One of the best-known and most useful apps for those who want to take better care of their car without spending anything is Torque LiteIt's a free app that turns your phone into a sort of vehicle diagnostic center, helping you understand potential problems and monitor performance in real time.
What Torque Lite does
Torque Lite was created for those who want to get information about their car's performance in a simple and practical way. Connected to an OBD-II device (which plugs into the vehicle's diagnostic port), it collects data from the electronic control unit and displays it on your phone. This means you can check engine errors, follow the temperature, real-time speed, fuel consumption and much more.
Torque Lite (OBD2 & Car)
Main features
- Reading engine fault codes (DTCs).
- Display real-time data such as RPM, water temperature and fuel consumption.
- Creating custom dashboards with graphs and gauges.
- Possibility to erase simple error codes.
- Alerts when something is not working properly.
Compatibility
O Torque Lite is only available for AndroidTo use it, you need a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, as communication with the car is done through a wireless OBD-II adapter. For iPhone users, there's a paid version. Torque Pro, but the free one is not officially available on iOS.
How to use the application step by step
- Purchase a compatible OBD-II adapter (there are several affordable models on the market).
- Plug the adapter into the car's diagnostic port (usually below the dashboard, near the pedals).
- Download the Torque Lite on the Google Play Store.
- Activate Bluetooth on your phone and connect to the OBD-II adapter.
- Open the app and configure the dashboards you want to track.
- That's it! You can now see detailed vehicle information in real time.
Advantages
- It is totally free.
- It provides a clear view of car data without having to go to the mechanic for minor diagnostics.
- Customizing dashboards and graphs.
- Helps detect problems before they become serious.
Disadvantages
- Works with Android only.
- Requires the purchase of an OBD-II adapter (not expensive, but a mandatory accessory).
- The interface is not the most modern and can confuse novice users.
Is it free or paid?
O Torque Lite and 100% free and already offers many interesting features. However, for those who want extra features, there is a paid version called Torque Pro, which unlocks more comprehensive reports, a wider variety of sensors, and advanced customization. For basic use, the Lite version is sufficient.
Usage tips
To get the most out of the app, here are some helpful tips:
- Always use good quality OBD-II adapters, as very cheap ones may cause connection failures.
- Build custom dashboards to track only the data that really matters to you.
- If an error code appears, write it down before erasing and research its meaning online or show it to your mechanic.
- Avoid using the app with a cell phone without proper support, to avoid distracting yourself while driving.
Overall rating
According to the evaluations in the Google Play Store, the Torque Lite It has a good reputation among users, mainly because it's free and functional. Many praise its ability to quickly identify issues and track data in real time. On the other hand, some critics point out that the free version is limited compared to the Pro version and that the interface could be more modern.
Overall, it's an excellent app for those who want to get into automotive diagnostics without spending a fortune. It doesn't replace a visit to a specialized mechanic, but it works as a support tool that can prevent surprises and help you better understand how your car works.
