The Best OBD2 Scanner Reviews & Buying Guide

Let’s start with the name. OBD stands for On Board Diagnostics, which is exactly the description of its function, and the number 2 refers to the second generation of these tools. Ever since the use of On-board Diagnostics II was made mandatory for all vehicles in the U.S., more and more scan tools have been developed. On-board diagnostic scanners were made mandatory for all motor vehicles in 1996. The OBD2 scan tool is a car diagnostic scanner that warns you when a problem arises in your car. The scan test can reveal problems with your car's transmission, exhaust, oil, and other important functions of your car. The benefit of owning an OBD II scanner is that the scanner can be used with different vehicles. OBD II scanners use the same communication throughout all manufacturers.

And now, the second question arises what type of OBD scanner is best for you. The answer depends mostly on your skill level. For example, code readers offer the essential capability to interpret and clear codes related to the problems of a vehicle which is equipped with the advanced onboard diagnostic scanner.

However, if you are a highly advanced user and familiar with the detailed know-how of your vehicle, you can go for the best obd2 scanner for the money, the more expensive, precise, and the best scan tools that provide a lot of accurate real-time data related to various mechanical issues and diagnostic trouble codes.

And lastly, be sure to double check whether the best OBD2 scanner you have selected is truthfully universal and support the protocol used by your vehicle, although in today’s best OBD scanners are generally standardized to be compatible with each manufacturer.

At present, the car market is full of different OBD scan tools with a large-scale variety of price tags.

You might feel confused about deciding which should be the most suitable and best car scanner for you. But don’t worry, we have made a thorough analysis and compiled some of the best products that are currently available in the market. It will save much of your time and effort, and at the same time, help you pick the right choice.

There is a wide range of Scan Tools in the market from $50 up to $3000 providing a huge number of diagnostic information and analysis. Here is a bullet list of problems which you can solve by purchasing an OBD2 Scanner:

You simply plug in your Scanner into the computer output port of your car. All the cars manufactured after 1996 have a 16- pin plugin connector. You can just sit at your driver’s seat and plug in your scanner cable near the steering wheel. Immediately the scanner will read and analyze the data coming from the car’s computer telling you if it is safe to continue driving or not.

The OBDII scanner can be plugged to a computer to analyze the problem in more details. Here you have access to many software apps to work on the data received from the Scanner. You can find out the cost of the repairs and even the nearest repair shop to get it fixed.

This depends on which kind of Scanner you are using. But generally the problems which can be identified are as follow:

The difference between a bottom line Scanner at $50 and a cutting-edge Scanner at over $2000 is the kind of codes which they read and analyze. Basic Scanners only diagnose the “basic on-board codes”(OBD), while there are professional Scanners assessing many more aspects of the engine performance. They can read data about the brakes anti-lock mechanism, the pressure of the tires or check the safety of the airbag system and many more. Generally, Scanners can be divided into two groups:

You must make sure that the Scanner you are buying works with the computer installed in your car. There are 5 different kinds of communication systems used in OBD2 vehicles and not all Scanners are compatible with all five.

Each year new car models come into the market. Therefore, if you want your Scan Tool to be compatible fully with new vehicles, you must make sure that the Scanner you are buying has the necessary function to be updated. Professional Scan Tools have this ability although it costs more than $500 for each update.

Most of the cheaper Scan Tools are not upgradable. Also, make sure you inquire about the cost of each upgrade so that you won’t be taken by surprise.

Check that the Scanner you are going to buy provides you with a full definition of each code. This is as important as having a How to Use Manual for any device you buy. The Scanner which gives you the definitions will save a great deal of time and frustration.

One of the special features of professional Scan Tools is that it gives you Live Data readings when the engine is running and you are on the road. If your device lacks the capability to store the data readings it is a thumb down for that Scanner.

You have to be aware that the price of Scanners varies a great deal. It is necessary to know for what special feature you are paying extra money. For example, a Scanner might be couple of hundred dollars more expensive just for the color graphics that it presents which might not be too significant for you. Therefore reading the features of each product in details is a MUST before purchase.

All Scanners need a connecting cable to link with the vehicle. Also they all need the software to get it running. Without any of these the Scanneris unusable. So make sure you find out what accessories are included in the package and what accessories you should purchaseseparately.

When searching on the internet always read the customer reviews in details, both positive and negative. If you have a friend who has a Scan Tool make sure to go and check your decision with him. The technical pit-holes are many and require your careful consideration.

Reading these guidelines it is all too obvious that buying a best diagnostic scan tool in the market is not easy. You reap what you sow, therefore the more time you spend in doing research the better end result you will get. Check features and prices, read all the Pros & Cons and most important of all read the customer reviews and find out what the buyers say. Spend time online to research about different models and brands. Only then seal your decision and buy your Scan Tool.