Trip computer
A trip computer is a computer fitted to some cars; most modern trip computers record, calculate, and display the distance travelled, the average speed, the average fuel consumption, and real-time fuel consumption.
The first, mechanical trip computers, such as the
Sometimes the trip computer's display is in the gauge cluster, the dashboard or navigation-system screen, or an overhead console. Some displays include information about scheduled maintenance. The current Acura TL does this in stages, first alerting the driver with a "Due Soon" message; once the programmed mileage is reached, the message is "Due Now"; when more time or distance has elapsed, the message changes to "Past Due". Mercedes-Benz vehicles constantly monitor the quality of the oil and alert the driver when the oil has degraded to a certain extent. GM and FCA vehicles provide oil change alerts based on the number and length of trips, engine temperature, and other factors. Some vehicles also use the trip computer to allow owners to change certain aspects of vehicle behavior, e.g. how the power locks work, but in most cars "setting preferences" is now done through a center screen also used for the backup camera and radio.
Some trip computers can display the diagnostic codes that mechanics use. This is especially useful when the mechanic wants to see the codes while driving the car. In 2004, Linear Logic developed the
In 2008, the
See also
- OBDuino, an open source trip computer
- Some Carputer software includes trip computer functions
- Tachograph
References
- ^ "Never Seen One: Well-Preserved RHD 1950 Fiat 1400 (comments section)". bringatrailer.com. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
- ^ "FIAT 1900: l'illusione americana (4th page)" (PDF). autoemotostoriche.it (in Italian). Retrieved 12 June 2014.
- ^ ""Chrysler EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Computers"". allpar.com. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
- ^ "Arduino Forum - OBDuino, onboard diagnostic for your car". Arduino.cc. Retrieved 2009-12-08.