Modern cars boast impressive technology, from operational enhancements to sophisticated monitoring systems and entertainment features. Now, thanks to smartphone applications, many of these advanced capabilities are accessible to everyone. Your smartphone can be a powerful tool in your vehicle, offering features that simplify your journeys and provide crucial insights into your car’s health.
Here are some of the best smartphone apps that you can use in your car to enhance your driving experience and even scan your car with your phone for potential issues.
1. Torque Pro (Android): Your Car’s Digital Dashboard and Diagnostic Tool
For Android users, Torque Pro emerges as a comprehensive application designed to monitor your vehicle’s performance and health, especially for cars not equipped with a built-in Multi Information Display. To effectively scan your car with your phone using Torque Pro, your car needs to have an OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics) port. Furthermore, a Bluetooth OBD II adapter is required to seamlessly transmit data from your car to your smartphone. These adapters are widely available and easy to install.
Smartphone displaying car diagnostic data via Torque Pro app
Once set up, Torque Pro provides a wealth of real-time data, including engine RPM, coolant temperature, fuel consumption, and even acceleration timings. Crucially, Torque Pro allows you to scan your car for error codes. If your check engine light illuminates, this app can read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), helping you understand the potential issue before even visiting a mechanic. This feature makes it invaluable for proactive car maintenance and understanding your vehicle’s condition.
2. DashCommand (iOS): Deep Dive into Engine Performance Data
DashCommand is a highly recommended application for iOS users who are keen to understand their car’s engine performance in detail. This app goes beyond basic monitoring, allowing you to delve into the data stream from your car’s computer. Similar to Torque Pro, using DashCommand to its full potential, especially to scan your car with your phone for deeper diagnostics, requires an OBD-II compatible Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module that plugs into your car’s ECU port. OBD-II is preferred as it transmits digital signals, making data retrieval more efficient. These modules are readily available online.
With DashCommand, you can monitor parameters such as RPM, torque, horsepower, emissions levels, air-fuel ratio, exhaust gas pressure, and even identify potential issues that might trigger the check engine light. This application is perfect for enthusiasts and car owners who want a detailed understanding of their engine’s operation and want to scan their car for performance insights and potential problems directly from their iPhone.
3. HUDWAY Trip (iOS): Transforming Your Windshield into a Head-Up Display
HUDWAY Trip offers a unique feature, turning your iPhone into a Head-Up Display (HUD) without needing any additional reflective screens or equipment. Simply install the app, place your smartphone near your windshield, and the display from your phone screen will be projected onto the glass. This app primarily focuses on navigation and speed display, projecting directions and your vehicle’s speed directly into your line of sight. While not directly related to scanning your car, HUDWAY Trip enhances driving safety and convenience by minimizing distractions.
For optimal visibility, especially at night, maximizing your phone’s screen brightness is recommended. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid leaving your smartphone conspicuously displayed on your dashboard to prevent attracting unwanted attention.
4. CAR MODE (iOS): Streamlining Your Driving Interface
CAR MODE for iOS is designed to simplify your in-car smartphone usage by providing a consolidated interface for frequently used apps while driving. This application acts as a shortcut hub, bringing together essential functions like music players, navigation apps (Waze/Google Maps), phone calls, and even text messaging through voice commands, all within a single, driver-friendly layout. While CAR MODE doesn’t scan your car for diagnostics, it significantly improves user experience by creating an Apple CarPlay-like interface for older head units. Connect your iPhone via USB or Aux cable to enjoy music and a streamlined interface through your car’s audio system.
5. DRIVEMODE (Android): A Simplified Dashboard for Android Users
Similar to CAR MODE, DRIVEMODE for Android focuses on simplifying the interface of commonly used driving apps. It streamlines the display of applications like GPS and music players, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple icons while driving. Users can customize the app shortcuts to display their preferred applications, ensuring quick access to essential functions. While DRIVEMODE is not a car scanning app, it enhances driving safety and convenience by providing an easily readable and distraction-free interface for navigation and entertainment. It seamlessly integrates with popular apps like Google Maps, Spotify, and Waze, making it a valuable tool for any Android user in their car.
Conclusion: Enhance Your Car with Smartphone Technology
These five applications demonstrate the versatility of smartphones in enhancing your car’s functionality and providing valuable information. While apps like Torque Pro and DashCommand empower you to scan your car with your phone for diagnostic insights, others like HUDWAY Trip, CAR MODE, and DRIVEMODE focus on improving convenience and safety while driving. Explore these apps to discover how your smartphone can become an indispensable tool for your car, bringing advanced features and greater control to your fingertips.
