How to choose a car scanner for diagnosis: tips and feedback

Each modern car is equipped with an electronic control unit, whose function is to monitor the status of each node in the car in real time. This block also carries out other important functions. Thanks to the ECU, it is possible to obtain in a timely manner important information about deviations of a node from normal parameters.

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

Types of Vehicle Error Scanners

The best option is the use of special devices that are recommended by the car manufacturer. This solution also provides for the use of appropriate software.

But the problem is that such systems are quite expensive, moreover, they can rarely be found on a free sale. Such an automobile scanner for diagnostics is bought only by authorized dealer centers or certified by the SRT. Ordinary motorists acquire devices simpler, which can have different functions and work on different principles.

Complex for diagnostics

For professional repair and maintenance special complexes are suitable. This device is a computer with a small display. This device already has all the necessary software for working and carrying out the whole complex of diagnostics. The specialist can read errors, determine vital indicators and performance parameters, adjust characteristics. Often, such a car scanner has several types of cables that are compatible with a wide variety of car manufacturers.

Advantages and disadvantages of professional solutions

Such complexes have a lot of advantages. It's freedom from computers in the workplace. Another advantage - a simple and intuitive interface, which can not be said about similar programs for PC. Also, the software already has everything that can be needed for full-fledged diagnostics. One more plus - for the software it is not necessary to pay.

Professional car scanner has a durable and reliable casing, which 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 there are one huge drawback - a very high price, which is often too expensive for an ordinary car owner. Buy these devices should only when it is planned to use it for its intended purpose - for the business of repair.

Simple and inexpensive adapters

If the task is to conduct regular diagnostics of the car, then a complicated device is not at all necessary. The best option is a simple adapter, which can easily be connected to the diagnostic socket in the car. The device will broadcast data to a PC where the software will recognize the information.

But to choose and buy such an adapter to make an automobile scanner for diagnostics, it is necessary with caution. Sometimes they do not fit in some models. In addition, the domestic market is flooded with fakes, in which most of the necessary functions are missing. All that can be done with forgery is to read the error codes, reset them, and get the most basic information about the car.

OBD2 car scanner with adapter and PC: advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages can be identified affordable price, small size, the ability to work with the most convenient software. Among the shortcomings (and there are not many of them) is the need to purchase special software. Often, applications are inexpensive. But you will not have to pay for the whole complex, but for the time of use.

Wireless device

A special kind is a wireless car scanner. These devices are incredibly convenient to use, and their price is only slightly higher than for wired devices. The device can work either by Bluetooth, or by wi-fi. It depends on the personal preferences of the motorist. Popular bluetooth devices. They are used by both ordinary car owners and professional repair specialists.

Rating of diagnostic devices for a car

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

Popular device

Among car owners, the simplest and most affordable car scanner Elm327 was especially popular. The device works with the ECU of all domestic vehicles. This list also includes commercial vehicles from GAZ and even new models from AvtoVAZ. The support of UAZ "Patriot" off-roaders 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, get a suitable adapter. The price of this product is from 500 to 1000 rubles. The cost depends on the design features and the presence of a set of adapters.

Design Features Elm327

USB-devices were the first to appear on the market. They are based on a simple COM-USB converter. The main disadvantage - the ability to work only with a set of programs for the PC. Only a small part of the programs for the mobile Android system supports such an automobile scanner. In addition, the 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 in compact and large enclosures with the ability to work with both smartphones and tablets, and PCs, navigators and even tape recorders. These devices are incredibly simple. It should be noted such wireless solutions with the on / off button. In most cases, the power supply to the diagnostic socket is constantly supplied - the device can slowly set the battery. The only drawback is the impossibility of the work of such scanners with the technique of Apple.

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

Included - a disk with drivers for the PC. However, any programs for diagnosis are not available. Search and install on your computer or smartphone will have to do it yourself. The most functional programs today are ScanMaster for PC and Torque Pro for smartphones.

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

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

Launch X-431

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

The car scanner Launch X-431 is able to read and clear the error codes, displays the current parameters and characteristics of the car, checks all actuators, encodes the control unit. Also with it, you can reset the service intervals and print the results.

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

Budget solution for professionals

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

The set includes a set of cables and a large number of connectors. This is a universal car scanner, which can work with a mass of models and brands of cars. The device is compatible with more than 80 connectors, including OBD I.

For the device there is no need for an external power source, and the error database is simply huge. With this device, the owner will not need to look for information anywhere. The device is compatible with CAN-buses in the most modern cars. The price of the decision is 10-15 thousand rubles, depending on the equipment.

Best car scanner

Most of what is presented today in the market, is not suitable for professional diagnosis, which is unacceptable for SRT. In addition, for non-standard connectors it will be necessary to invent a "bicycle". Professionals prefer Launch X431. This is the best device for solving any problems associated with the repair and diagnosis of any car.