Universal on-board computer for the car or applications for Android and iOS. Guide

Almost every new car has an on-board computer, no matter how simple it may be. Drivers who do not have such equipment in their cars can try using a smartphone or buy a universal on-board computer.

The IT industry has developed special applications for smartphones and iPods with the functions of a car's on-board computer. They can be downloaded from Google Play (Android smartphones) or App Store (iPad, iPhone, iOS system).

Information for the driver

There are really many applications. Some of them are less difficult to use, others are more complex. Many of them are free applications (usually the simplest ones or only during a trial period), others cost from a few to several tens of zlotys. Examples of the most popular of them are given below in the text.

Most of them are enough for the daily operation of the car. Information such as: instantaneous and average fuel consumption, mileage that we can cover, average vehicle speed, how many kilometers we have traveled, travel time, outside air temperature are presented.

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More extensive applications also provide information on engine coolant temperature, oil temperature, battery charging voltage, boost pressure (turbocharged engines), mixture composition, and even acceleration measurement from 0 to 100 km/h is possible.

Requires Bluetooth

However, just installing the app is not enough to use it in the car while driving. You will also need a bluetooth plug which needs to be connected to the OBDII service outlet in the vehicle. The diagnostic computer is connected here.

Depending on the type of interface and brand of car, such a device costs from PLN 40 to 400. More expensive ones can be used in many car models.

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Once we have the smartphone application installed and the interface connected to the phone, we can use this software.

Pros and cons

But is such information reliable?

“Not really,” says Marek Nowacik, an electrician from the Tricity. - It all depends on the application and the quality of the bluetooth connection. However, if we assume that the functions of such an on-board computer are to give us only approximate information and will not be the basis for calculations in the future (for example, in the case of official cars), then we can use it.

However, there are other disadvantages as well. The main disadvantage is the age limitation of the car. Only vehicles manufactured after 2000 were equipped with an OBDII connector.

You should also keep in mind that your smartphone or iPod must be constantly connected to the car charger, because running the app and Bluetooth consume a lot of power. So, if you use a separate navigation or car DVD player at the same time, you need to buy a special splitter that connects to the cigarette lighter socket. You will also need a phone holder.

More accurate data

For those who often want to use trip computer data or need it for billing, the best solution would be to purchase a universal trip computer.

– You can buy this type of device for about PLN 200. Their advantage lies in much more accurate information than that provided by smartphone applications, explains Marek Nowacik.

They can be installed in cars whose engines have electronic fuel injection, which is basically the case in most models made since 1992. Of course, they are also suitable for those vehicles that have an OBDII connector.

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The disadvantage of these computers is that they must be properly mounted and calibrated. The last step must be done using a laptop with the appropriate software. If someone does not understand automotive electronics, it is better to entrust this task to a specialist.

Such on-board computers can be useful to users of vehicles with LPG gas installation, since many of these devices show the combustion of gas and the level of this fuel in the tank.

Popular trip computer apps for Android

Dash Command – The application provides access to advanced engine parameters. Thanks to the program, we will receive information such as average fuel consumption, trip statistics and CO2 emissions. The app can also be used as a scanner to read OBDII codes. The application allows you to create your own program window, the so-called. skins, depending on your needs or preferences. The license to use the application costs about PLN 155. There is currently a promotion through which we can buy the right to use the application for PLN 30.

OBD AutoDoctor is an easy to use car diagnostic tool for android. The application presents vehicle parameters in numerical or graphical form, which can be sent by e-mail. The program has a DTC database with 14000 stored trouble codes. The application is completely free.

ОБД DroidScan PRO is an application that allows you to view vehicle data in real time. The driver can view vehicle data such as vehicle speed, current and average fuel consumption, engine temperature and weather conditions. The program records the data of the entire route in real time, which can later be viewed on your phone or computer. The app in the Google Play Store costs PLN 9,35.

Torque Pro – an extensive on-board computer application using the OBDII connector. The program has a number of diagnostic tools that inform the driver about the current state of the car. Thanks to the app, we can check, among other things, average fuel consumption, actual speed, engine speed, engine temperature, CO2 emissions. In addition, the tool provides alarms and warnings for any malfunctions in the vehicle (for example, too high coolant temperature). The price of the application is PLN 15, there is also a free version (Torque Lite), graphically poorer and with basic indicators.

TouchScan is a tool to read data from OBDII channel directly from Android phone. In addition to engine parameters and fuel consumption, the application reads diagnostic trouble codes. The application fee is PLN 12,19. 

Popular trip computer apps for iOS

Dash Command – The iOS app costs €44,99.

Link to OBD2 engine – means of monitoring and diagnostics of vehicles. The application displays all the most important car parameters in real time. The program also reads diagnostic codes. The application fee is PLN 30.

DB Fusion – Application for iPhone and iPad for vehicle diagnostics and monitoring. Thanks to the tool, we can track parameters such as fuel consumption, engine parameters. There is also the option to track your location using GPS. The app costs PLN 30.

turnover is a real-time tracking tool for vehicle data such as engine parameters, fuel consumption, route travelled. The application saves information about the distance traveled, which can later be analyzed on a mobile device or computer. The license to use the program costs PLN 123, the basic version (Rev Lite) is also available for free. 

Wojciech Frelikhovsky, Maciej Mitula