For modern car owners and enthusiasts, understanding your vehicle’s health is becoming increasingly reliant on diagnostic tools. While basic OBD2 scanners serve a purpose, they often fall short when it comes to accessing the full range of your car’s computer systems. If you’re looking for the Best Obd2 Scan Tool 2018 to truly tap into your vehicle’s diagnostics, you’ll need to move beyond the limitations of entry-level devices.
Simple, budget-friendly options like a $13 Bluetooth ELM 327 dongle paired with a phone app are often touted as OBD2 solutions. However, these tools are primarily designed for basic OBDII systems. They typically can’t access non-OBDII systems, meaning crucial data like oil level – which isn’t part of standard OBDII – remains out of reach. While an OBDII system might flag a faulty oil level sensor, it won’t provide the actual oil level reading itself. Leading brands like VeePeak clearly state that their scanners are limited to OBDII functionalities. For comprehensive diagnostics, including accessing non-OBDII communication within your car, you’ll require a more advanced tool, similar to professional systems like VIDA/DiCE.
Stepping up from basic OBD2 readers, the Autel DiagLink emerges as a cost-effective entry point for enhanced diagnostics. Priced around $90-$100, the DiagLink offers capabilities that surpass many similarly priced devices, such as resetting oil change lights and retracting electronic parking brakes for service – functions often unavailable with basic OBD2 scanners. However, the DiagLink has a key limitation: it’s designed to work with only one car brand out of the box. You receive one complimentary brand-specific software package upon purchase, which must be downloaded and installed onto the device from Autel before use. If you own vehicles from multiple brands or decide to work on a different brand in the future, you’ll need to purchase additional software licenses from Autel, typically around $10 per brand. Despite this brand-specific approach, the DiagLink represents excellent value for owners who primarily work with a single car brand and require more than basic OBD2 functionality.
For those needing diagnostic capabilities across multiple vehicle brands, the Autel MD806 stands out as a versatile and highly recommended best OBD2 scan tool 2018 and beyond. Available for around $200, the MD806 offers a significant upgrade in functionality compared to brand-specific tools. While it’s believed to share similar internal hardware with the DiagLink, the MD806 utilizes software that supports multiple car brands without the need for separate brand-specific downloads. Furthermore, it includes free software updates for the tool’s “lifetime.” It’s important to note that “lifetime” in this context usually refers to the expected lifespan of product support, meaning updates might not be available indefinitely, especially for older units. Nevertheless, the Autel MD806 provides exceptional value, encompassing the diagnostic needs of most home mechanics and car enthusiasts. Its ability to access non-OBDII data across various brands, combined with features beyond basic code reading, positions it as a top contender for those seeking a comprehensive and user-friendly diagnostic solution.
In conclusion, when searching for the best OBD2 scan tool 2018 to enhance your car diagnostic toolkit, consider your specific needs and budget. While basic OBD2 scanners serve fundamental purposes, tools like the Autel DiagLink and MD806 offer significantly expanded capabilities, accessing non-OBDII systems and performing advanced functions. For single-brand users seeking enhanced features at a reasonable price, the DiagLink is a strong contender. However, for multi-brand flexibility and comprehensive diagnostics, the Autel MD806 emerges as a leading choice, providing excellent value and long-term utility.
