Recently, Openbay announced it will work in the future with a supported OBDII device it will give away to subscribers in the hopes that the subscribers will get their cars repaired by Openbay shops. Two new repair apps with OBDII connections available are RepairLync and the Mechanic Advisor Connection Key as ways to connect to car mechanics. Other OBDII devices with apps help drivers know more about their cars and maintain them.
RepairLync
RepairLync, launched its mobile auto repair app, that uses a Bluetooth OBDII device that can be purchased on Amazon.com for a little as $24.00 for Android
smarpthones or $64.99 to connect to Android and Windows.
The app scans their vehicle’s computer for diagnostic data and that is sent it to local shops for repair quotes. The app also works without the OBDII reader, the user manually inputs the type of service wanted. RepairLync currently has hundreds of shops in its database and is signing up new shop partners every day.
The RepairLync app connects car owners to repair shops electronically from their home which saves time and empowers users to choose their repair based on reviews, location or price, claims RepairLync.
Repair facilities are able to be included in the free online presence, to increase their customer base.
RepairLync is currently targeted and expanding in the San Francisco Bay Area. The app is available for Android smartphones and tablets. There are no fees, so shop estimates do not include a premium.
Repair shop bills are paid straight to the shop, so consumers do not need to worry about paying for the repair until after the work is done.
Mechanic Advisor Connection Key
The Mechanic Advisor Connection Key plugs into a cars OBDII. The Connection Key translates the codes into plain English for those who aren’t mechanically savvy by connecting via Bluetooth to a smartphone app.
The app shows real-time vehicle data on performance, potential diagnostic issues and maintenance updates. The app also provides the ability to communicate directly with hundreds of thousands of local, specialized mechanics.
The key works with Mechanic Advisor online referral engine, which has over million auto repair professionals nationwide. The Connection Key matches up information specific to a vehicle with a local mechanic based on location, specializations, and capabilities making it easy to quickly connect with the right mechanic for the job.
Mechanic Advisor Connection Key costs 74.95 plus $5.00 shipping.
The Mechanic Advisor App connects to your car’s computer and provides you with a real-time diagnostic report of your car’s health. With it, you’ll know about critical and non-critical issues as they happen. We provide you with all of the important information related to the problem, as well as the ability to get immediate assistance from a professional mechanic. The “Ask a Mechanic” feature also helps you resolve some issues yourself without going to a mechanic, saving you time and money.
Some OBDII apps hope to keep you from having to go to the repair shop or send you back to the dealer.
We have not seen a car repair app yet for Mojio, but since it is open source, there may be one coming down the road. Mojio claims by using its Virtual Mechanic, you’ll know as much about your car as your mechanic does, so you won’t be charged for repairs you don’t need. Mojio is available on Amazon.com for $149 including the first year of cellular data service through AT&T. After that it costs $4.99 USD per month ($6.99 in Canada).
Zubie offers alerts for car diagnosis. The free dash app works with generic OBDII devices, but currently doesn’t connect to repair shops except if you buy a car at Auto Nation. Zubie devices will be installed in cars sold or serviced at Auto Nation. Drivers will receive alerts to issues while dealers can communicate with owners and make appointments for service. The Zubie app will give tips for better driving.