Is your vehicle making strange noises or displaying alerts on the dashboard?
With a app to identify defects in the car, you can find out what's going on without going directly to the mechanic.
Today, your smartphone becomes a powerful automotive diagnostic tool.
Thanks to OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics) technology, you can connect an app to your car and receive detailed information about the engine, sensors, emissions, fuel consumption, and much more.
Throughout this article, you will learn about three key applications: Car Scanner ELM OBD2, Drivvo and Engine Link, and you'll see how they can help you in real-life situations.
See also
- Check Your Eyesight in Minutes with These Amazing Apps
- No TV? These Apps ARE Your TV
- Are you a fan of Turkish soap operas? These apps are a must-have.
- Easy Measurement with your Cell Phone
- Improve Your Cell Phone Sound with These Powerful Apps
Why Use an App to Check Your Car?
Car breakdowns can occur at the worst possible time: on the way to work, during a family trip, or even when you're stuck at home. Detecting them before they get worse saves you time, money, and stress.
A app to detect faults allows:
- Check engine error codes
- Knowing what a lit light on the dashboard means
- Prevent serious errors when interpreting system data
- Record maintenance and expenses
- Evaluate the general condition of the car
Let's see how each app works in different contexts.
1. ELM OBD2 Car Scanner – Real-Time Information and Diagnostics
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 It's one of the most popular apps when it comes to scanning a vehicle's status via an OBD2 connection. It's compatible with many types of Bluetooth scanners and most modern vehicles.
Highlighted Features:
- Reading and erasing error codes
- Real-time sensor analysis (temperature, pressure, RPM, voltage)
- Customizing dashboards
- Emissions Test Preparation Mode
- Access to the history of detected faults
Example of use:
Luis, a 28-year-old driver, noticed a light on his car. He connected his OBD2 scanner and opened Car ScannerThe app displayed a code related to the oxygen sensor. With that information, he was able to replace the part before it affected engine performance.
Who is it for?
Ideal for drivers interested in knowing the internal condition of their car without relying exclusively on a workshop.
2. Drivvo – Organize Your Maintenance and Control Your Money
Although Drivvo It is not oriented to scan sensors, but it is an incredible tool to manage the preventive maintenance and car expenses. Focuses on keeping everything organized and anticipating necessary services.
Key Features:
- Detailed expense record: fuel, utilities, insurance
- Maintenance alerts: oil change, technical inspection, tires
- Calculating fuel consumption and efficiency
- Compatible with personal or fleet vehicles
Example of use:
Rosa, a taxi owner, uses Drivvo to record every expense related to your car. The app alerts you when it's time to change the oil or get a service. Thanks to this management, you've avoided serious problems like worn brakes or dead batteries.
Who is it for?
Drivers who want to keep their car in good financial and mechanical condition without missing important dates.
3. Engine Link – Advanced Diagnostics for Experts
Engine Link It's a more advanced app, designed for those with technical knowledge or who want a detailed view of what's happening in their vehicle. Compatible with iOS, it connects to OBD2 scanners and allows you to analyze dozens of vehicle system parameters.
What it offers:
- Real-time measurement of data such as turbo pressure, engine temperature, engine load
- Creating custom graphics
- Reading and erasing error codes
- System efficiency verification
Example of use:
Carlos, passionate about modified cars, uses Engine Link to monitor the performance of his sports car. During an amateur race, he detected overheating in the air intake. Thanks to the app's alert, he prevented costly engine damage.
Who is it for?
Expert drivers, automotive technicians, or mechanical enthusiasts looking for high-precision data.
Advantages of Having These Apps
Using apps like these has multiple benefits:
- Saving: You can identify the problem yourself and avoid expensive diagnostics.
- Prevention: You detect faults before they become dangerous.
- Control: You have the car's complete history on your cell phone.
- Comfort: You can scan and consult from home, on the road, or wherever you are.
You don't need complex tools. With a cell phone, an OBD2 scanner (which costs little), and the right app, you have everything you need to take care of your car like a pro.
Comparison between Apps
| Functionality | Car Scanner | Drivvo | Engine Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Live sensor reading | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Maintenance log | 🟡 Limited | ✅ | 🟡 Manual |
| Service alerts | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Difficulty level | Low | Very low | High |
| Ideal for | All levels | General users | Advanced users |
✅ = Available | ❌ = Not available | 🟡 = Partial or limited
Practical Recommendations
- Get started with Car Scanner if it is your first time using OBD2 scanner.
- Use Drivvo even if you don't have a scanner, to organize your automotive life.
- Choose Engine Link if you have technical knowledge and need more in-depth information.
- Always make sure the OBD2 scanner is compatible with your car and the app you choose.
- Keep apps updated to ensure data accuracy.
Conclusion
Taking care of your car doesn't have to be complicated. Nowadays, with just a cell phone and the right app, you can identify faults in your car in a matter of minutes. Applications like Car Scanner ELM OBD2, Drivvo and Engine Link They offer practical, reliable solutions tailored to different types of users.
Whether you're looking to prevent problems, control expenses, or access advanced technical data, these tools are designed to give you complete control over your vehicle. Don't wait for something to fail: act sooner, understand your car, and travel more safely.
Download one of these apps, connect your scanner, and start taking care of your car like never before. Because a well-maintained car means peace of mind on the road.
Download links
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 – android / iOS
Engine Link – iOS
