This iPhone App + Device Diagnoses Your Car’s Check Engine Light, Could Save You Hundreds!
Credit: FIXDToggle Dark Mode
For some people, taking care of and maintaining a car is a breeze! For the rest of us, not so much. Luckily, there’s now a smart device created specifically for those of us who are not “car people.” While it won’t magically fix your vehicular issues, it will give you much more insight into what’s going on with your car.
It’s called FIXD and it’s essentially a sensor device that plugs into the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) port on your car. OBD-II is a small port, typically underneath the steering wheel, that’s used by vehicle owners and mechanics alike to diagnose problems.
Once it’s plugged in, FIXD scans your vehicle’s computer for error codes and offers easy-to-understand diagnostic information via the free FIXD app on your smartphone. There’s no gearhead jargon to translate or particularly complicated mechanic knowledge required.
The simplicity of the FIXD process is also its greatest strength. You know those check engine lights that you — and basically everyone else — ignores? With FIXD, there’s little excuse to not plug in the sensor and check the issue out.
That’s especially useful since check engine lights come on for a reason. While it may just be a routine and easily solvable issue, it could also signal something much more catastrophic to come — particularly if it’s ignored for too long.
FIXD analyzes your car’s subsystems for you, which lets you figure out how serious the issue could be. From the app, you’ll easily see the root cause of the issue, as well as how critical it is and what might happen if you don’t address it.
In addition to diagnosing check engine lights, the FIXD app also allows users to easily schedule routine maintenance notifications, battery and other component replacement alerts, and even order parts or schedule mechanical service. It can basically serve as a personal “car health” assistant, reminding you when to get an oil change or replace critical parts.
The benefits of FIXD are straightforward: you can figure out what’s wrong with your car without needing to haul it in for service. Once you know what the problem is, you can attempt to make the repairs yourself. Or, if you’re not a “car person,” you can at least know what to expect when you do bring your vehicle to the mechanic.
While FIXD won’t work on electric cars, diesel-powered vehicles or cars manufactured before 1996, it’s compatible with just about everything else equipped with an OBD-II port. That includes the vast majority of gasoline-powered vehicles made after 1996.
The sensor itself is about the size of a matchbook. It pulls power from the OBD-II port, so you never have to worry about battery life or keeping it charged. When it’s plugged in, it communicates with your smartphone via Bluetooth.
FIXD sells for $59.99 and is available here. Depending on how much mechanical service typically costs you, it could potentially save you hundreds of dollars by giving you the power of knowledge. Better yet, if you’re not satisfied with FIXD, you can return within the 30 Day Money Back Guarantee period for a full refund.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. Just check out some of the reviews from other reputable sources — many users praise the affordability, simplicity and the ability to diagnose potentially serious car issues from home.
