Three technologies for better vehicle maintenance

Cars contain nine major systems and are made up of some 30,000 parts. Unsurprisingly, it can be a challenge to keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance needs. However, there are a number of technologies that can help with the task. Here are three of the handiest.

1. OBD-II scanner
On-board diagnostics (OBD) systems are built-in computers in vehicles designed to provide owners and repair technicians data enabling them to identify and remedy car issues. Since 1996, all vehicles come equipped with OBD-II systems (the current iteration). With an OBD-II scanner, vehicle owners can become aware of mechanical issues by connecting to their vehicle’s OBD-II system and getting real-time information about their vehicle’s functioning.

2. Bluetooth tire pressure monitoring system
This tool comprises four high-tech replacement caps for the air valves on your tires. They send tire pressure information to your mobile device via Bluetooth, allowing you to easily keep your tire pressure at the optimum level.

3. Car maintenance apps
There are no shortage of mobile apps enabling motorists to stay on top of their vehicle’s maintenance needs, notably by providing timely reminders about important tasks like oil changes and tire rotations. The most sophisticated ones let you keep track of a bunch of things: maintenance, repairs, expenditures, distance driven, gas mileage and more. They typically provide neat charts and graphs so you can easily visualize the information.

Such technologies are great but they’re no substitute for an inspection by a mechanic. To make sure your car’s countless parts are in good shape, regular maintenance checkups are a must.