Americans love driving and work hard to pay for their vehicles. And thanks to advancements in technology, it is easier than ever to perform preventative maintenance on vehicles. Preventative maintenance corrects any problems before they arise and progresses into catastrophic failures. Here are 3 ways that technology is assisting in preventative maintenance.
1: DTC Code Scanners
It is now affordable for anyone to purchase an OBD-II DTC code scanner. DTC stands for Diagnostic Trouble Code and is one of the key diagnostic methods used by professional auto repair shops. OBD-II stands for On-Board Diagnostic II and represents a universal protocol that is used to check for emissions compliance and generic DTC codes in most modern vehicles.
If you purchase a high-quality scanner, you can keep tabs on the health of your car and perform a lot of preventative maintenance yourself. Any time that a check engine light illuminates, you will be able to use the DTC fault codes stored in the vehicle’s ECM to help determine what is wrong. The ECM stands for Electronic Control Module; it is the brains of your vehicle. It may go by other names, such as ECU or PCM, but still performs the same essential functions.
The codes themselves may not be straightforward to interpret. For example, a crankshaft sensor code doesn’t necessarily mean that the crankshaft sensor is bad. It could mean that the engine just isn’t turning over when you turn the key. Nevertheless, these DTC codes are key to pinpointing running issues in automobiles and are constantly improving to provide a greater level of precision in diagnostic procedures.
2: Digital Oil-Change Log
Nowadays, many vehicles are equipped with oil-change indicators that automatically alert the driver when it is time to change the oil. Some vehicles will continually sense and measure the quality of the oil. These systems ensure that the vehicle lasts as long as possible by reducing the friction and heat that cause premature engine wear and failure.
Even if your vehicle is not equipped with an automated oil monitoring system, you can simply set reminders on your smartphone calendar to alert you when it is time to change the oil. You can even set reminders to purchase a specific type of synthetic oil and a performance filter to ensure that your vehicle always runs under optimal conditions.
3: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Another key aspect of preventative maintenance is keeping your tires properly inflated. Tire pressure plays a critical role in the handling and performance of a vehicle. If the tires are overinflated, it will be hard to handle but may provide better fuel economy. If the tires are underinflated, they can go flat and wear prematurely while reducing fuel economy.
You can now buy aftermarket tire pressure monitoring systems to retrofit onto any vehicle. These tire pressure monitors will ensure that your vehicle is running at optimal performance levels and give you peace of mind. A tire blowout at highway speeds can cause a fatal accident. Replacing tires that are prematurely worn from improper tire pressure is expensive.