If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of seeing the “check engine” light appear on your vehicle’s dashboard, you’re not alone. Determining the cause of the issue can be confusing, especially if you’re not a car expert. However, fear not, because there is a solution. Enter, the OBD2 scanner, your affordable and effective diagnostic tool.
OBD2 scanners are compatible with U.S. manufactured vehicles built after 1996 and European and Asian manufactured vehicles built after 2000, making this tool a great option for many car owners. It provides the capability to read and clear codes, locate bad O2 sensors, access emission readiness status, turn off the check engine light, and view live data. There are several OBD2 scanners to choose from, each with distinct features and price points, making it easy to find one that meets your specific needs.
Autel’s AutoLink is an affordable “plug and play” solution that offers users an easy-to-use interface and supports reading codes, displaying live data, and freeze frames. Another popular option is the Ancel AD310 OBD2 car scanner, which supports several languages and features a large LCD display with backlight and contrast adjustment. Additionally, the MotoPower scanner provides a built-in DTC lookup library and 2.5-foot-long insulated cable for added convenience.
Looking for something smartphone-operated? The BlueDriver diagnostic tool is a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner that connects to your phone or tablet and provides real-time data viewing. It also features vehicle-specific repair reports to help you learn how to fix any issues that arise.
No matter what OBD2 scanner you choose, all of these devices have one thing in common – they have the ability to save you time and money by providing crucial information about your vehicle’s issues, ultimately helping you to make informed decisions as a car owner. So, the next time your “check engine” light appears, you can turn to an OBD2 scanner and take matters into your own hands.