In a perfect world, your car would never break down, and you would never hear strange noises emanating from under the hood. Unfortunately for drivers and car owners everywhere, it is not a perfect world, and unexpected breakdowns and strange noises are all too common.
It can be hard to tell what is wrong with your car, especially if you do not happen to be a mechanic. But thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you have a powerful diagnostic tool right in your pocket.
That diagnostic tool is your smartphone, and downloading a few apps could pinpoint the source of the problem and point you toward a solution. Here are some of the most helpful automotive diagnostic apps for your favorite set of wheels.
EOBD Facile
If your check engine light is on and you do not know why, you need the EOBD Facile app on your phone. This highly useful smartphone app is available for both iPhone and iPad, and it is simple to use.
Just connect a compatible OBD II device to your vehicle’s port and fire up the EOBD Facile app on your phone. Once the app is running, you can use it to pinpoint the problem, turn off the check engine light, or both.
Torque Pro
If you have an Android device, you can take advantage of the long list of features in the popular Torque Pro app. The Torque Pro app supports a wide range of detectors, so chances are it is compatible with the vehicle and equipment you already own. With this powerful app, you can monitor to performance of your vehicle in real time, instantly see fault codes and even tap into the vehicle’s sensors. Torque Pro is one of the most versatile diagnostic apps on the market.
Actron U-Scan
The U-Scan app is an excellent choice for vehicle diagnostics, all from your smartphone. With Actron U-Scan, you can quickly determine the source of that troublesome check engine light, so you can point your mechanic right to the problem.
Compatible with both Android and Apple devices, the Actron U-Scan app quickly reads vehicle codes. Once you have the codes in hand, you can turn off the warning light, log the diagnostic tests and even monitor your vehicle’s emissions.
No matter what kind of car you drive, it is good to know what is going on under the hood. Until recently, diagnosing vehicle problems and deciphering check engine codes was only possible at your mechanic’s shop, but with these great smartphone apps, you can pinpoint the source of the problem without ever leaving your driveway.
