Hello Scotty!
I am a big fan of your videos!
I just watched your video from last year titled “This Stupid Device Just Cost My Customer Thousands in Car Repairs.” Your video was about a small dongle device that plugs into the OBD2 port and stays connected in order to provide vehicle telematics to diagnose runnability issues.
My question is a bit different. I happened to briefly see you hold the device in your hand at the beginning of the video and later describe how it ruined the car’s computer. So, I have been using a device that looks similar, but is used to track location and driving behavior of our child’s vehicle. Our child is a new driver, and unaware of the device, so it provides tremendous insight into not just real-time location, but also driving habits. That being said, I am now wondering if such a device could damage our child’s 2018 Honda Civic as you believe a similar looking dongle (plugged in all the time) possibly damaged the Toyota Camry in your video.
Please let me know your thoughts. I appreciate your guidance!
Of course you are taking a risk that such a device will damage your car's electrical system. The OBD2 port is designed for diagnostics, that is short-term temporary attachment of troubleshooting equipment, not continuous use. You might get away with it. You might not. How lucky do you feel?
(References to the specific device have been removed. The advice for avoiding the long-term installation of OBD2 dongles applies to all such gadgets regardless of source.)
It’s impossible to say if it will indeed damage the vehicle down the road, but IMO it’s not worth the risk of finding out. I would remove it. Remember, there was a time not long ago when we didn’t have such tech; you can live without it.
Scotty should make a video about this topic
Scotty has talked about it in several videos.
Guys,
I appreciate the responses/feedback to my question. Obviously, I do have concerns about trying to reasonably ensure our new driver is respecting their vehicle, the rules of the road, and safety of all drivers.
As I reflect on this topic a bit more, and assuming your assertions that the risks are real for long-term damage using such a device, perhaps Scotty should make a video about this topic as I suspect there are significant numbers of car owners using a device similar to mine 24x7 to save money on their car insurance. Thoughts??
I believe below is a list of several of the car insurance programs using a OBD2 port device that is continuously plugged in:
Most national insurance companies offer tracking-based insurance, but programs vary. Many of the insurers below offer usage-based insurance (UBI) programs that reward you for safe driving. However, each company may use the data they collect in a different way, so it’s important to ask what information is collected and how it impacts your rate.
● Allstate: Drivewise
● American Family: KnowYourDrive
● Farmers: Signal
● Geico: DriveEasy
● Nationwide: SmartRide
● Progressive: Snapshot
● State Farm: Drive Safe & Save
● Travelers: IntelliDrive
● USAA: SafePilot