The Best OBD2 Scanners for Your Vehicle
Imagine: you're driving down the road when it happens. You hear a weird click-clack from your engine and your car starts feeling a little... off. Now you have a decision to make. Do you continue driving it in the coming days and hope it doesn't break down? Do you take it to the mechanic and pay a hefty bill to have it looked at? What exactly do you do? The most economical and convenient answer lies somewhere in between: you get an OBD2 scanner and find out what the issue is for yourself. From there, you can either fix it on your own if you're handy enough, or you can get a few quotes from nearby mechanics. Having the right scanner can save you a lot of money, so we want to help you find the right one. For that reason, we have created this list of the best OBD2 scanners on the market today.
Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 Scanner
There are many scanners on the market, and many of them have the same issue: they are hard to use and hard to read for anyone who is not a professional mechanic. It can be tough to find one that is user-friendly, which only makes it harder to diagnose and fix your car’s issues yourself. The Autel AutoLinkAL319 OBD2 Scanner takes all of that guesswork away and gives you a simple way to do it yourself.
This scanner is what is known as “plug and play”, meaning you simply plug it into your car’s Data Link Connector and you are in. It connects to all of the mechanisms, sensors, and computers in your vehicle. The screen shows you what’s wrong in a way that is easy to read and simple to follow. Quickly find what’s wrong and get it taken care of without the hassle.
Pros:
- It clears your check engine light while finding the problem
- You will find any issues quickly, saving yourself both time and money
- The interface is easy to operate, even for beginners
- Live data gives you a good overall picture of your vehicle’s health
- It helps you avoid costly mechanic bills, which can really add up quickly and hurt your wallet
Cons:
- This scanner costs more than many of its comparable competitors
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro Scanner
In this day and age, everything we do, we do right from the palm of our hands. In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a phone app for anything and everything. Until recently, you would need to either connect a separate device to your vehicle or take it to a mechanic for a diagnosis, and even then, you would need to look it up and figure out what to do. Now, with the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro Scanner, you simply plug the scanner in and get all of the information directly to your phone.
This scanner is the easiest to use, by far. The scanner works with any phone or Bluetooth connected tablet via an easy-to-navigate mobile app. Now you can find out not only what is wrong with your vehicle, but how to fix it, all from your phone. You can save and share reports with your mechanic or friends and family, as well, making it even easier to get your vehicle back on the road.
Pros:
- With its complimentary app, this scanner shows you both the problem and the fix in one place
- It is super easy to use and anyone can figure it out in minutes
- You can use this scanner on either Apple and Android devices
- Unlike most other scanners, this one offers insight on your brake system, airbags, climate control, and so much more
- Determines in advance if your vehicle will pass an emissions inspection
Cons:
- It costs more than the competitors
Bafx Wireless OBD2 Scanner for Android
Make Life Simple
There are so many applications and gadgets designed for Apple products that it can often be difficult to find a good option for those with Androids. Well, when it comes to OBD2 scanners, you are in luck. The Bafx Wireless OBD2 Scanner for Android is an excellent choice and will help you find your car’s issues right from your Android phone.
This scanner is completely wireless. You simply plug it into the Data Link Connector and all of the data will flow from your car to your phone. How easy is that? Meanwhile, it is capable of diagnosing problems just as efficiently as any of the wired scanner options. You don’t lose any functionality by going wireless.
Pros:
- There are no wires or buttons to figure out when you use this scanner
- The Bluetooth connectivity ensures your phone and this scanner maintain a consistent connection while you diagnose the problem
- You will have no trouble navigating the simple user app to control the scanner
- It is affordably priced
- This scanner is compatible with Androids and Windows devices, unlike many of the competitors
Cons:
- It does not work for cars that were manufactured earlier than 1996
Innova CarScan Pro 5210 Code Scanner
In-Depth Analysis
Many OBD2 scanners can give you basic codes or read basic OBD issues; however, most can’t get a read on things such as the ABS brake system, and when they do, they usually can’t offer live data. The Innova CarScan Pro 5210 Code Scanner offers it all, and it does it accurately.
This scanner has access to one of the largest diagnostic databases out there, which means you get accurate and up-to-date information every time you use it. It checks your battery health, brake system, sensors, RPMs, oil temp, and so much more, all from one handheld device that you can carry right in your glovebox. You can even find out whether or not your car will pass an emissions test in an instant and find out what you need to fix it if it says it won’t.
Pros:
- This in-depth scanner can save you thousands of dollars in mechanic bills and inspection fees
- It has access to a huge online database to ensure you get up-to-date codes and answers
- The code reader also offers severity levels, so you know what needs to be fixed immediately and what can wait
- There are live stats and information available that other scanners don’t offer
- It works for any vehicle that has been manufactured since 1996
Cons:
- The interface is a bit harder to get used to than some of the more basic options
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an OBD2 scanner do?
An OBD2 scanner is plugged into your car so that you can find important information about your vehicle’s health from the Onboard Diagnostics II system. This system keeps track of your car’s computer and sensor systems and keeps a record of everything, making it easier for mechanics to diagnose and fix it.
Where do you plug it in to get the information?
Your Onboard Diagnostics II System has a plug that generally sits below the dash and steering wheel. Once you start looking for it, you’ll usually find it quickly. In rare cases, it can be located around the steering wheel, under the glovebox, or near your car’s controls in the center console. Your car’s user manual will have it listed if you can’t find it right away.
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