A diagnostic scan tool is something that can come in handy whenever the ‘check engine’ light comes on in your car and you are not sure what the problem is. As a car loving nation, Australia is one of the largest markets in the world for automotive scanners and you can find a huge variety of scanning tools here. If you are, however, not sure how to choose one, this guide can help you.
There are five important factors to be considered while choosing an automotive scan tool.
Compatibility
This is the first and perhaps the most important factor you should consider before you choose a scanning tool. You should check the OBD II protocol of your vehicle and then look for a scanner that is compatible with your vehicle. While scanning tools are not manufacturer-specific when it comes to cars, certain vehicles have manufacturer-specific error codes that could be read only by a particular type of scanners.
To prevent this problem and to avoid spending money on an incompatible scanner, check your vehicle’s OBD II protocol and look for a compatible scanning tool.
Functionality
What do you need the scanner for? If all you need is a tool to read and clear error codes, a basic code reader should do the job for you. An automotive diagnostic scanner, on the other hand, is more advanced and can do a lot more.
A mid level scanner, for instance, can give you troubleshooting information – what a code stands for, what could be the problem with your car, and what you can do to fix it. The more advanced ones have a wide range of features including the ability to detect and reset airbags and antilock brake systems, print results, show real time data about your car’s performance, store the data so that you can view it any time you want, retrieve your car’s VIN, and many, many more.
Basically, an advanced scanning tool can tell you what the problem is and how you can fix it. With such a tool in your possession, you no longer have to run to the nearest workshop every time there is a problem with your car.
Upgrading Options
You should be able to upgrade the scanning tool on a regular basis. Brand new cars hit the market almost every other month and you need to make sure your tool is updated enough to be used on these vehicles. Otherwise, when you buy a new car, you might have to buy a new scanning tool as well.
You have to, however, pay for these upgrades. Some of the minor upgrades can be done for free, but most of the upgrades – especially those that improve the functionality of the tool greatly – come with a price tag. This is something you need to keep in mind while buying a scanner.
Ease of Use
There is really no point in investing money in a high-end diagnostic scan tool if you find it too complicated to use. If you are not particularly tech savvy, you might find it really difficult to use some of the most advanced tools that are available on the market today. So, make sure the tool you choose has an easy to use interface and comes with a detailed instruction manual that tells you how to operate it safely.
Budget
This is obviously one of the key factors you need to consider before making any purchase, leave alone an automotive scan tool. The thing about buying a scanner, however, is that it is not just a question of buying a tool that fits your budget.
If you are on a small budget, for instance, you can probably buy a basic code reader. It cannot, however, do anything other than read and clear error codes. The most sophisticated tools, on the other hand, are expensive and are ideal only for professionals who deal with a variety of different vehicles. So, your ideal choice lies somewhere in between.
The best option is to buy a high quality, mid-level scanner that can be upgraded regularly. Such a tool is ideal for people who loathe going to the workshop every time there is something wrong with the car. At the end of the day, however, you need to choose a diagnostic scan tool that meets your needs and budget, above all.
There are five important factors to be considered while choosing an automotive scan tool.
Compatibility
This is the first and perhaps the most important factor you should consider before you choose a scanning tool. You should check the OBD II protocol of your vehicle and then look for a scanner that is compatible with your vehicle. While scanning tools are not manufacturer-specific when it comes to cars, certain vehicles have manufacturer-specific error codes that could be read only by a particular type of scanners.
To prevent this problem and to avoid spending money on an incompatible scanner, check your vehicle’s OBD II protocol and look for a compatible scanning tool.
Functionality
What do you need the scanner for? If all you need is a tool to read and clear error codes, a basic code reader should do the job for you. An automotive diagnostic scanner, on the other hand, is more advanced and can do a lot more.
A mid level scanner, for instance, can give you troubleshooting information – what a code stands for, what could be the problem with your car, and what you can do to fix it. The more advanced ones have a wide range of features including the ability to detect and reset airbags and antilock brake systems, print results, show real time data about your car’s performance, store the data so that you can view it any time you want, retrieve your car’s VIN, and many, many more.
Basically, an advanced scanning tool can tell you what the problem is and how you can fix it. With such a tool in your possession, you no longer have to run to the nearest workshop every time there is a problem with your car.
Upgrading Options
You should be able to upgrade the scanning tool on a regular basis. Brand new cars hit the market almost every other month and you need to make sure your tool is updated enough to be used on these vehicles. Otherwise, when you buy a new car, you might have to buy a new scanning tool as well.
You have to, however, pay for these upgrades. Some of the minor upgrades can be done for free, but most of the upgrades – especially those that improve the functionality of the tool greatly – come with a price tag. This is something you need to keep in mind while buying a scanner.
Ease of Use
There is really no point in investing money in a high-end diagnostic scan tool if you find it too complicated to use. If you are not particularly tech savvy, you might find it really difficult to use some of the most advanced tools that are available on the market today. So, make sure the tool you choose has an easy to use interface and comes with a detailed instruction manual that tells you how to operate it safely.
Budget
This is obviously one of the key factors you need to consider before making any purchase, leave alone an automotive scan tool. The thing about buying a scanner, however, is that it is not just a question of buying a tool that fits your budget.
If you are on a small budget, for instance, you can probably buy a basic code reader. It cannot, however, do anything other than read and clear error codes. The most sophisticated tools, on the other hand, are expensive and are ideal only for professionals who deal with a variety of different vehicles. So, your ideal choice lies somewhere in between.
The best option is to buy a high quality, mid-level scanner that can be upgraded regularly. Such a tool is ideal for people who loathe going to the workshop every time there is something wrong with the car. At the end of the day, however, you need to choose a diagnostic scan tool that meets your needs and budget, above all.
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