Recently updated on April 4, 2022 at 01:58 am
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For those who are annoyed by the few functions of the on-board computer in their own car, the German startup company "PACE Telematics" has invented a cool alternative. With the PACE OBD-2 plug, almost every vehicle owner can add many value-added services to their car. This goes from the on-board analysis of the car to the automatic logbook, which is even recognized by the tax office. "Tuningblog.eu" tested it directly. The fact that vehicles are becoming increasingly smart is certainly nothing new. However, this only applies to current vehicles and new releases. But there is another way, namely with the PACE connector. With PACE, the aim is to make 140 million cars and even small trucks smarter in the future. But how much does it all cost? With only 120 euros you are already there. For this you get a nearly 5 cm wide and 3 cm high plug for the OBD-2 interface ("Only" for OBD-2).
From (since) January 1, 2023, production and sale of the PACE Link has been discontinued
Due to the very compact design, which hardly surpasses the OBD-2 connection, the plug does not interfere. Setting up the app and connecting to the hardware is also very easy and was completed within a few minutes. In particular, the included mobile phone holder makes the system very convenient. Incidentally, the abbreviation OBD stands for “on-board diagnosis”. This port is located under the steering wheel on most cars. The good thing about this is the fact that it is a globally standardized system used by workshops to read error codes. Basically, PACE does nothing different, just not for the workshop, but for the vehicle owner. Another highlight is that the connector saves the vehicle data in real time and sends it directly to the smartphone via Bluetooth LE. This means that even the shortest burst of gas can be called up on the cell phone in real time. The free app evaluates the received data at lightning speed and supplements it with information from the Internet. Result: The user receives a lot of information about his car and also about his own driving behavior.
free APP for IOS & Android
If the car has a technical defect, such as a broken lambda probe, this is displayed in the app and you can pass the information directly to the mechanic when you visit the workshop. The app not only shows a short hint, but even a detailed explanation. In the best case, this can help the workshop to reduce the effort involved in troubleshooting, which is ultimately reflected in the invoice, or you may even be lucky enough to be able to fix the error yourself. Equally useful functions such as a petrol station finder, a fuel-saving trainer, tracking of petrol costs or a traffic monitor are also on board. Another useful gimmick is the Find My Car function, which makes it possible to use the smartphone to find the car again. That's exactly what we needed recently when our Golf couldn't be found in a huge parking garage in downtown Dortmund. For us as a company, it is also an advantage that business people and the self-employed can use a logbook feature that records summaries of trips that are compliant with the tax authorities. Without having to do anything yourself, the PACE app automatically records each route. All of this can then be categorized and provided with information. Finally, everything can be sent via PDF. Of course, the whole thing is also well thought out in terms of security. Less information can be called up while driving than when stationary, which we only "understood" after some time and therefore caused some confusion. However, if PACE has already been used in the vehicle for some time and the handling is familiar, the use becomes a matter of course and no further action is required.
only the most important things while driving ...
The app activates itself and all recordings run in the background. The system has another plus in security: With eCall, the app has an automatic emergency call system ready, which automatically contacts a call center if help is needed. A useful safety function that must be installed in all new cars from March 31, 2018. Of course, we couldn't test one of the functions, such as the emergency call feature - "Fortunately". In the coming months we want to continue testing PACE and the logbook function in particular will be very useful. If you are looking for exactly the functions mentioned above for your vehicle, you should have found exactly the right utensil with PACE. Get interested? HERE go to the PACE shop.
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Danger.
There are problems with individual vehicles with compatibility.
I drive a SL 350 Bj 2003 the loud check on the PACE homepage compatible
at a hunt.
However, the fact is that the app exits in driving mode after a few minutes and each time
the smartphone must be switched off and switched on again.
Support leaves much to be desired. No satisfactory answers, guilt is probably included
my vehicle that is not OB2 capable. Haha.
I am somewhat disappointed and recommend the three offered to all interested parties
Days of testing