Choosing a Diagnostic Scanner- Four Key Factors You Should Consider
A diagnostic scanner is a must-have tool for any car owner. This is particularly true in a country like Australia, where virtually every household has a car and uses it to commute to work. A scanning tool can help you diagnose the problems in your car all by yourself, without having to take it to the nearest workshop every time.
The use of the diagnostic scanner has been on the rise, as most cars these days have computerized components and can be scanned for problems in no time. If you are mechanically inclined, you can even fix some of the problems yourself without consulting a mechanic, thus saving time and money. On the whole, the scanner is without a doubt a highly useful tool for any automobile owner.
Owing to their demand, there has been a proliferation of scanning tools on the market today. So, choosing a tool for yourself can be a tad difficult, especially if you are not sure what to look for in the first place. So, we have compiled a list of four important factors you need to consider while choosing a diagnostic scanner.
Is the scanner compatible with your car or truck? While OBD2 tools are compatible with virtually all the vehicles manufactured in the past decade or so, it is still a good idea to check if the tool you buy is compatible with the car you own. For Australians, any car manufactured or imported from 2006 onwards is compatible with OBD2 tools. If your car is older, you definitely need to check the compatibility of the scanning tool.
From a simple code reader to an advanced scanning tool, you have a number of options to choose from. Code reader can only read and display the error codes and are the most basic of options available. You can refer to the manual or go online to find out what the codes stand for.
High-end scanners, on the other hand, can do so much more. Given here is a brief list of functions that advanced scanning tools can perform.
• They can display the error codes and also give you the definitions of the same, so that you do not have to refer to a manual. Such tools usually have a database containing the definitions of the most common as well as the rarest of error codes.
• They can clear the error codes once the problem is fixed. This is important because if the error codes are not cleared, the warning light might come on the next time you start the car even after the problem is fixed.
• They can display real time information like engine RPM, coolant temperature, fuel system status, air flow rate, vehicle speed, short term and long term fuel trim, throttle position, intake air temperature, and many, many more.
• They have second screen capabilities and allow you to view the data on your smartphone or laptop conveniently. They are compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows operating systems.
• They also allow you to print out a diagnostic report at the click of a button.
This goes hand in hand with functionality. A code reader is very cheap and is the perfect choice for those who are on a small budget. A high-end scanner can be expensive, especially if you are looking for a highly functional tool with a full suite of features. It should be noted, however, that a high quality scanning tool can last you a lifetime if maintained properly. So, many car owners think of it as a worthy investment.
If you are looking to invest in a high-end diagnostic scanner, make sure it can be upgraded regularly. Regular upgrades are necessary to make sure your scanner is compatible with the newest of cars that you can find on the market today. Most scanner manufacturers also charge you for upgrades, so inquire beforehand as to how much each upgrade is likely to cost.
There you have it. Now, you should have a fairly good idea as to what to look for while buying a diagnostic scanner. Remember – due diligence is just as necessary while buying a scanner as it is while buying any other product or service. So, make sure you do your own homework, compare and contrast the different types of scanners available, and choose a tool that suits your needs perfectly.