Frequently asked questions
Clear boundaries matter when software interprets vehicle data.
Getting started
What is RevVitals?
RevVitals organises OBD telemetry into vehicle history, repeatable checks, findings and shareable summaries. It is decision support, not a substitute for a qualified inspection.
What do I need?
The first live-upload path supports Torque Pro on Android and a compatible ELM327-style adapter. Recorded CSV imports support OBD Fusion, RaceChrono and OBD Auto Doctor within documented limits.
Which upload interval should I use?
Ten seconds is the default for ordinary capture. A guided stationary check may ask for a shorter interval. RevVitals never asks you to interact with a phone while driving.
Can I add more than one vehicle?
Yes, subject to your plan. Every vehicle has separate membership, ingest credentials, runs, reports and shares.
Data and reports
What does a report say?
A report records data quality, deterministic summary metrics, observed patterns, confidence and a practical next check. It states uncertainty; it does not claim a part has failed without evidence.
How are comparisons built?
Your run stays separate from platform aggregates and curated references. Aggregates require a privacy-safe minimum sample. Curated values require a source URL and review date. Missing data is shown as unavailable, never guessed.
Can I export or share?
An owner can create a random, read-only share link for one report. Tokens are stored as hashes. Links may expire and can be revoked. Printing creates a branded PDF through your browser.
Can someone access another member's run?
No. Vehicle, run, finding, report, upload and share operations are scoped on the server to the authenticated member and vehicle membership.
Privacy and account safety
Does RevVitals store location?
Location is stripped at the public ingest boundary by default and is not included in reports, queues or share links.
How does sign-in work?
A one-time link expires after 15 minutes and is consumed once. Sessions use random tokens stored only as hashes and secure, HttpOnly, SameSite cookies. Logout revokes the server session.
What marketing data is collected?
The homepage newsletter asks separately for explicit consent. The consent wording, source and time are stored with an idempotent delivery event. Signing up is not required to use the product.
How do roles work?
Members access only their vehicles. Administrators manage operations and roles through server checks. The final administrator cannot be demoted.
Safety and limitations
Will RevVitals tell me the exact failed part?
Not reliably from generic telemetry alone. It can rank supported patterns and next checks. Exact fitment and repair decisions must be verified against manufacturer information and physical inspection.
Does it reward fast driving?
No. Achievements reward complete logs, repeatable stationary checks and diagnostic hygiene. Speed, harsh driving and phone interaction are never goals.
What should I do with a severe warning?
Stop when it is safe, follow the vehicle handbook, and seek qualified help. Do not continue a test if the engine overheats, oil pressure drops, braking changes, or the vehicle becomes unsafe.
Does it support every PID?
No. Available signals depend on the vehicle, adapter and app. Unknown fields are rejected or retained only when explicitly mapped; absent signals are reported as unavailable.