The Best OBD gauge monitor in Australia Just Got Better!

4wds are extremely prominent in Australia. Why? Well, naturally they’re a perfect fit for your rugged outback terrain, beach drives, and heavy towing. A perfect set of attributes for that Aussie road trip so many embark on each year across our wonderfully diverse country. Many opt for your popular vehicles in Australia such as a Toyota Hilux or Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Triton or Pajero, or maybe a BT50 or D-Max. Whichever you have still requires some additional accessories to help take care of your prized possession. Being fully equipped on any trip is essential, and with a range of gauge monitors and diagnostic equipment on the market, it can often be difficult to know which one is right for you. 

During this article, we’re going to run you through the features of a tried and tested dedicated OBD gauge monitor. A device that gives you a range of on-screen real-time gauges, engine diagnostics, trip computers, and more! This plug-in-and-play piece of kit really does tie a range of great features into one simple and easy-to-use unit. 

Linear Logic introduced a new-to-the-industry product back in 2004 (ScanGauge) which turned ordinary diagnostic data from the vehicle into useful gauges and information that could be viewed in real-time. Followed shortly after by the ScanGauge2 in 2006, which has been a huge hit in Australia over the last 10+ years. Just recently, a whole new technologically advanced beast has been released in the ScanGauge3, which is why we thought we’d run you through this must-have piece of tech. 

The ScanGauge3 retrieves information from the ECU of your vehicle and displays this in a range of useful on-screen gauges. This palm-sized unit has a lot in its locker! It works with OBD2-compatible passenger vehicles, including all of your popular 4wd Aussie vehicles as previously mentioned. 

To keep things concise, we’re going to run through the main features below along with their practicalities:
Digital Gauges 
Exclusive X-gauges 
Trip Computers
Engine Diagnostics 

Digital Gauge Monitoring

The frontman. The centrepiece. Digital gauges are where it all started with the original ScanGauge, I mean it says it on the tin! The new ScanGauge3 has taken gauge monitoring to a whole new level. 

With the option to display up to 9 gauges at any time, you’re now able to monitor more than ever! With full customisation, you’re able to search and add gauges from subcategories including standard gauges, X-gauges, and trip gauges. A popular option with many is to set up specific pages for each gauge category e.g. an engine-related page displaying things such as coolant temp and engine load or a trip-related page showing things such as trip distance, trip time and distance to empty. A great way to easily flick between different sets of information whilst driving. 

So you’ve got your preferred gauge setup boxed off. Now how about if you want to monitor your vital gauges even more closely? The ScanGauge3 has the option of setting visual and audio alerts for when a gauge of your choice is equal to, drops below or exceeds a value set by you. I’m talking trans temps, coolant temps… things that can cause some serious problems. 

Exclusive X-gauges specific to your vehicle make and model

X-gauge is the name given to a gauge developed exclusively for a specific vehicle make, model, and year. These are ‘non-standard’ gauges and popular examples include automatic transmission temperature and exhaust gas temperature. Transmission temperatures in particular are a huge factor in many of our customers opting for the ScanGauge as it’s such a vital gauge to monitor when off-roading/towing and there are so few devices out there that enable you to view this in real-time. 

The X-gauge feature has been made even more accessible and user-friendly with the release of the new ScanGauge3. The X-gauge auto scan feature allows you to effortlessly scan your vehicle's ECU for any available X-gauges and allow to you selectable gauges. 

Monitor Trip Information

ScanGauge3 has you covered with all things trip related with an impressive five built-in trip computers to ensure you’re fully informed for any given trip. There are a total of three time & distance computers that allow you to monitor info from current trip, today’s trip, and previous trips, including KMs driven, average KPH, max coolant temperature, and more!

If you’re frugal-minded and interested more in keeping an eye on fuel economy (which I’m sure most are, given the current economic state and fuel prices) then I’m sure you’ll be keen to know more about the built-in fuel-related trip computer. Two fuel trip computers (current tank and tank to empty) unlock access to all things fuel-related e.g. tank to empty, distance to empty, fuel used etc. In addition to this, there’s a dedicated fuel economy screen where you can monitor either L/100km or kms per litre. 

Engine Diagnostics

End up in a tight spot out in the bush? Not to worry. Although predominantly sold as a dedicated gauge monitor, the ScanGauge3 has a built-in engine code reader, which is capable of reading and clearing engine-related diagnostic trouble codes. Diagnostics and a gauge monitor all in one, nice hey?

Why ScanGauge3?

Well, I hope we don’t need to explain too much more, as what proceeded should be enough to illustrate what a truly fantastic piece of OBD kit the ScanGauge3 is. Real-time gauge monitoring, vehicle-specific gauges, a range of trip and fuel information, engine diagnostics, and more! It really is a must-have for road trips, outback adventures, beach driving and the like.

Learn more about the ScanGauge3 here:
https://www.scangauge.com.au/scangauge-3