How to choose a car scanner for diagnostics: tips and reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Every modern car is equipped with an electronic control unit, the function of which is to monitor the status of each node in the car in real time. This block also performs other important functions. Thanks to the ECU, you can get important information about the deviations of any node from normal parameters in a timely manner.

But if the electronics receives information from the ECU only in a format that it understands, then in order to decrypt this information, a person needs to convert it into an understandable form. For this, a car diagnostic scanner is used.

Types of car error scanners

The best option is to use special devices that are recommended by the car manufacturer. This solution also includes the use of related software.

But the problem is that such systems are quite expensive, moreover, they can rarely be found on the open market.

Such a cara scanner for diagnostics is bought only by authorized dealerships or certified service stations. Ordinary motorists purchase simpler devices that may have different functions and work in different ways.

Complex for diagnostics

Special complexes are suitable for professional repair and maintenance. This device is a computer with a small display. This device already has all the necessary software for operation and carrying out the entire diagnostic complex. A specialist can read errors, determine vital signs and work parameters, and correct characteristics. Often, such a car scanner comes with several types of cables that are compatible with a wide variety of car manufacturers.

Advantages and disadvantages of a professional solution

Such complexes have a lot of advantages. This is freedom from computers in the workplace. Another advantage is a simple and intuitive interface, which cannot be said about similar programs for PC. Also, the software already has everything that may be needed for a complete diagnosis. Another plus is that you don't have to pay for the software.

Professional automotive scanner has a durable and reliable body that is hard to damage.

Among other things, this is a universal solution due to the huge number of cables and adapters.

The possibilities are very wide, but these solutions have one huge drawback - a very higha price that is often beyond the reach of an ordinary car owner. You should buy these devices only when you plan to use it for its intended purpose - for a repair business.

Simple and inexpensive adapters

If the task is to carry out regular car diagnostics, then a complex device is not at all necessary. The best option is a simple adapter that is easy to connect to the diagnostic socket in the car. The device will transmit data to a PC, where the corresponding software will recognize the information.

But you should be careful when choosing and buying such an adapter to make a car diagnostic scanner. Sometimes they do not fit some models. In addition, the domestic market is flooded with fakes that do not have most of the necessary functions. All that can be done with a fake is to read error codes, reset them, and also get the most basic information about the car.

OBD2 car scanner with adapter and PC: advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages are affordable price, small size, the ability to work with the most convenient software. Among the shortcomings (and there are few of them), it is worth highlighting the need to purchase special software. Applications are often inexpensive. But you will have to pay not for the whole complex, but for the time of use.

Wireless machine

A special variety is a wireless car scanner.

These devices are incredibly easy to use, and their price is only slightly higher than onwired devices. The device can work either via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It depends on the personal preferences of the car enthusiast. Bluetooth devices are popular today. They are used by both ordinary car owners and professional repair specialists.

Rating of car diagnostic devices

The list includes various equipment. These are both simple adapters and modern complexes. Each of them performs all tasks very well, namely, it determines errors and their essence, and also provides information about absolutely any parameters and characteristics of a car.

Popular device

Among car owners, the simplest and most affordable car scanner Elm327 has received particular distribution. The device works with the ECU of all domestic cars. This list also includes commercial vehicles from GAZ and even new models from AvtoVAZ. Support for UAZ Patriot SUVs has also been announced.

There is information that this equipment can be adapted to many foreign cars, such as Toyota, Honda, Daewoo and others. To do this, you need to get a suitable adapter. The price of this product is from 500 to 1000 rubles. The cost depends on the design features and the availability of adapters in the kit.

Elm327 design features

USB devices were the first to hit the market. They are based on a simple COM-USB converter. The main disadvantage is the ability to work only with a set of programs for a PC. Only a small part of the programs for the Android mobile system supports such a car scanner. Besides,possibilities are limited by the length of the cable and the large dimensions of the device itself.

Bluetooth scanners are the most popular. They are available in compact and large cases with the ability to work with smartphones and tablets, as well as PCs, navigators and even radio tape recorders. These devices are incredibly simple. It should be noted such wireless solutions with an on-off button. In most cases, auto-power is constantly supplied to the diagnostic connector - the device can slowly drain the battery.

The only negative is the inability of such scanners to work with Apple technology.

Wi-Fi scanners are designed just for IOS devices. However, they can also work with other platforms. They come in a variety of sizes, and they also have a greater range. The disadvantage is the need for special software.

Comes with CD with PC drivers. However, there are no diagnostic programs available. You will have to search and install them on your computer or smartphone yourself. The most functional programs today are ScanMaster for PC and Torque Pro for smartphones.

The disadvantage is the impossibility of working with brands such as Mazda, Nissan, BMW. Also, this device is not suitable for cutting-edge models, as there are unsupported data transfer protocols.

Finally, the reputation of this product has deteriorated lately. Today, these car scanners are presented in a wide range on Chinese AliExpress. Reviews of those who have already bought them from there -negative. A lot of fakes.

Launch X-431

This is a universal diagnostic tool that supports most car brands, including European, Asian, and American models. The system is built on an open platform, a printer is built into the device, and a wide range of adapters and software allows this device to be universal.

Launch X-431 car scanner can read and remove error codes, displays the current parameters and characteristics of the car, checks all actuators, encodes the control unit.

It can also be used to reset service intervals and print the results.

For many brands of cars, this adapter can perform the tasks of dealer coding blocks, adaptation, synchronization of the immobilizer and ECU, calibrate the air suspension and much more. The Launch car scanner is equipped with a convenient touch screen, and the number of controls is minimal. Help function available.

Affordable solution for professionals

If you need to purchase not just a scanner, but a universal device, but at the same time the budget is small, then you can opt for Auto X-ray 5000 EZ 0BD. In appearance, the device is similar to a multimeter.

Includes a set of cables and a large number of connectors.

This is a universal car scanner that can work with a lot of car models and brands. The device is compatible with more than 80 connectors,including OBD I.

The device does not need an external power supply and the error base is huge. With this device, the owner does not need to look for information anywhere. The device is compatible with CAN-buses in the most modern cars.

The price of the solution is 10-15 thousand rubles, depending on the configuration.

Best Automotive Scanner

Most of what is on the market today will not be suitable for professional diagnostics, which is unacceptable for service stations. In addition, for non-standard connectors, it will be necessary to reinvent the "bicycle". Professionals prefer the Launch X431. This is the best device for solving any problems related to the repair and diagnostics of any car.