Many people can relate to starting their car, seeing an indication light pop on and not knowing what it means. However, most people can recognize the dreaded check engine light and understand that it’s not a good sign. What many people can’t figure out on the spot, however, is why the light is on.

Now, there’s an app to help you do just that. Kobra is a wireless scanner app that helps interpret your car. Specifically, Kobra can translate more than 3,000 codes for generic issues and manufacturer-specific issues. Handy and cool!

How to Use Kobra

Using Kobra is easy for all users. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Pick up a Kobra wireless OBD2 scanner tool (list price is $49.99, currently on sale for $14.99 at Cult of Mac).
2. Download the Kobra scanner app (Torque Pro for Android and DashCommand for iOS), connect to Wi-Fi and configure your app with the Kobra scanner
3. Connect the Kobra scanner to the car’s OBD2 port and turn on the engine.
4. Launch the app.

The Kobra wireless car scanner will tell you exactly why your check engine light is on, as well as any other issues going on with your car. Having this knowledge will help you fix your car or at the very least help you walk into a repair shop completely informed.

Also, this car scanner tool isn’t only for problems. Users can get real-time performance data about their car, too.