It’s natural that many of us have barely got the driver’s license and are still extremely stressed on the road. I used to scream at my poor GPS navigation in an actual fear when it led me some crazy complicated way, or if I took a turn too early.
I must admit — it took me a long time to make friends with various tech gadgets at all. And combined with driving at my early stage that was like some kind of an explosive composition for my patience. I was trying to avoid adding any more gadgets to my car.
My friends kept recommending me OBD scanner to lower the stress factor on my car drives. Especially that one of my biggest horror visions was that my car’s motor would stop at the lights and everybody would keep honking at me furiously. At first, I didn’t get the idea of the device. How a scanner that keeps showing me what’s wrong with my car all the time would make me less nervous? Eventually, I decided to give it a shot and didn’t regret it at all! Here’s why:
- Easy!
Even though the term itself sounds quite technical and professional, the diagnostic scanners are in fact not complicated at all. They are super easy to install (you can get OBD scanners like FIXD that are in the form of a simple plug) and pair with your phone via an app. Thanks to that you get all the information to your phone directly. The simplicity factor was something that convinced me. I wouldn’t be able to deal with complex car devices. If I could learn the OBD system — everyone else will make it, as well!
- Know your car well
Getting my license I hadn’t the faintest idea about cars, what I should pay attention to, what those blinking lights inside of my car are… My knowledge was hopeless. By some miracle, I managed to pass the exams. Although, many of the mechanical aspects of cars was still a bit of a mystery to me. Thanks to the OBD scanner and the connected application I could finally get the exact idea of what is going on!
Among the information gathered by the OBD scanner you’ll find:
- Exact problem descriptions
- The level of a given problem
- Costs of potential repair
- Save up a few cents
OBD tracking information saves you unnecessary visits at your mechanic’s and their repair costs evaluations. And if your scanner advises you to see the mechanic — you’ll have a solid ground for the negotiations. For such a rookie as me, that was an unbelievably useful feature. I was stressed and trusted folks who were automobile specialists. Many mechanics just took advantage of my lack of technical knowledge and I let them strip me all the money off me. But not with the OBD scanner — now I’m prepared and know the estimated costs!
- Conflict-free
Using an OBD unit doesn’t mean you have to give up GPS navigation or fleet management device. All the devices and apps work separately, stay off each other’s way and have different inputs in the car. Too many different devices, cable knots, different app noises… and the stress level increases suddenly. Surprisingly, the work of each device appeared to be helpful, understandable and perfectly clear while driving!
- Safety on the road
In cooperation with the fleet monitoring unit the OBD gathers up information on your driving patterns. Based on that, the OBD scanner builds up the driver’s safety profile. The safety profile can be a significant reason to grant you a special insurance discount. Obviously, to get a positive driver’s safety profile you have to be driving carefully and accordingly to the traffic regulations. As for me, that was a great motivational factor to become a solid and responsible car driver!
Regardless of your age, sex, current skills, and even some level of physical disability — all of you have the opportunity of getting your driver’s license. I can understand your doubts perfectly, but I know that you can do it! With the help of technology, driving was never that comfortable. You won’t get stuck alone in the woods, you won’t let anyone rip you off. And the most important part — you’ll keep learning systematically more and more with every trip.
Don’t let the technology scare you. Make the best use out of it and let it help you enjoy the freedom of driving!
