Question 1

Is CARFAX Car Care actually free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As of August 2026 CARFAX Car Care is free on both iOS and Android with no vehicle limit, covering service reminders, recall alerts, mileage/fuel tracking, and repair cost estimates. There is no paid tier to unlock more vehicles or features.

Question 2

Does CARFAX Car Care have real OEM maintenance schedules?

Accepted Answer

Its dashboard shows reminder categories - oil, tires, filters, inspections - rather than a decoded, VIN-specific factory schedule. That is enough for most owners who just want a nudge, but if you want the exact intervals your manufacturer specifies (by year, trim, and mileage), an app built around OEM schedules like ServiceSage Auto goes further.

Question 3

When should I just use CARFAX Car Care instead of switching?

Accepted Answer

If you own one US-titled car, mainly want free recall alerts and basic service reminders, and do not need equipment tracking or expense export, CARFAX Car Care genuinely covers that well and costs nothing. Switching only makes sense if you need more than alerts.

Question 4

Does CARFAX Car Care work outside the US?

Accepted Answer

CARFAX's core business is US and Canadian vehicle history built from North American title, registration, and service records, and its recall data is sourced from US regulators. Owners outside North America, or anyone tracking non-US-titled vehicles or equipment, are outside what CARFAX Car Care is built for.

CARFAX Car Care Alternative: When You Want More Than Service Alerts