Question 1

What is Site Mechanic?

Accepted Answer

Site Mechanic is a set of website diagnostics modules (Speed & UX, SEO, Accessibility, Security, Fonts & Design, Hosting, and more). You paste a URL, run a scan, and get prioritized issues plus next-step recommendations.

Question 2

Do I need an account to run scans?

Accepted Answer

No. Most scans can be run without signing in. If you choose a paid report/export, you may be prompted to sign in or purchase credits depending on the tool.

Question 3

What URLs can I scan?

Accepted Answer

Use a public, reachable URL (for example https://example.com). Redirects are fine. Pages behind logins or IP allow-lists may not be scannable.

Question 4

How long do scans take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the module and the site. Quick scans are typically under a minute; Lighthouse audits can take a few minutes. If a site is slow or blocks automation, scans can take longer or fail.

Question 5

What is a "paid report" on Site Mechanic?

Accepted Answer

A paid report is an export/share outcome for a specific scan, such as PDF export, share links, downloadable data, or extended fix guidance. You can usually run the scan for free and then decide whether to purchase the report.

Question 6

How do credits work?

Accepted Answer

Credits are used to unlock paid reports for individual scans. When a report is locked, you'll see options to buy a single report or buy a credit pack. If you already have credits, you can unlock with 1 credit.

Question 7

Can I buy a single report without a subscription?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many tools offer a "buy single report" option for one scan. Credit packs are also available if you run reports regularly.

Question 8

Do you offer refunds?

Accepted Answer

If you're not satisfied within the first 14 days of a subscription purchase, contact support for a refund. For one-off credit purchases, reach out and we'll help resolve issues or correct billing mistakes.

Question 9

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Payments are processed through Stripe. Most major credit/debit cards are supported. Site Mechanic does not store your full card details on our servers.

Question 10

What counts as a "scan"?

Accepted Answer

A scan is when you run any analyzer (Performance, SEO, Security, etc.) on a URL. Each time you click "Analyze" or "Run Scan", it counts as one scan toward your daily limit.

Question 11

What is a "paid report unlock"?

Accepted Answer

A paid report unlock gives you access to Pro features for a specific scan result: PDF export, shareable links, detailed recommendations, and saved report history. Free users can view basic scan results but need to unlock for Pro features.

Question 12

What are the plan limits?

Accepted Answer

Free: 10 scans per day, Pro sections are locked. Day Pass ($20): Unlimited scans for 24 hours + 30 report unlocks. Pro Monthly ($29/mo): Unlimited scans + 250 report unlocks per month. Pro Annual ($290/yr): Unlimited scans + unlimited report unlocks.

Question 13

What happens when I hit my daily scan limit?

Accepted Answer

When you reach 10 scans in a day (Free tier), the scan button is disabled until midnight UTC. You'll see upgrade options for Day Pass or Pro subscriptions to continue scanning immediately.

Question 14

What happens when I run out of report unlocks?

Accepted Answer

For Day Pass users, you can unlock up to 30 reports during your 24-hour window. For Pro Monthly, your 250 reports reset at the start of each billing period. Pro Annual has unlimited unlocks. If you run out, you can purchase a Single Report ($5) or upgrade your plan.

Question 15

How does the Day Pass work?

Accepted Answer

The Day Pass ($20) gives you full Pro access for 24 hours from the time of purchase. You get unlimited scans and up to 30 report unlocks during this window. It does not auto-renew—perfect for one-time projects or client presentations.

Question 16

How does the Single Report option work?

Accepted Answer

Single Report ($5) lets you unlock one specific scan result without a subscription. After unlocking, you have permanent access to that report's Pro features including PDF export and detailed recommendations. Great if you only need one report occasionally.

Question 17

When do my limits reset?

Accepted Answer

Daily scan limits reset at midnight UTC. For Pro Monthly subscribers, report unlocks reset at the start of each billing cycle. Day Pass limits expire 24 hours after purchase.

Question 18

Why can results differ from what I see in Chrome DevTools?

Accepted Answer

Many metrics depend on device emulation, network conditions, caching, and timing. Site Mechanic uses automated runs that may not match your exact local environment. Treat results as directional signals, then verify fixes locally.

Question 19

Do you crawl my entire website?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the module. Some tools analyze a single page URL. Crawling modules (when enabled) scan multiple pages based on discovered links and limits.

Question 20

What data is stored after I run a scan?

Accepted Answer

Site Mechanic may store scan artifacts needed to generate reports (for example exported PDFs). Generated PDF files are automatically cleaned up after a retention period (7 days by default).

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