When it comes to modern car diagnostics, an OBD2 scanner is an indispensable tool. If you were in the market back in 2018 for a reliable and convenient option, Bluetooth OBD2 scanners were gaining significant traction. But does a “Best Obd2 Scanner Bluetooth 2018” still hold up in today’s automotive landscape? Let’s delve into what made these scanners popular and whether they remain a viable choice.
For basic vehicle issues, a simple and affordable Bluetooth ELM 327 dongle paired with a smartphone app might seem sufficient. These budget-friendly options, often around $13, connect wirelessly to your car’s OBD2 port and provide basic diagnostic information. However, it’s crucial to understand their limitations. These entry-level scanners are primarily designed to read OBD2 systems, which means they might not access deeper, non-OBDII systems within your vehicle. For instance, monitoring specific systems like oil level often requires tools with broader capabilities. While an OBD2 scanner can detect a faulty oil level sensor through OBDII codes, it typically won’t provide the actual oil level reading itself. Brands like VeePeak clearly state that their scanners are generally limited to OBDII diagnostics.
Moving beyond basic OBD2 functions, accessing non-OBDII communications in your car necessitates a more advanced tool. Back in 2018, and still relevant today, options like Autel’s DiagLink started to bridge this gap at a more accessible price point. Around the $90-$100 mark, the DiagLink offered enhanced capabilities, but with a specific focus: brand-specific diagnostics. Each DiagLink device typically came with software for a single car brand. This meant you could access advanced functions like resetting oil change lights or operating electric parking brakes, features often unavailable with basic OBD2 scanners, but only for that pre-selected brand. While adding software for additional brands was possible for around $10 per brand, it was a key consideration for users with multiple vehicle brands.
If you needed a broader solution for multiple car brands in 2018, and still seek versatility now, tools like the Autel MD806 were and are excellent contenders. Priced around $200, the MD806 offered multi-brand compatibility without the need for separate software downloads for each brand. While internally similar in hardware to the DiagLink, the MD806’s software provided a more comprehensive diagnostic experience across various manufacturers. Furthermore, features like “lifetime” software updates, although realistically tied to the product’s support lifespan, added significant value. For DIY enthusiasts and even professional mechanics needing a robust yet reasonably priced scan tool, the Autel MD806, or similar multi-brand scanners from 2018, represented a strong balance of features and affordability.
In conclusion, while technology has continued to evolve since 2018, the “best OBD2 scanner Bluetooth 2018” options, particularly those offering more than basic OBDII functionality, remain relevant. The choice depends on your needs: for basic code reading, a simple Bluetooth dongle might suffice. However, for deeper diagnostics across various vehicle systems and brands, investing in a tool like the Autel MD806 or considering brand-specific options like the DiagLink (if you primarily work with one brand) is still a wise decision. When searching for a used OBD2 scanner, exploring models that were highly regarded in 2018 can lead to finding capable tools at potentially even more affordable prices today.
