Car Diagnostics

Back in the far distant year of 2014, a revolutionary car app was introduced called Dash. This app led the way in making self-diagnosing your car’s woes as easy as plugging in an OBD device and logging in to the app. Unfortunately, like our friend the dodo, that original diagnostic app is no more.

Lucky for us, however, other apps have stepped up into that gap, creating similar car diagnostics platforms, both user friendly and with additional features. Two standout members of this field are the apps DashCommand and Torque. Both will tell you what those pesky engine warning lights mean, and both will give you information about your car’s performance with virtual dashboard features.

Though it may no longer be with us, below we present our original writeup at the release of Dash—gone but not forgotten.

Dash: The Fitbit of Car Diagnostic Apps

Looking for a user-friendly car diagnostics app that works for both Android and iPhone? We get you. It’s handy to know if that Check Engine light is an emergency or can wait a little while longer. In fact, a car diagnostics app that helps you avoid most car repairs. You’ll know about problems ahead of time, before they become real concerns. Car diagnostic apps also give you very useful data when it comes to gas mileage, engine performance, and just to tell you where you’ve been.

Check out Dash, a startup out of New York on board to become a Fitbit for your car. It includes a hardware device that links up to your smartphone to provide real-time, data driven feedback on everything from driving performance to fuel metrics to repair info, like whether or not that nasty check engine light is worth losing sleep over.

Plugs into Any Bluetooth Connected OBD Device

In addition to the app, you do need to purchase an OBD device, either from within the Dash mobile application or the Dash homepage. Already have an OBD device? No worries. The company doesn’t pull an Apple on you and monopolize their technology. It will work with any Bluetooth enabled device, which can range anywhere from $10 to $70, though of course you likely get what you pay for. Premium offerings promise better connection, better power options, and higher quality experience when it comes to understanding the engine diagnostics of your vehicle.

“Dash offers a variety of ‘connected car’ features, including the ability to track your trips, watch your gas consumption, find nearby gas prices, detect crashes and alert emergency services, understand the warning messages your car’s computer throws and even locate a reliable mechanic who can resolve the problem,” a 2014 Techcrunch article notes.

Have a Problem You Need to Ask a Mechanic About?

If your app does register a problem with your vehicle, such as a faulty battery or a worn out alternator, feel free to give us a call or use our online form to schedule an appointment. We’ll also be happy to answer any questions, including on any data you found using these apps. We’re happy to help. That is what has made us the go-to automotive repair solution in the Cincinnati area since 2001.

When You Need Car Electrical Specialists

Your electrical system is pretty much the nervous system of your car that connects the computer to the engine. Don’t let small problems leave you stranded in a parking lot. Many issues are related to the starter, battery, or alternator. If you see dimming headlights, it’s likely the battery. If your batter fails to charge while driving, your alternator is probably on its last leg. If the car can’t start or has problems starting, it’s the starter. It’s best to have a professional who understands electrical systems run some tests to see what’s going on before you end up on the side of the road.

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