Seeing the “check engine” light appearing on the dashboard can be very frustrating for car owners. This indicates that there is an issue with the car’s engine, but the problem is that it is not possible to establish exactly what is wrong. If you don’t know much about engines, you would need to bring your car to a mechanic. The problem is that finding out what is the problem and getting it fixed can take you a long time, not to mention that it can cost you a lot of money. Having a good OBD-II, can save you time and money, and it will solve the issue with your car engine without hassles. You just need to plug it in and it will run a diagnostic and tell you what is the problem with the engine, which will allow you to decide on the best course of action. Apart from saving you money, a good OBD-II Scanner can make things easier for you and help you to avoid headaches. If you want a good OBD-II scanner that will offer you the best value for money, there are some aspects that you need to consider.
Reputation
Before you buy an OBD2 scanner, you need to take a look at the reputation of the device. You will see that there are many OBD2 scanners available and it is up to you to select the one that better suits you. However, considering the brand reputation is crucial to ensure a good experience. Going for an option that has good reviews from customers stating that it works well with a variety of car models is the best solution. It is highly recommended that you get an OBD2 scanner from a manufacturer that is recognized for its quality and experience.
Clear Diagnostics
Getting an OBD2 scanner that offers a clear output is essential. This essentially means that you need a solution that offers information that can be easily understood. Otherwise, you will have to deal with devices that don’t offer optimal design and that will affect negatively your customer experience. When you are buying a device, ensure that you don’t have issues reading the data.
Data Saving Options
It is also important to look for a device that allows you to keep track of your car’s history. This is very convenient when you bring your device to the mechanic as it will ensure that they can provide a better service. Make sure that your OBD2 scanner supports this function.
Additional Scanning Options
The more advanced the OBD2 scanner you buy, the better the scanning options you get. Although the majority of basic OBD2 scanners feature an engine scan, the more sophisticated options feature useful details on ABS brakes, airbags and more. This can be very useful and allow you to enjoy a better experience. In addition, it can improve your safety as it ensures that the braking system and the airbags are in the best possible condition.
Best OBD2 Scanners
Panlong Bluetooth OBDII Scanner
This is one of the best scanners available for your car and it offers a great deal of features. What makes this device from Panlong stand apart from other OBD2 scanners is its ease of use. Apart from displaying diagnostic trouble codes, it provides explanation on their meaning so it is an ideal solution for people who want to understand the data that is shown. This is very important since you need to be able to know exactly what the scanner is telling you. Thanks to this feature, you can save money because you will know if this is a minor issue that can be easily fixed and you won’t waste time and money unnecessarily. The scanner can be easily installed, it supports Bluetooth and it can be easily used when you are on the go. The main downside of this specific model is that the app only works with Android.
OBD2 Scanner CAN OBDII Code Reader
This is the ideal option for those who prefer a traditional OBD2 scanner that offers solid performance. It doesn’t have any frills, but if you want an option that gets the job done in a simple way, this could be the right choice for you. The clear screen and the simple navigation, allow you to understand the information fast and easily. The scanner has a lot of generic code definition and it offers explanations for over 3000 error codes. You are more than likely to find the information that you need. In addition, this model doesn’t require additional cables and you can get everything you need out of the box, which makes it very handy. If you are looking for a device that can be paired with an app, this is not the option for you. Otherwise, it is a good scanner to consider.
Autel Autolink AL319 OBD-II Scanner
Without a doubt, this is the best solution when it comes down to OBD2 scanners. It offers excellent quality and it works really well. Apart from featuring an amazing screen, this scanner is superb and it offers a great selection of colors, as well as a good enough contrast. You can easily read diagnostics thanks to the high quality of this device’s stunning screen. In addition, the build quality of the scanner is perfect and it has a good design, which means that you will be able to hold it easily and firmly. It is made to last and it offers a remarkable user experience.
ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Scanner
The AD310 Classic is a good choice for people who prefer a traditional cable OBD2 scanner experience with some generous screen solutions. The large LCD display features a white background and it also supports contrast adjustment. Thanks to these options, you can read diagnostics in a more practical way. The screen is perfect for reading the information easily. The scanner also offers solid build, and high quality diagnostics. You don’t need to have mechanical knowledge to be able to understand the scanner. The power is obtained straight from the OBD2 Data Link Connector of the vehicle. You don’t need batteries to run the scanner as all that is needed is that you plug it into your car.
OxGord OBD-II Scanner
If you prefer a device that focuses on simplicity, this is the option that you need to consider. The OxGord OBD-II Scanner is a remarkable device that provides a straightforward performance and high quality. The scanner stands out thanks not only to its ease of use, but also due to its great design, durability and solid built. Although it doesn’t pair with an app, its small screen provides fantastic contrast and it makes the information easy to read. It provides all the features that you need, without any frills or additional functions that can be confusing, particularly for beginners.
KOBRA Wireless OBD-II Scanner
One of the highlights of the KOBRA Wireless OBD-II Scanner is the fantastic selection of apps that it supports. There are more than 7 apps that can be paired with the scanner to enjoy professional diagnostics. This is the ideal choice for users who want to get detailed information covering multiple aspects about their vehicle. Not only it offers advanced diagnostics, it also deserves recognition thanks to its great compatibility. It supports Android, iOS and even Windows Phone. In addition, this scanner can read generic codes, as well as codes that are specific to certain manufacturer. There are database definitions for over 3000 problem codes. This makes it an user-friendly solution that helps you to understand better what is going on.
BlueDriver Professional Bluetooth OBD-II Scanner
The BlueDriver Professional Bluetooth OBD-II Scanner as the name suggests, is a professional-grade scanner that is used by mechanics and engineers to get precise information. It works in combination with the BlueDriver Sensor to make sure that you get top quality readings that you can receive on any Android and iOS device. The BlueDriver app can create practical reports that grant you a detailed look at your car’s performance. The advanced data features options such as engine load, intake air temperature and oxygen content of the fuel mix. It provides the type of data needed for experts and also anyone who wants to learn more about car engines. One of the highlights of this device is a feature called Smog Check, which checks engine data that could indicate a problem in the smoke level. The feature is very practical when you are bringing your car to a smog test.
BAFX Bluetooth OBD-II Scanner
Android users can rely on this scanner that works with pretty much any car that is OBD2 compliant. This makes it the ideal choice if you need to use it with multiple vehicles. Apart from offering compatibility, the scanner is a top solution for internal components. Its internal adapter offers almost all the components that you can get in any other OBD2 scanner. This allows scanners to measure and keep track of many issues and at the same time, it provides a high level of accuracy. We should also mention that the BAFX Bluetooth also works with some of the older OBD1 models, but you will t check compatibility before using it. Unfortunately, iOS is not supported, which will be disappointing for users of the Apple platform. Still, the reliable performance and the fact that it works with many different vehicles, make this scanner an excellent choice.
