Diagnostic app shows which cars are particularly vulnerable in which areas

Diagnostic app shows which cars are particularly vulnerable in which areas

With over a million users worldwide, Carly is one of the most popular diagnostic and configuration apps for vehicles. Using an app, users access the data storage in the car via the OBD interface, find out about the vehicle status or activate hidden vehicle functions. A look at the vehicle data also reveals which brands and vehicle areas are particularly vulnerable and when the first relevant error codes appear.

For a current study, around 1,000,000 data sets from vehicles from the brands BMW and Mercedes, which are particularly popular in Germany, as well as the VW Group were anonymously evaluated in order to find out more about the sometimes banal and sometimes highly safety-relevant error messages. And there are many: Depending on the model, up to 150,000 different error messages can occur in a vehicle's system. 

Take safety-related errors seriously

"We have been dealing with error messages very intensively since 2014 and have learned that they are always worrying, but often have a very simple background that does not cause any cause for concern. In fact, as part of our study, we found that the most common error messages for the brands BMW, Mercedes, VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat occur in connection with the engine and transmission. This is closely followed by the vehicle electrical system and electrical system. However, this does not necessarily mean a high workshop bill as a result. Many error messages, especially those that already exist occur after a few weeks only indicate defects that can be easily remedied. For example, error messages in connection with sensors or data collection do not represent a serious cause for concern.

If you know how to classify the malfunctions behind the reports, you as a vehicle owner can make a valid decision about what to do. In the best case scenario, this can mean simply deleting the error message, but it can also mean going to the nearest specialist workshop. Diagnostic adapters or apps allow this view of the vehicle data and, at best, save a lot of time and money," says Avid Avini, managing director of Carly, and recommends: "Errors that affect airbags, driving dynamics systems or brakes should be taken particularly seriously and checked in a specialist workshop. Carly uses a traffic light system, which tells the customer directly which errors are critical and require direct action. However, these occur far less frequently than error messages that affect the engine or vehicle electronics. Around 20% of them We describe error messages as critical.” 

“Error messages are not a sign of poor quality”

Avini is certain that anyone who assumes that many error codes are a sign of poor quality is wrong: "BMW is the front runner when it comes to error messages, even ahead of Mercedes and the VW Group. However, as a top brand, BMW also has significantly more error codes in the system than other car brands. And where more is read out, more is displayed. So we see this as a positive, because errors that are quickly identified and displayed protect against costly subsequent errors. This is particularly true for errors in the engine and transmission areas."

Marko Landwehr, mechanic at Carly and formerly working in the Formula 3 pit lane, confirms this from his own experience: "Six months to two years after initial registration, the first relevant errors appear that indicate signs of wear and tear and should be checked by a professional. The warranty expires after two years. A major vehicle check should definitely be carried out during this time. If the vehicle is subject to heavy use - such as taxis, driving school cars or vehicles used by novice drivers - it should be checked earlier. In the However, relevant errors very rarely occur in the first six months.”

Even more transparency

What is important to the Carly experts is that errors can not only be recognized, but also evaluated - and not just in the workshop, but also by untrained car owners. The new “Carly Smart Mechanic” feature will help in the future, making the app even more convenient: The error codes displayed are described in detail here, possible consequences are shown and tips for solving them are provided. This makes it easy for even laypeople to decide whether a visit to the workshop is actually necessary to fix the problem.