Car data analysis
This page provides step-by-step guidance for performing vehicle performance and diagnostic tests using an OBD2 adapter and the CAN edge.
The workflow follows a decision-based flow including:
- Device connection
- Acceleration test
- U-Turn test
- Brake test
- Report generation
1. Overview
The Car Data Analysis system enables structured vehicle testing and automated data capture.
Required Equipment
- OBD2 Adapter
- Vehicle to be tested
- Safe Driving Area
- Stable internet connection
2. Get Ready!
Before starting any connection or test, ensure the following conditions are met.
2.1. Important Instructions
-
Have your OBD2 connector ready.
Ensure it is functional and compatible with your vehicle. -
Sit in the driver's seat and start the vehicle.
Ignition must be ON for CAN communication. -
Locate the OBD2 port.
Usually found under the dashboard on the driver's side. -
Find a safe, open driving area.
You will need space for:- Acceleration test
- U-Turn test
- Brake test
-
Avoid distractions.
Focus on safety and on-screen instructions. -
Check internet connectivity.
A stable internet connection is required.
3. Step 1: Connect OBD2 Device
This step establishes communication between the vehicle and the application.
Action
- Plug the OBD2 connector into the vehicle's port located under the driver's side dashboard.
- Tap Connect.
- Enter the Device Serial Number in the input field.
- Tap OK to continue.
Note: The serial number is mandatory. Without it, the testing workflow cannot proceed.
4. Step 2: Acceleration Test
4.1 Purpose
Measure acceleration performance and evaluate engine responsiveness and power delivery.
4.2. Acceleration Test Guidance
Performing an acceleration test helps assess your vehicle's engine responsiveness and power delivery.
To ensure accurate data and safety, it is important to follow proper steps and precautions.
This guide walks you through how to perform a safe and effective acceleration test.
4.3. Steps to Test Acceleration
1. Ensure Safe Conditions
Choose a safe, open, and flat area such as:
- Empty road
- Test track
- Designated testing zone
Avoid:
- Busy streets
- Residential zones
- Areas with pedestrian traffic
2. Check Local Rules
Ensure you are in an area where such tests are permitted.
Avoid private roads, highways, or zones where sudden acceleration may be unsafe or illegal.
3. Prepare the System
- Confirm the OBD2 device is properly connected.
- Ensure the CAN system is ready to record data.
- Follow any prompts displayed in the web app.
4. Position Your Vehicle
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- Align properly within your lane.
- Ensure sufficient distance ahead to accelerate safely.
5. Execute the Acceleration
- Slow Start: Ease into the throttle to maintain control.
- Full Acceleration: Press the accelerator firmly while keeping a straight line.
- Target Speed: Aim for a moderate predefined speed (e.g., 50–60 km/h) depending on test requirements.
- Monitor Stability: Ensure the vehicle remains stable and aligned.
4.4. Action (In-App Workflow)
- Move to the selected safe road or track.
- Tap Start Acceleration Test in the application.
- Accelerate smoothly following the above guidelines.
4.5. System Action
- Records real-time vehicle speed and acceleration data via CAN signals.
4.6. Decision: Was the test successful?
- Yes → Acceleration Test Completed
- No → Retry Acceleration Test
4.7. If Test Fails
- Avoid interruptions or heavy traffic.
- Redo Acceleration Test
4.8. Acceleration Test Completed
Acceleration data successfully captured.
4.9. Decision: Proceed to U-Turn Test?
- Yes → Continue
- No→ retake test
5. Step 3: U-Turn Test
Purpose
Evaluate steering control, turning radius, and vehicle stability during a directional change maneuver.
5.1. U-Turn Guidance
Making a U-turn can be a necessary maneuver when you need to change direction on the road.
While it might seem straightforward, executing a U-turn safely and legally requires understanding and adhering to traffic rules and best practices.
This guide walks you through the steps of making a safe and effective U-turn.
5.2. Steps to Test U-Turn
1. Ensure U-Turns Are Legal
Before attempting a U-turn, check for any signs indicating whether U-turns are allowed.
U-turns are often prohibited:
- Near intersections
- On highways
- Where visibility is limited
2. Choose a Safe Location
Select a location with ample turning space.
Avoid:
- Busy intersections
- Sharp curves
- Areas with limited visibility
Ideal locations include:
- Wide roads
- Intersections with designated U-turn lanes
3. Signal Your Intentions
Use your left turn signal well in advance to inform other drivers of your planned maneuver.
4. Check for Traffic
Before turning:
- Check mirrors
- Check blind spots
- Look for pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming vehicles
5. Position Your Vehicle
Move into the far left lane or center turn lane if available.
This positioning provides sufficient turning space.
6. Execute the Turn
- Slow Down: Reduce speed to maintain control.
- Turn the Steering Wheel: Gradually steer left while maintaining stability.
- Complete the Turn: Continue until the vehicle faces the opposite direction, then straighten the steering wheel.
7. Accelerate Smoothly
After completing the U-turn and aligning with the correct lane, accelerate smoothly to match traffic flow.
5.3. Action (In-App Workflow)
- Move to the selected safe turning area.
- Tap Start U-Turn Test in the application.
- Perform a controlled U-turn following the above safety and execution guidelines.
5.4. System Action
- Records steering angle data.
- Measures turn radius.
- Captures vehicle stability metrics via CAN signals.
5.5. Decision: Was the test successful?
- Yes → U-Turn Test Completed
- No → Retry U-Turn Test
5.6. If Test Fails
- Ensure sufficient turning space.
- Maintain smoother steering control.
- Avoid traffic or obstacles.
- Redo U-Turn Test
5.7. U-Turn Test Completed
U-Turn maneuver data successfully captured.
5.8. Decision: Proceed to Brake Test?
- Yes → Continue
- No → Retake U-Turn Test
6. Step 4: Brake Test
6.1. Purpose
Measure braking efficiency, stopping responsiveness, and deceleration performance of the vehicle.
6.2. Brake Test Guidance
A brake test measures how effectively your vehicle slows down from a moving state.
It helps evaluate the condition and responsiveness of your braking system.
Use the following steps to conduct a brake test safely and correctly.
6.3. Steps to Test Brake
1. Select a Safe Testing Area
Choose a safe, open, and flat area such as:
- Empty road
- Test track
- Designated testing zone
Avoid:
- Busy streets
- Residential zones
- Areas with pedestrian traffic
2. Check Local Rules
Ensure you are in an area where such tests are permitted.
Avoid private roads, highways, or zones where sudden braking may be unsafe or illegal.
3. Prepare the System
- Confirm the OBD2 device is properly connected.
- Ensure the CAN system is ready to record data.
- Follow any prompts displayed in the mobile application.
4. Position Your Vehicle
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- Align properly within your lane.
- Ensure sufficient distance ahead to accelerate safely.
5. Build Up Speed Before Braking
- Slow Start: Ease into the throttle to maintain control.
- Full Acceleration: Press the accelerator firmly while keeping a straight line.
- Target Speed: Aim for a moderate predefined speed (e.g., 50–60 km/h) based on test requirements.
- Monitor Stability: Ensure the vehicle remains stable and aligned.
6. Execute the Brake
- Apply Brakes Firmly: Press the brake pedal with steady pressure.
- Maintain Direction: Keep the steering wheel straight.
- Controlled Stop: Avoid locking wheels or abrupt steering corrections.
6.4. Action (In-App Workflow)
- Move to the selected safe road or track.
- Tap Start Brake Test in the application.
- Accelerate smoothly to the target speed following the above guidelines.
- Apply the brakes firmly and steadily while keeping the vehicle aligned.
6.5. System Action
- Records braking force and deceleration rate via CAN signals.
- Captures response time and stopping distance data in real time.
6.6. Decision: Was the test successful?
- Yes → Brake Test Completed
- No → Retry Brake Test
6.7. If Test Fails
- Avoid heavy traffic or unsafe environments.
- Ensure steady brake pressure and straight steering.
- Redo Brake Test
6.8. Brake Test Completed
- Braking performance data successfully captured.
6.9. Decision: Proceed to Report Generation?
- Yes → Continue to Test Report
- No → Retake Brake Test
7. Mechanical Test Report
After completing all vehicle tests, the application generates a Vehicle Inspection Report.
The report is divided into two levels:
- Preview of the Report
- Detailed Inspection Report
7.1. Preview of the Report
The Inspection Summary provides a quick overview of the vehicle's overall condition based on collected CAN data and driving tests.
7.1.1. Purpose
The dashboard allows users to:
- Instantly assess vehicle health
- Identify components requiring maintenance
- View performance categories at a glance
- Navigate to the full technical inspection
7.1.2. Dashboard Categories
Each category shows a status label representing the system’s evaluation.
7.1.2.1. Road Test
- Overall driving performance evaluation.
- Indicates how the vehicle behaved during acceleration, turning, and braking.
7.1.2.2. Suspension
- Assesses ride comfort, balance, and structural stability.
7.1.2.3. Engine
- Evaluates engine performance and responsiveness.
7.1.2.4. Steering
- Measures steering precision and control stability.
7.1.2.5. Braking System
- Reviews braking force, response time, and stopping efficiency.
7.1.2.6. EV (Electric Vehicle)
- Displays electric system diagnostics.
- Shows Not Applicable if the vehicle is not electric or data is unavailable.
7.2. Status Indicators
| Status Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Very Good | Operating optimally |
| Good | Acceptable condition |
| Need Fixing | Maintenance required |
| Not Applicable | Category not relevant |
7.3 View Full Inspection
At the bottom of the dashboard, selecting View Full Inspection opens the Detailed Inspection Report, where all technical metrics and subsystem diagnostics are displayed.
7.4. Detailed Inspection Report
The Detailed Inspection Report provides a comprehensive technical breakdown of vehicle performance and subsystem health.
7.4.1. Purpose
This report enables users to:
- Analyze subsystems in depth
- View percentage health scores
- Detect components needing maintenance
- Access engineering-level diagnostic metrics
7.4.2. Road Test Results
Displays results from previously executed driving tests.
Acceleration Test
- Performance score with status label (e.g., Very Good, Need Fixing).
U-Turn Test
- Turning stability and maneuver efficiency rating.
Braking Test
- Braking efficiency and stopping performance.
Each test is represented using visual gauges and percentage scores.
7.4.3. Suspension Analysis
Evaluates ride comfort, stability, and mechanical integrity.
7.4.3.1. General Health by Wheel
- Front Left
- Front Right
- Rear Left
- Rear Right
7.4.3.2. Additional Suspension Metrics
- Ride Height
- Damping Ratio
- Natural Frequency
- Tire Pressure (FL / FR / RL / RR)
- Wheel Alignment
- Body Roll
- Suspension Travel
7.4.4. Engine Diagnostics
Provides performance and mechanical health indicators.
7.4.4.1. Component Health Scores
- Engine Oil
- Air Filter
- Spark Plugs
- Coolant
- Fuel System
7.4.4.2. Engine Performance Metrics
- Horsepower (hp)
- Torque (Nm)
- Fuel Efficiency (mpg)
- Compression Ratio
- Exhaust Emission Status
- Idle RPM
- Oil Pressure
7.4.5. Steering System
Measures steering precision and mechanical wear.
7.4.5.1. Component Health
- Power Steering Pump
- Steering Rack
- Tie Rods
- Ball Joints
- Steering Fluid
7.4.5.2. Steering Metrics
- Steering Ratio
- Turning Radius
- Steering Effort
- On-Center Feel
- Steering Wheel Play
- Power Steering Noise
- Alignment Drift
7.4.6. Braking System
Provides in-depth braking safety and performance analysis.
7.4.6.1. Component Health
- Front Brake Pads
- Rear Brake Pads
- Brake Rotors
- Brake Fluid
7.4.6.2. Braking Metrics
- Stopping Distance
- Brake Pedal Feel
- ABS Function
- Brake Balance
- Brake Fade Resistance
- Parking Brake Status
- Brake Line Condition
Note: To understand the meaning of each KPI, you can click on to see a brief description of the KPI.
9. Status Labels in Detailed Report
| Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Excellent | Optimal performance |
| Very Good | Minor wear, still reliable |
| Good | Acceptable but monitor |
| Need Fixing | Maintenance recommended |
| In Spec | Within recommended limits |
| Normal | No issue detected |
10. Understanding Stepper Coloring
The stepper indicates the current status of the Car Data Analysis workflow using color codes.
-
Green
- All required tests completed successfully
- Data captured and validated
- System ready for report generation or next step
-
Yellow
- Test or data capture is in progress
- CAN data is currently being recorded or analyzed
- User action may still be required
-
Red
- An error occurred during connection, testing, or data processing
- Test incomplete or invalid data detected
- User should retry the step or check device connection
11. Best Practices
- Always obey traffic regulations.
- Perform tests only in safe areas.
- Repeat any test flagged as invalid.
- Do not remove the OBD2 adapter during tests.