Produkttest: OBD2 Fuel Saver | Kraftstoff sparen via OBD2 Dongle? Hot oder Schrott? Scam?

When fuel consumption rises, gas prices climb to unbearable levels, and every cent in the tank counts, hopes for technological miracles awaken. Among advertisements promising "Eco Boost" and miracle cures from the internet, the OBD2 Fuel Saver Dongle joins the fray. A small module that intervenes in the vehicle's electronics via the OBD-2 connector and, according to the manufacturer, improves "fuel efficiency and performance." But how effective is the dongle really? What is the OBD2 Fuel Saver Dongle? The dongle is a plug-and-play adapter that plugs into the standardized OBD-2 port, which has been mandatory in almost all vehicles since the 1990s. Manufacturers and retailers promise that the dongle: Optimize engine and injection parameters, reduce fuel consumption, improve emissions, and boost performance! All this without specialized tools, tuning software, or a visit to a mechanic! Simply plug it in and save money, and it's even universally compatible with all vehicles – it almost sounds too good to be true. The problem: It isn't! Technology and Functionality Promises Technically, this dongle is a kind of passive "data filter" between the engine control unit (ECU) and the various sensors or bus data. For our test, we first plugged the dongle into a compact gasoline-powered car. Our initial finding: Installation is simple. Plug in the OBD-2 connector, turn on the ignition, and the dongle "initializes." That's it. No setup via app, no driving profile selection, no customization – and that's precisely the first sticking point: The dongle offers no real configuration options. Fuel Consumption: Over several days with identical route logs, our measuring devices showed no significant reduction in fuel consumption. The variation was within the usual range of ±3%, which simply corresponds to the natural variations in traffic, temperature, and driving style. Analysis: Deception or Technology? ``` To put it bluntly: The OBD2 Fuel Saver dongle appears to be functionally a "pass-through" or very simple bus filter that interprets only marginal data at best, but doesn't actually change any control parameters. In modern engine control units (ECUs), optimizations without manufacturer software and security approvals are simply impossible. So, what the dongle actually does is minimal at best. I took the thing apart, and lo and behold: It seems to contain an amplifier capable of controlling an LED circuit so that the LEDs blink alternately. Nothing more, nothing less. The fact is: Fuel consumption and performance are 99% determined by engine characteristics, transmission ratios, aerodynamics, tires, temperature, and driving style—factors that are virtually impossible to influence with a dongle like this. Realistic fuel savings of 1–3% can be achieved in everyday driving simply through anticipatory driving, optimized tire pressure, and regular maintenance, but certainly not with this dongle. : ... The OBD2 Fuel Saver Dongle is a charmingly simple product with a clear message: "More efficiency without the hassle." However, technically, little of this message holds true. Our test shows: no measurable reduction in fuel consumption, no noticeable improvement in performance, and while tech-savvy drivers might find the attempt amusing, this dongle offers no real efficiency or performance advantages. If you want to reduce fuel consumption, tried-and-tested methods are more effective: disciplined driving, maintenance, tire choice, and vehicle technology upgrades. Or, you could leave the dongle plugged in long enough; it will drain the 12V battery, and you'll actually save fuel because the vehicle won't start! To put it bluntly: the product is a scam; it doesn't optimize anything, it only minimizes the amount of money in your bank account. ... Advertisement: See for yourself how much your dream car costs per month on a lease. I highly recommend Leasingmarkt. You can access their website via the following referral link: https://www.rad-ab.com/leasingmarkt ...and here you'll find the latest leasing deals from Leasingmarkt: https://www.rad-ab.com/Leasing-Deals As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases: Our product of the month: https://amzn.to/3Vc3Fxz Products I actually use and purchases I haven't regretted in the last 24 months: Rode Hand Grip for Wireless Go Microphones (also works with DJI Mics): https://amzn.to/4fwRO4U MX Master 3S for Mac - the best mouse for me: https://amzn.to/3UV6hzv Mechanical keyboard for Mac: https://amzn.to/3UV6hzv Rode Microphone NT USB+ for voiceover narration in videos: https://amzn.to/3UV6hzv Bose QuietComfort over-ear noise-canceling headphones: https://amzn.to/3UV6hzv DJI Osmo Pocket 3: https://amzn.to/3UV6hzv Anker 2K webcam - good light correction - also suitable for streaming: https://amzn.to/3OcyT3m