SecureAI is a hosted AI assistant built for the automotive aftermarket industry. This guide walks you through account setup, your first conversation, and the core features: parts lookup, document analysis, and knowledge base search.
What Is SecureAI?
SecureAI is a managed instance of OpenWebUI configured for automotive aftermarket professionals. It runs in your browser with nothing to install. It gives you:
- Parts search and cross-referencing -- find OEM and aftermarket part numbers, check fitment, and compare options across manufacturers.
- Document analysis -- upload parts catalogs, technical bulletins, and work orders as PDFs or images for the AI to read and answer questions about.
- Technical research -- ask about repair procedures, specifications, torque values, fluid capacities, and diagnostic steps.
- Knowledge bases -- your organization can upload its own catalogs and documentation so the AI can search your proprietary data when answering questions.
Accessing Your Account
Your administrator creates your account and sends you an invitation.
- Check your email for an invitation from your SecureAI administrator.
- Click the link to set your password. Choose something strong -- SecureAI stores your conversation history and any documents you upload.
- Log in at your organization's SecureAI URL (provided by your administrator).
If you do not receive an invitation, contact your administrator. If you have trouble logging in after setting your password, see SSO Login Issues or ask your administrator to verify your account status.
Navigating the Interface
After logging in you see the main chat interface. The key areas are:
| Area | Location | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Chat area | Center | Type prompts and read responses. Each conversation is saved automatically. |
| Sidebar | Left | Lists past conversations. Click any conversation to resume it. |
| New Chat | Top left | Starts a fresh conversation. Use this when you switch vehicles or topics. |
| Model selector | Top of chat area | Choose which AI model handles your conversation. Your administrator may have set a default. |
| Workspaces | Sidebar | Shared team environments with their own models and knowledge bases. |
For a detailed walkthrough of every section, see SecureAI Interface Tour.
Your First Conversation
Type a question in the chat box and press Enter. SecureAI responds with information drawn from its training data and any knowledge bases attached to your workspace.
Parts Lookup
What is the OEM part number for the front brake pads on a 2022 Ford F-150 XLT
with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine?
SecureAI returns the OEM part number along with aftermarket cross-references it can find.
Technical Question
What is the recommended oil viscosity and capacity for a 2023 Toyota RAV4
2.5L hybrid engine?
Comparison
Compare Bosch QuietCast BP1367 and Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1367 brake pads.
Which is better for a fleet vehicle that prioritizes low dust and long pad life?
The more specific your prompt, the more useful the response. Include year, make, model, engine, and trim when asking about parts or procedures.
Uploading Documents
SecureAI reads PDFs and images you upload directly into a conversation.
- Click the attachment icon (paperclip) in the chat input area.
- Select a file. Supported types: PDF, PNG, JPG, and common image formats.
- Add a prompt telling the AI what to do with the file.
Upload a work order:
Extract the VIN and all part numbers from this work order. For each part,
give me the current OEM part number and one aftermarket alternative.
Upload a part photo:
Identify this part. What vehicle does it fit? Give me the OEM part number
and any aftermarket cross-references.
For uploading catalogs to a shared knowledge base so your entire team can search them, see How to Upload Parts Catalog PDFs.
Using Knowledge Bases
If your organization has uploaded parts catalogs, technical bulletins, or other reference documents to a knowledge base, SecureAI searches them when answering your questions.
- Start a new conversation.
- Select a model that has access to the knowledge base (your administrator configures this).
- Ask your question -- the AI automatically searches the knowledge base for relevant information.
You can reference specific catalogs in your prompt:
Using our Dorman brake catalog, find the cross-reference for OEM part
number 34-11-6-799-166.
If you are unsure which knowledge bases are available, ask your administrator or ask the AI directly:
What knowledge bases or catalogs do you have access to?
For guidance on organizing your team's document collections, see Knowledge Base Design Best Practices.
Choosing the Right Model
If your workspace has multiple AI models available, each may have different strengths:
- General-purpose models handle most tasks well -- parts lookup, technical research, document analysis, and comparisons.
- Specialized models (if configured) may be tuned for specific tasks like VIN decoding or parts cross-referencing.
When in doubt, use the default model. For a detailed comparison of available models and when to use each, see Model Comparison and Selection Guide.
Writing Better Prompts
The quality of your results depends on how you ask.
Be Specific About the Vehicle
Weak:
What brake pads fit an F-150?
Strong:
What are the front brake pads for a 2022 Ford F-150 XLT, 3.5L EcoBoost,
4WD? Give me the OEM part number and two aftermarket alternatives.
Include Constraints
I need an oil filter for a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8.
Only show me options from Wix, Mann, or AC Delco. Include part numbers
and prices if available.
Ask for Verification on Safety-Critical Parts
Confirm that brake rotor part number 34116799166 is correct for my
2020 BMW X3 xDrive30i before I order.
Use VINs When Available
A VIN gives the AI the most precise vehicle identification:
VIN: 1FTFW1E88NFA12345
I need the complete front brake kit for this vehicle -- pads, rotors,
and hardware. OEM and aftermarket options.
For advanced VIN-based lookup patterns, see VIN-Based Parts Lookup.
Managing Conversations
- One vehicle per conversation keeps results clean. Start a new conversation when you switch vehicles or topics.
- Rename conversations by clicking the three-dot menu next to a conversation in the sidebar. Use names like "2022 F-150 Brake Job" instead of the default.
- Delete conversations you no longer need to keep your sidebar organized.
- Follow up freely -- the AI remembers the full conversation, so you can say "now find me the rear pads too" without repeating vehicle details.
Common Issues
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| AI gives generic answers without part numbers | Prompt is too vague | Include year, make, model, engine, and trim |
| AI cannot find information from your catalog | Knowledge base not attached to the model | Ask your administrator to verify the knowledge base configuration |
| Upload fails | File too large or unsupported format | Keep files under 50 MB; use PDF, PNG, or JPG |
| Conversation feels confused | Mixed topics in one thread | Start a new conversation for each vehicle or task |
| Cannot log in | Password expired or SSO misconfigured | Contact your administrator; see SSO Login Issues |
Next Steps
- SecureAI Interface Tour -- detailed walkthrough of every part of the interface.
- VIN-Based Parts Lookup -- use VINs for precise parts identification.
- How to Upload Parts Catalog PDFs -- add your team's catalogs to a shared knowledge base.
- OEM Part Number Cross-Reference Prompting -- techniques for finding equivalent parts across manufacturers.
- Upload Images for Parts Identification -- photograph a part and let the AI identify it.
- Knowledge Base Design Best Practices -- organize your document collections for better results.
- Interpreting Parts Compatibility Results -- understand confidence levels, fitment notes, and edge cases.