ScanGauge II Helps Drivers Conserve

You can read as much as you want about driving methods that will result in better fuel efficiency, but putting them into practice is next to impossible without proper feedback. The ScanGauge II effectively solves that problem by giving the driver real-time data as well as post-trip data, letting the driver adjust his or her driving methods on the fly to maximize fuel efficiency.

The ScanGauge II is an energy monitoring device that will mount on the dashboard of most vehicles. As you can see in the picture (which must be in a car involved in a high speed chase), the ScanGauge II shows you your fuel economy (MPG), vehicle speed, engine speed (RPM) and battery voltage. It also shows you your car's coolant temperature and air intake temp. At the end of a trip you can view fuel used, trip fuel economy, maximum speed, average speed, maximum RPMs, driving time, driving distance, distance to empty, time to empty and fuel to empty. Having all this data on hand will allow you to tweak your driving habits to maximize your fuel efficiency.

There is not much information on the installation of this device. I'm a little skeptical, for instance, of how it reads the temperature of your coolant. That being said, if it does what it's supposed to it would be a worthwhile investment. The commenters on the terrapass site seem to like it for the most part. It is available through terrapass for $159.95.

[via ecofriend and terrapass]