Are you running larger tires on your vehicle and noticed your speedometer is no longer accurate? This is a common issue, and it not only affects your speed readings but also your vehicle’s odometer, leading to incorrect mileage logging. Fortunately, there’s a cheap and effective solution using an Obd2 Mileage Correction App and an inexpensive OBD2 module. As a car enthusiast and content creator at carparteu.com, I’ve explored various methods to address this, and I’m excited to share a functional DIY approach that won’t break the bank.
For this project, I used a Bluetooth OBD2 module I found on Amazon. Specifically, the Veepeak OBDCheck BLE Bluetooth OBD II Scanner.
This module, costing around $25, is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and works seamlessly with a variety of OBD2 apps. For this guide, I chose OBD Fusion, a robust and well-reviewed app that added another $10 to the total cost. The combination of the Veepeak module and OBD Fusion app proved to be a powerful tool for not only monitoring vehicle parameters but also for obd2 mileage correction.
Step-by-Step Mileage Correction with OBD Fusion App
Setting up the mileage correction is surprisingly straightforward. After connecting the Veepeak OBD2 module to your car’s OBD2 port and pairing it with your smartphone via Bluetooth, launch the OBD Fusion app. The app allows you to view real-time data, including boost pressure and various engine parameters. More importantly for our purpose, it provides the functionality to adjust the vehicle speed reading within the app itself to compensate for changes in tire size.
To correct your speedometer and effectively adjust your mileage readings within the app, navigate to the settings menu, then to “Vehicle Editor”. Scroll down to the table labeled “Vehicle Speed Scale Factor,” typically located at the bottom. Here, you can input a scale factor to adjust the speed reading.
For instance, when I installed 285/75R18 tires (approximately 35 inches) on my vehicle, I found that a scale factor of 1.16 brought the app’s speed reading in line with my GPS speed. It’s important to note that this adjustment is a percentage-based correction, ensuring accuracy across different speeds. You might need to experiment slightly to fine-tune the scale factor for your specific tire size, but starting around 1.15 for 35-inch tires is a good starting point.
Veepeak OBDCheck BLE Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner Packaging for Automotive Diagnostics
Keep in mind that this obd2 mileage correction app doesn’t physically alter your vehicle’s speedometer or odometer. The correction is applied within the app, providing you with accurate speed and, by extension, more accurate trip mileage data within the application. For me, this is perfectly acceptable, especially as it means my vehicle’s odometer accrues mileage at a slightly slower rate when compared to the actual distance traveled with the larger tires.
Benefits of Using an OBD2 Mileage Correction App
Choosing an obd2 mileage correction app like OBD Fusion with a Veepeak module offers several advantages:
- Cost-Effectiveness: At around $35 total, this solution is significantly cheaper than dedicated speedometer calibrators or gauge clusters like the Banks iDash.
- Multi-Functionality: Beyond mileage correction, these apps and modules offer a wealth of diagnostic information, real-time data monitoring, and the ability to read and clear trouble codes. You can use your smartphone as a customizable digital gauge cluster, displaying parameters like boost, coolant temperature, oil temperature, and more.
- Portability: The compact OBD2 module can be easily moved between vehicles, making it a versatile tool for any car enthusiast or DIY mechanic.
- Ease of Use: The OBD Fusion app is user-friendly and customizable, allowing you to set up your preferred gauges and data displays.
OBD2 App vs. Dedicated Gauges: Choosing the Right Solution
While products like the Banks iDash offer integrated gauge displays and deeper system integration, they come at a significantly higher price point. For many users, especially those primarily concerned with speedometer and mileage correction due to tire size changes, an obd2 mileage correction app provides a more practical and budget-friendly solution.
Unless you require the advanced features and integration of systems like the Banks iDash, or if you are heavily invested in a specific brand’s ecosystem, the combination of a Veepeak OBD2 module and OBD Fusion app is hard to beat for its value and functionality in addressing speedometer inaccuracies and providing obd2 mileage correction. It’s a smart, affordable way to maintain accurate readings and gain valuable insights into your vehicle’s performance.
