2008 SEMA - Aftermarket fuel economy gauges to help mind your mileage
With drivers concerned about gasoline costs, aftermarket manufacturers are responding with devices promoted as helping to increase fuel economy. Many are the same old gimmicks and additives we’ve seen for years on late-night TV commercials and cheesy ads in supermarket tabloids. But there is a surging wave of electronic devices that claim to make drivers—not the vehicles—more efficient simply by getting them to pay attention to their fuel usage.
Two such devices caught our eye at the SEMA show. Both install by attaching a small gauge to the dashboard with an adhesive pad or screws, and routing a cord to the OBDII port, which is typically located under the dash. (Mechanics typically use this port, available on all cars since 1996, to diagnose a variety of vehicle ailments.) Once plugged in, these fuel-saving devices provide both instantaneous and average fuel economy. Drivers can then monitor and adjust their driving habits for better mileage. (Read about related diagnostic code readers.)
The Ecometer from Auto Meter (shown here) features a 2-1/16-inch color gauge and reports on a variety of engine and vehicle parameters including engine RPM and vehicle speed, in addition to fuel mileage. Priced at $69.95, it goes on sale in January.
The somewhat more sophisticated Kiwi from PLX Devices turns fuel saving into more of a hyper-mileage game, scoring drivers on the smoothness of their acceleration and braking in addition to reporting fuel economy. It can be mounted on the windshield in addition to the dash. Its 2.2-inch display also reads and resets engine trouble codes. The Kiwi retails for $299.
Read about more cars, gear, news, and views from SEMA.
Posted by: CharlesP | Nov 8, 2008 9:09:35 AM
The Ecometer would be especially useful in driver's ed classes, I'm going to one for my son when he gets his learner's permit next Spring.
Posted by: Cale | Nov 8, 2008 11:42:25 AM
Which is worse? The cell phone, GPS, or MPG distracted driver? A distraction is a distraction. You guys put too fine a point on it.
Seems like I'm always reading blogs here reminding us to stay focused while driving. Remember you reminded us to not use our cell phones, text, or let the kids distract us? But then you offer these very real distractions as some sort of blessing that driver's have been aching for.
Charles, if I remember correctly, when I got my learner's permit I wasn't a very good driver. Giving your son a fuel economy meter is a little like giving him a PlayStation for the car. I'd shelve that plan.
Just my $.02.
Posted by: Joseph | Nov 11, 2008 3:06:39 PM
You're right! Something like this is a driver distraction. To think I let my son drive with distractions such as a speedometer in his car. Think of how many lives could be saved if tachometers were outlawed.
(removes tongue from cheek)
FWIW, my Mercedes has a gauge like this built in from the factory, as do many other modern vehicles. I can't see this being any more distracting than a tachometer and certainly less so than a navigation system.