Code reader, GPS, Geo fence, Trip logging
Lots of companies have come out with OBDII code readers that report results via Bluetooth. That saves the cost of a display. And they work well, but only when your phone or tablet are within range of the device. However I recently tested a pretty cool automotive product that reports trouble codes and a whole lot more. The Zubie product snaps right onto the OBDII port 
under your dash. It reports results to your portal on the web via cellular communications. So you can check the operation of the vehicle from anywhere. So you can install it on your vehicle or a family member’s vehicle and track the condition and location of that vehicle. Let’s start with it’s OBDII functions.
Code reader function
If the engine computer sets a trouble code, Zubie transmits the information to your web portal. At the same time, it looks up the trouble code definition and consults a pattern failure database to find a “cost to fix” quote.
Display trouble code and get repair estimate
The quote isn’t some off-the-wall figure. Since Zubie is plugged into your OBDII port, it already has the VIN number of your vehicle. So it knows the year, make, model, and engine. When it consults the pattern failure database, it comes back with an estimated repair cost based on your vehicle. When you consult your portal, you’ll see the exact trouble codes, the definition, and an estimated cost to fix. The screen will also tell you whether the code is a minor or major issue.
Vehicle health
You don’t have to wait for a trouble code to show up to check on the vehicle’s health. Zubie runs a full time health monitor. It’ll tell you battery voltage and the health 
of key systems like oxygen sensors, evaporative emissions, catalytic converter, and fuel system. It can also give you current “book” valve of your car based on year and mileage (it can’t know the actual physical appearance condition of your vehicle though). So if you just spilled a gallon of paint in the back seat, or bashed into a light pole at Home Depot, you’ll have to adjust the estimated value (and take another safe driving course—or lay off the sauce).
Geo fence, trip mapping, and proximity alerts
Since Zubie has built in GPS, it can track the vehicle’s location at any time. Got a teenager with “parent imposed” driving restrictions? Slap a Zubie in the vehicle and you’ll always know where the kid is and if he’s violated his driving rights. If Jr. is at his girlfriend’s house in violation of your terms, Zubie will alert you right away. Zubie also reports bad driving habits by detecting hard braking, rapid acceleration, and top speed. The results are reported per trip. So you can tell exactly where and when the driver was “goofing off, ” drag racing, or just being a jerk. The trip mapping also reports idle time. Go to the driver score screen and you can get a current overall score for how well the driver is doing. This is really useful if you’re going to participate in a car insurance program that includes an OBDII monitor. If a household driver gets a low score with Zubie, you can be sure the insurance company is going to up your rates once they see the same results.
Location sharing
Install a Zubie in all family vehicles and you can track the whereabouts of all family members. Or, have family members enable location tracking on their cell phones and use the Zubie portal to track family members all the time. Use this feature even if you don’t have a Zubie in the vehicle. It works with the phone’s GPS and it’s free.
Check out a used car
Unscrupulous car dealers and private sellers often clear trouble codes when selling a vehicle with problems. The check engine light will probably be turned off when you take it for a test drive. But that doesn’t mean there are no problems. It just means the computer hasn’t completed a full drive cycle and the monitors haven’t reset. To understand what all that means, read this post on drive cycles and monitors. To find out whether the vehicle is really ok, just slap your Zubie into the vehicle’s OBDII post and take it for a test drive. Then check your phone or tablet portal page. You’ll know right away whether the seller has been straight with you.
Deals
Zubie hadn’t finished up their work on the deal portion of the software. But the Zubie guys tell me they’re working of a feature that’ll get you the best deals on car repair for upcoming maintenance events. The prices will be based on your vehicle and for shops in your area. Basically, Zubie will do the shopping for you.
Cost
Zubie costs $99. That includes the actual device and the cost of service for a year. Keep in mind that Zubie is a cellular device and the cost of the phone’s data service is included in the annual fee.
How does that compare with other devices? Well, you can get an OBDII code reader for about $50. It communicates with your phone via Bluetooth. But you can only access it from the vehicle. Sure they’ll give you the trouble code. But if you want trouble code definitions or suggested fixes, you’ll have to subscribe to additional services. The service costs run about $5/month. So Zubie actually costs less and gives you a LOT more features.
Got a car question? Click here and send it to me. I’ll do my best to get you an answer.
For more information on this repair or any others for your vehicle, buy an online subscription to either Alldatadiy.com or eautorepair.net. Click on this link to compare the two services: Compare Alldata and Eautorepair.
If you just need information for a single repair and want to save money,eautorepair offers a lower price 1-week subscription for only $11.99. Or, if you’ll be working on this vehicle in the future, you can buy a 1-year subscription (Alldatadiy.com for $26.99, or eautorepair.net $29.99)
© 2012 Rick Muscoplat
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