If you own a car, having the best OBD2 scanner is essential for diagnosing any problems with your vehicle's engine or other systems. This can save you a costly trip to the mechanic. An OBD2 scanner is a tool that can read and interpret the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) generated by your car's onboard computer.This helps you identify any issues with your car's systems, such as the engine, transmission, or emissions.  

 But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which scanner is the best for your needs. In this blog, we'll go over the most important factors to consider when choosing the best OBD2 scanner and recommend some of the best options available.

Factors to Consider

Here are some of the key factors you should consider when selecting an OBD2 scanner:

• Compatibility: Make sure that the scanner you choose is compatible with your car's make, model, and year. Some scanners only work with certain types of cars, so be sure to check that your vehicle is covered before you make a purchase. If you are unsure you can contact us we can let you know.

• The diagnostic capabilities of the scanner are also important. Most basic OBD2 scanners around $100 and under only provide basic diagnostic information, such as trouble codes from the engine management system, while others can provide detailed information about specific systems in your vehicle, such as the engine, transmission, or ABS. Look for a scanner that can provide the level of diagnostic information you need. 

• Price: Scan tools can range in price from under $50 to over $8000. Consider your budget when making your selection, and choose a scanner that offers good value for the money. If you only need a basic scanner that reads and clears engine codes then all of the basic scan tools are going to offer you the same functionality. So its just a case of looking at the different scan tools and choosing what one you like the look and price of.

• User-friendliness: Some scanners are more user-friendly than others. Some more advanced scanners have a touch screen, and some can work through an app on your mobile phone. Consider how easy the scanner is to use and understand, especially if you're not a professional mechanic. At Premium Diagnostic Equipment we offer our own in-house remote support. If you are having trouble with your scan tool or need help diagnosing a vehicle you can call up and speak with a qualified technician who can remotely log into your scan tool and assist (providing the scan tool has this option)

• Wireless Connectivity: Finally, consider whether you want a scanner with wireless connectivity. Some scanners can connect to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing you to view diagnostic information on your mobile device. Some have a hard wired cable connection and some communicate via a bluetooth dongle back to the scan tool. When comparing the same model of scan tool with a cable connection and a blueotooth connection, the bluetooth option is usually a bit more expensive.

Top Picks

Here are some of the best OBD2 scanners currently available on the market:

Basic OBD2 Scan Tools (read,clear and monitor engine data only)

ELM327 Wifi Scan Tool - A scan tool that works through an app on your phone. The tool connects to your phone via a wifi connection (you dont need wifi to work the tool). This scan tool offers all sorts of live data from the engine, read and clear engine DTCS and can be used with many free apps

Ancel AS100 Scan Tool  A hand held OBD2 scanner that is affordable and easy to use, making it a good option for DIY car owners. It can read and clear codes and provides live data from the engine control module and is compatible with any OBD2 compliant vehicle.

View all Basic OBD2 Scan Tools

Check if your vehicle is OBD2 compliant here

If you need a more than just engine data from your scan tool here are some of the best scan tools available

• Launch CR629 Scan Tool  - The Launch CR629 is still a basic tool but it covers the engine, ABS, SRS and SAS systems. So if your car is OBD2 and you have an airbag light on for example you will need a tool capable of talking to these systems. The CR629 is very user friendly and affordable 

• Topdon ArtiDiag800BT:  The Topdon AD800BT is a great option of your car is not OBD2 compliant. The AD800BT is a cost effective option that covers OBD1 and OBD2 protocols and will access all avalibable systems in the vehicle. It also has some service functions but please note these do not work on every car. 

• Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT Pro: This scanner has a large, easy-to-read touchscreen display and can perform full system diagnostics. It has some bi-directional capabilities such as injector programming and It's compatible with over 80 car brands and can read and clear codes from all avaliable systems, as well as provide live data. This scan tool has bluetooth communication. 

• Autel MK808 Scan Tool - Same functionalty as the MK808BT Pro listed above without the bluetooth connection. They are slightly cheaper than the MK808BT Pro 

Conclusion

Choosing the best OBD2 scanner depends on your specific needs from the tool and budget. Consider factors such as compatibility, features, price, and user-friendliness when making your selection. The scanners we've recommended here are some of the best options currently available on the market and are sure to provide you with reliable and accurate diagnostic information about your car's systems.

If you need advice or have a questions regarding compatibility please reach out to our team on 07 3180 6771