For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding your vehicle’s health is becoming increasingly important. Modern cars are complex systems, and accessing their diagnostic information often requires specialized tools. While a basic, inexpensive Bluetooth OBD2 scanner paired with a smartphone app might seem like a convenient solution, it’s crucial to understand its limitations, especially if you’re looking for in-depth diagnostics beyond the standard OBDII system. If you’re aiming for comprehensive insights into your car’s computers, including systems not covered by OBDII, and features like oil level readings, you’ll likely need to step up your investment.
Understanding OBD2 Scanner Limitations
The market is flooded with budget-friendly Bluetooth ELM327 dongles, often priced around $13. These scanners, when used with phone applications, primarily focus on reading OBDII data. While OBDII provides valuable information related to emissions and some basic engine parameters, it’s not designed to access proprietary systems unique to each car manufacturer. For instance, monitoring oil level directly isn’t a standard OBDII function. Although OBDII can report issues with the oil level sensor itself, it won’t give you a real-time oil level reading. Manufacturers like VeePeak clearly state that their OBD2 scanner models are designed solely for OBDII scanning, highlighting the inherent limitations of these basic tools. To truly delve into your vehicle’s network and access non-OBDII communication, you’ll need a more sophisticated tool, something akin to the professional-grade VIDA/DiCE system used for specific brands.
Advanced Scan Tools for Comprehensive Diagnostics
Stepping beyond basic OBD2 functionality means exploring scan tools that can interface with the broader network of computers within your car. At the entry-level for advanced diagnostics, consider options like the Autel DiagLink. Typically priced between $90 and $100, the DiagLink offers significantly more capability than basic Bluetooth OBD2 scanners. However, it comes with a notable trade-off: it’s designed to work deeply with only one car brand. Upon purchase, you select and download brand-specific software from Autel to install on the DiagLink, enabling advanced functions for that chosen brand. This software unlocks features that go beyond generic OBDII codes, allowing you to perform tasks like resetting oil change lights or even placing electric parking brakes into service mode – functionalities often unavailable with basic scanners. While the single-brand limitation might seem restrictive, the DiagLink presents a cost-effective solution if you primarily work with vehicles from a single manufacturer and require more than just basic OBDII readings. Adding software for another brand is possible for around $10, offering some flexibility, but it’s important to factor in this brand-specific nature.
Autel DiagLink: Brand-Specific Power
The Autel DiagLink carves out a niche by offering deep, brand-specific diagnostics at a reasonable price for a single brand. For users deeply invested in one car make, it provides access to advanced functions that are typically out of reach with generic OBD2 scanners.
Autel MD806: Multi-Brand Flexibility
For those who work with multiple car brands or desire broader diagnostic coverage, the Autel MD806 emerges as a strong contender. Priced around $200, the MD806 offers multi-brand compatibility without the need for separate software downloads for each manufacturer. Internally, it’s believed to share hardware similarities with the DiagLink, but its software architecture allows for a wider range of vehicle brands. Furthermore, the Autel MD806 often includes “lifetime” software updates, adding long-term value. While “lifetime” in software terms typically refers to the product’s support lifespan rather than literal perpetuity, it still represents a significant benefit, ensuring your tool remains up-to-date for years. The MD806 strikes a compelling balance between capability and cost, making it an excellent value proposition. It empowers home mechanics and car enthusiasts with the diagnostic depth needed for a variety of vehicles, without the prohibitive price tag of professional-grade scan tools.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner in 2019
When selecting the best Bluetooth OBD2 scanner in 2019, it’s crucial to define your diagnostic needs. If you require only basic OBDII readings for a single vehicle, a budget-friendly ELM327 scanner might suffice. However, for users seeking deeper insights into their car’s systems, especially non-OBDII data and brand-specific functions, investing in a more advanced tool is necessary. The Autel DiagLink offers a cost-effective entry point for in-depth diagnostics within a single brand, while the Autel MD806 provides broader multi-brand coverage and long-term value, making it a versatile and highly recommended choice for comprehensive car diagnostics.
