PITTSBURGH -

PNC Bank and TrueCar have teamed up to offer consumers a new digital auto shopping experience.

PNC Total Auto, powered by TrueCar, was launched Tuesday, a tool which the companies shared lets auto shoppers “browse, borrow, buy in three easy steps.”

The end-to-end digital car buying experience is designed to help consumers better understand how much a car will cost before they go to the dealership — ending up more confident in completing their vehicle purchase when they get to the showroom.

Shoppers can use the tool on their computers, tablets or mobile devices to shop for cars from their local dealers, as well as narrow their search by feature and price.

They can also apply for financing, and if approved, receive a check to bring into the dealer the very next day.

"We recognize that the negotiating and car buying process can be stressful," said Lakhbir Lamba, head of retail lending products at PNC Bank. "PNC Total Auto better prepares customers to make informed shopping and purchasing decisions by providing a fair, comparable price and a simplified process."

The new digital auto shopping platform combines TrueCar search and pricing with PNC's "Check Ready" program.

Through Check Ready, if a customer’s application is approved, they are authorized to purchase a car for up to a certain amount, PNC explained. But the check doesn’t include a final price or a dealer name, which gives the shopper flexibility to shop around.

The Check Ready program can be used for contracts between $7,500 to $50,000 on vehicles 8 years old or newer. PNC shared they can assist customers with auto loans larger than $50,000 through other products.