Meet Mert AI.
Your next answer
starts here.
From choosing the right truck accessories to working through an installation, Mert AI is here to help you move forward with confidence.
Powerful AI. Deep Putco product knowledge. Friendly support—24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What can Mert help you with?
Mert brings the latest AI model technology together with training from Putco’s Engineering and Support teams. He’s equipped to help with everyday questions and the complicated installation details that deserve a closer look.
Find the right product
Explore features, compare Putco accessories, and understand which options match your truck, your goals, and the way you use your vehicle.
Check vehicle fitment
Share your vehicle’s year, make, model, and relevant configuration. Mert can help you work through compatibility questions and product details.
Work through installation
Get help finding installation instructions and understanding product-specific steps. Mert’s training draws on the knowledge of the teams who engineer and support Putco products.
Get shopping & order help
Ask about your cart, product choices, or order questions. Mert can guide your next step and connect you with our team when your request needs a closer look.
Troubleshoot an issue
Tell Mert what’s happening. He can help you explore a solution before you pack up a return, or guide you toward product, warranty, and return support.
Connect with our team
Some questions need a person. Mert can submit your request and escalate it to the right Putco team so you have a clear path to further help.
The person who inspired the name of our AI assistant.
Inspired by a pioneer.
Mert AI takes his name from Mert Okland, the founder of Putco in the 1960s. His last name is pronounced “Oakland.”
A pioneer in the automotive aftermarket, Mert helped build Putco through innovative product launches from the 1960s through the early 1990s, when he sold the company to its current ownership.
Among his notable contributions was early patent work on the aftermarket running board—a product category that became an important part of the truck and SUV accessory market.
Today, Mert AI carries that spirit forward in a new way: using technology to solve problems, make product knowledge easier to access, and help customers feel supported.
The portrait is of Putco’s founder. Mert AI is a virtual assistant named in his honor.
Your project doesn’t keep office hours.
Neither does Mert.
An evening in the garage. A weekend upgrade. A quick question before you place an order. Mert AI is available whenever you need a starting point—day or night, including holidays.
Putco Tech Support agents: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm Central time, except major holidays. Requests that need our team are handled during team hours.
Reach Mert your way.
Choose chat, phone, or email. Mert can provide product support, help you find your next step, or escalate your request when needed.
Chat with Mert
Open the chat bubble on this page and tell Mert what you need help with.
Right here on Putco.com · 24/7
Give Mert a call
Prefer to talk it through? Reach Mert by phone, day or night.
Call 515-393-5228Send Mert an email
Share your question and relevant product or order details with Mert.
Email mert@putco.comMert is an AI assistant. When your question needs personal attention, he can connect your request with our Engineering, Tech Support, or Customer Service teams.
A few things to know about Mert
Is Mert a real person or an AI assistant?
Mert AI is Putco’s virtual assistant. He is named in honor of Putco founder Mert Okland and carries forward the company’s spirit of innovation and customer support.
Can Mert help with complicated installation questions?
Yes. Mert is trained by Putco’s Engineering and Support teams to help with product-specific installation questions. Share your part number, vehicle details, and the step you’re working on. When a question needs additional expertise, Mert can escalate it to our team.
How is Mert different from business-hours support?
Mert is available 24/7, 365 days a year by chat, phone, and email. Our Tech Support agents are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm Central time, except major holidays. Mert can help after hours and submit requests that need our team’s attention.
Can I still get help from the Putco team?
Absolutely. Mert can connect you with the right support when needed. You can also visit our Customer Service page to reach out to Putco directly.