI product?
No. Piston Labs is built on real vehicle data and straightforward logic. The focus is reliability, transparency, and clear communication. (AI is used only on the service-record intelligence side.)
Does this replace a shop's recommendations?
No. It supports them. Service decisions remain with the shop.
How is the device installed?
It plugs into the standard OBD-II port and stays in the car.
Do customers need an app?
No. Interaction is minimal. Customers can log in through the website to manage preferences and view service history.
Can it integrate with shop systems?
Yes. It can run stand-alone today and is designed to integrate with major shop management systems.
What data is collected?
Only service-relevant vehicle data (e.g., mileage, diagnostic codes).
No unnecessary data. No location history by default.
Language Rules (Locked)
- Avoid "vehicle health" unless necessary; prefer mileage-based or usage-based.
- Do not frame as marketing software.
- Do not over-explain technology.
- Emphasize alignment, clarity, and timing.
- Vehicle owner first. Data permissioned. Service records belong to the owner.