Quickly diagnose your car’s issues before bringing it into the shop with the ANCEL OBD Reader. This OBD reader supports all OBDII protocols and can show the display in many languages, including English, German, Spanish, French, Russian, and Portuguese, so almost anyone can understand and use this reader. It requires no battery or charger as the unit is powered directly from the OBDII data link connector in your car, so no tangled wires or dead batteries to deal with!
This reader quickly clears stored emissions-related codes, pending codes, and displays code definitions for full comprehension of what’s wrong with your car. It can turn off the check engine light and reset the car’s monitors before you take it in for repairs. The enhanced diagnostics support O2 sensors and an evaporative control system test. The sensor test can detect and adjust the air and fuel mixture, which can identify and correct issues related to fuel efficiency and your car’s emissions. Because of all the vital benefits this OBD reader provides, it is undoubtedly the best overall on our list.
The NT301 OBD2 scanner from FOXWELL sets a high bar for handheld OBD reader reliability, accuracy, and speed. You use this scanner to read DTCs, locate bad O2 sensors, and gain access to emissions readiness status. Additionally, features like the ability to turn off CEL (check engine light) or MIL, reset monitors, and retrieve the VIN of the vehicle are super helpful for professional and at-home mechanics alike.
The user interface on this OBD reader is also industry-leading, with a large color screen and hotkeys for the most frequent functions. Combine all this functionality with near-universal compatibility, and this is one of the top OBD readers out there.
DIY car repair is a big factor behind the success of OBD scanners, but most scanners end up confusing inexperienced users with their barrage of buttons and complex information layout. MOTOPOWER resolves this issue by making its OBD readers as simple and easy to use as possible. Any inexperienced person can pick up this reader and figure out how to use it successfully in minutes. The best part about this simplicity is that it does not come at the cost of functionality, as it still provides all of the necessary information accurately and reliably.
BlueDrive enhances the old can diagnostics technology with the convenience of modern wireless connectivity and smartphones. This OBD reader is fitted with state-of-the-art Bluetooth that connects to the BlueDriver app and transmits all necessary information wirelessly. This makes a diagnosis much simpler for cars with awkward, hard-to-reach OBD port positioning. Its lack of screen or buttons makes the reader relatively compact and easy to store in a pocket — perfect for professionals. The BlueDriver app is also available on iOS and Android, so anyone with a smartphone can diagnose their car.
The main issue with many Bluetooth OBD readers is their underdeveloped and glitchy apps. FIXD, on the other hand, offers one of the most polished diagnostic apps on the market that is as feature-rich as it is easy to use. The UI of this scanner’s app is intuitive and perfectly organized. Every essential feature is displayed on the homepage, while rarely-used features are hidden behind menus to improve readability. The app isn’t the only strong point of this device, as the scanner is exceptionally reliable and accurate.
Modern OBD readers are a massive timesaver for car mechanics, both professionals, and DIY enthusiasts. These scanners act as a translator between your car’s self-diagnostic systems and you. Having one hand can also save you a lot of money in the long run since you’ll be able to differentiate serious issues and stuff that can be resolved with a 30-second power down. Just make sure that you get a high-quality reader since it’ll be responsible for your car’s health and safety. But, what makes an OBD reader high quality? More importantly, how can you find one yourself? Let’s find out.
Accuracy is an essential attribute of an OBD reader as it is directly linked to the diagnosis. You want the reader to produce correct error codes every single time without fail. Even a single wrong code can waste time and money, especially if you’re a professional. Unfortunately, there is no way to access the accuracy and reliability of an OBD scanner without using it for a long time. So, your only option is to buy from reputable manufacturers or look through customer reviews about accuracy. If you see too many complaints about wrong error codes, move on to the next viable option.
The device’s speed might not sound like a big deal at first. What if it takes a few seconds to process each button press and around a minute to read error codes? But that few seconds add up over time and can end up wasting upwards of 30 minutes or more per diagnosis. So, look for readers known for their speedy UI and quick code access.
Most OBD reading devices draw power directly from the connection to your car, so they do not need a battery charge up or replacement. Any wired scanner that does not offer similar convenience is not worth your consideration.
The last key factor to consider is the build quality of your OBD scanning device. Wired devices should be made from rigid plastic and have a rubber coating on the outside to prevent fall damage. Wireless devices are much lighter, so they can get by with just a tough plastic exterior. Additionally, the screen must be easy to read in both bright and low light scenarios, and the buttons need tactile feedback so you know when they’re pressed.
There are two key types of OBD reader connections, wired and Bluetooth, and both have pros and cons.
The biggest benefit of using a wired device is its reliability. Unless the wire gets damaged, which is very unlikely, you will not lose connection or get glitches in the signal. That said, wired OBD readers tend to be bulky with less than stellar UI and mushy buttons. The wired connection can be difficult to use in cars with awkward OBD port locations.
Bluetooth is the name of convenience when it comes to OBD scanners. The info gathered by the scanner is relayed to an app on your smartphone that is much easier to navigate than most wired devices. The big issue with Bluetooth connections is their reliability around metal sheets (like a car’s body). You’ll also have your phone out during the whole diagnosis, so misplacement and accidental falls can also be an issue.
Yes, driving your car with the OBD reader plugged into its port is entirely safe. Many wireless Bluetooth scanners use this to inform you about potential maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire pressure.
No, high-quality OBD scanners do not drain your car battery much, but a few poorly designed ones with shotty wiring can deplete most car batteries in 10-20 minutes.
No, using an OBD scanner will not void your warranty as they do not mess with the engine parameters. Though, it is still a good idea to leave further diagnostics to the professionals.
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