Every car sold in the United States is required to have a system known as On-Board Diagnostics to help mechanics, drivers, and inspectors in understanding what is going on under the hood.
This system uses a 16-pin connector which is installed near the device panel that gathers information. If the system detects a problem, it will transmit them in a four-digit code: P for powertrain, C for chassis, B for body, U for computer.
As a car driver, you can use the On-Boar Diagnostic system to find out your car’s statistics, such as the engine speed, temperature, fuel economy, and the vehicle speed. You can also find out what’s going on under the hood; however, you need to have the right gadget. Here are some of the best car diagnostic apps and devices.
Delphi Vehicle Diagnostics
You can plug the Delphi Vehicle Diagnostic device into the OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) port on your vehicle. Doing so will help you understand the problems of your car; however, it is designed to do so much more. This means that it can help inform you about diagnostics and engine faults. This plug-in device also offers a wide range of remote features which includes GPS tracking, and remote unlocking using a smartphone application. The GPS function allows you to keep track of your speed as well as your location.
DevToaster’s Rev
This device won the Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice Award way back in 2009. It can inform you exactly how you are operating the vehicle and how your car is behaving. This device functions like a driving instructor and vehicle performance measurement device. Aside from monitoring your driving performance, this device also notifies you if there are any problems or wear with your vehicle. But remember that this device doesn’t change the necessity of bringing your car in for regular servicing. The expert car mechanics at Avenue Wheel Shop, advise drivers to bring their car for routine diagnostic tests to help prevent potential car damage.
To use Devtoaster’s Rev, you need to buy a wireless OBD-II data transmitter and plug it into the OBD port. Download the Rev application to your iPhone and you can use the app.
PLX Kiwi WiFi/Bluetooth
This device allows you to wirelessly connect to your vehicle’s computer using your iPhone or Android smartphone. It allows you to read engine and vehicle diagnostic codes through the free smartphone app. Just like DevToaster’s Rev, this device allows you to track your car’s performance through the GPS application.
Car Minder Plus
This application is a very useful for preventive maintenance. This smartphone app stores your car’s maintenance and repair log. It records maintenance details, such as oil changes, tune-ups, and tire rotations to help you remember what needs to be done and when. With this application, you can also monitor the fuel efficiency for any fluctuations. This will help you identify possible problems early on.
Car MD
This device will help you figure out which trouble code is making the Check Engine light illuminate. The application takes you to the appropriate website so that you will know more about the problem. Car MD also lists suggestions and solutions for fixing the problem. In addition, this device also connects you to an online calculator which informs you about the repair cost estimate. You can bring your car to a credible repair shop and confirm the price.
This guest post is written by Kris Bennette, a car enthusiast and blogger. She has written various topics about the latest car features and gadgets.
