The Problem with How Cars Are Usually Inspected
A Turo host clicks a few photos on their phone. A rental counter employee walks around the car in 90 seconds. Neither catches the timing chain rattle that'll leave you stranded on I-80, or the pending transmission fault code that hasn't triggered the check engine light yet.
RAD built CarFidelity to fix this. It's a triple-sensor AI inspection that analyzes a vehicle across three completely independent data streams.
Sensor 1: Visual AI (40% of score)
The host walks around the vehicle capturing 8-12 standardized angles — front-left corner, driver side profile, interior dashboard, trunk open, and more. Each photo is analyzed by GPT-4o Vision, which has been trained specifically on automotive damage assessment.
The AI identifies: body damage (dents, scratches, rust), glass condition (chips, cracks), tire wear and condition, all lighting function, paint defects, fluid leak indicators under the hood, interior wear, and upholstery condition. Each item gets a severity rating — none, minor, moderate, or severe — and an estimated repair cost.
Sensor 2: Audio Analysis (40% of score)
The host records three engine states: cold start (engine starting after 2+ hours rest), warm idle at operating temperature, and shutdown. These recordings capture sounds that visual inspection can never catch.
Our audio AI detects: timing chain rattle, valve tick, piston knock, exhaust leaks, serpentine belt whine, accessory bearing failure, and turbo flutter. Each anomaly gets a severity rating — "monitor," "service soon," or "do not drive" — with a recommended action.
This is the sensor that separates CarFidelity from everything else on the market. Ravin AI does photos only. Carfax does history only. No one else does engine audio AI.
Sensor 3: OBD2 Diagnostics (20% of score)
Via the Bouncie device permanently installed in all RAD fleet vehicles, CarFidelity pulls live OBD2 data: active fault codes, pending codes (intermittent issues that haven't set the check engine light yet), battery voltage, fuel trim, O2 sensor readings, odometer, and 8 emissions readiness monitors.
A VIN mismatch or odometer rollback detection triggers an automatic fail — no partial score.
The Fidelity Score
All three sensors combine into a single 0-100 Fidelity Score:
- 85+ = CarFidelity Certified — the gold badge. This vehicle has passed a thorough check across all three sensors.
- 70-84 = Good condition — minor issues noted, report available.
- Below 70 — significant issues flagged. Vehicle should not be rented until resolved.
Pre-Trip and Post-Trip: How It Protects Everyone
CarFidelity runs twice for every RAD booking: before keys are handed over (pre-trip) and after the vehicle returns (post-trip). The AI compares the two reports and flags any changes in condition. This protects hosts from being charged for pre-existing damage — and holds renters accountable for new damage that occurred during the trip.
No more "that scratch was already there" disputes. The evidence is timestamped, AI-analyzed, and objective.
What This Means for You as a Renter
When you see a CarFidelity Certified badge on a RAD listing, you know that vehicle was checked by AI across three independent systems — more thoroughly than any rental counter or manual inspection. If a vehicle scores below 85, you can see exactly why before you book.
Transparency is the point. No surprises on the road.