For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding your vehicle’s health is crucial. In 2020, as now, On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) scanners became indispensable tools for anyone looking to peek under the hood—electronically speaking. While generic ELM-327 scanners offer basic code reading, the best OBD2 scanners of 2020 went further, providing deeper insights and more comprehensive diagnostics. Among these advanced options, BlueDriver stood out as a significant upgrade.
What sets a top-tier OBD2 scanner apart? It’s the ability to go beyond basic powertrain codes and delve into systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). Generic scanners often miss these crucial areas, leaving users with an incomplete picture of their vehicle’s condition. BlueDriver, however, was designed to bridge this gap.
One user’s experience perfectly illustrates this advantage. Having previously used ELM-327 scanners with mixed results, they turned to BlueDriver and immediately noticed a difference. On a 2009 Honda CR-V, BlueDriver unearthed a “long history of items it was storing,” revealing issues beyond the standard OBD-II fault codes. Similarly, a newly acquired 2005 Acura TSX also yielded a list of potential concerns. The detailed PDF reports generated by BlueDriver provided a clear and actionable overview of the vehicle’s diagnostic data.
These reports, even after firmware and app updates in April 2020 that enhanced their visual presentation, showcased BlueDriver’s capability to access and present historical and current diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). In the CR-V example, codes related to a previously fixed wheel speed sensor and TPMS issues (low battery and lost transmission for the rear right tire sensor) were clearly identified. This level of detail is invaluable for both DIY mechanics and those simply wanting to stay informed about their car’s maintenance needs.
The user highlighted the practical benefits of such comprehensive scanning, especially for tasks like pre-purchase used car inspections or road trip preparations. The ability to clear codes and monitor their recurrence adds another layer of utility, allowing users to track down intermittent problems effectively.
While older vehicles might have limitations – the user noted ABS code reading was not supported on a 2004 Civic at that time – BlueDriver’s active development and continuous updates promised expanded vehicle compatibility and code coverage. This commitment to improvement further solidified its position as a leading OBD2 scanner.
In conclusion, for those seeking the best OBD2 scanner in 2020 that offered more than just basic functionality, BlueDriver presented a compelling option. Its ability to access a wider range of diagnostic information, generate user-friendly reports, and maintain a compact form factor made it a valuable tool for car owners wanting a deeper understanding of their vehicle’s health and maintenance needs.
