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What is the best automotive scan tool for mechanics or the home mechanic in 2020 and which one should you buy?
An automotive scan tool is an important tool to to add to your arsenal. Picking the best automotive diagnostics tool is important. We tested a lot of scanners and rated them below.
Product | Pros |
---|---|
OUR #3 RATED Innova 3160g Bluetooth Automotive Diagnostic / Scanning Tool | |
OUR #4 RATED Launch X431 PRO Automotive Diagnostic Tool – Medium Value | |
OUR #5 RATED Actron CP9690 Diagnostic Scanner |
Table of Contents
One of the successful brands in the industry of car scanners is Autel. The company has produced one of the best automobile scanners in the market, the Autel Maxisys Pro MS908. This tool is a definite fit for any mechanic, professional or home. Although the main function is to read codes, and provide diagnosis. The Maxisys pro goes beyond it, performing ahead of your expectation. Thus, this tool equipment is dubbed as the best value scanner available, today.
Check out its features:
Remember, when I said that this scanner is more than just code reading. What I mean of being more than that, is it offers more function, than the conventional car scanner. The Autel Maxisys is also known to perform thorough diagnoses for the car. It is also capable of carrying out graphic live data that other tools can’t even fathom. You can also use the tool to perform actuation test and ECU information. And you can view the displayed data in the forms of analog, text, and even graph.
As one of the best tool in the market, it has to contain some advanced features. One upgraded feature is the autofocus camera. This diagnostic scanner contains a 5-megapixel camera to supplement the interface of the tool. You can use the camera to take photos of the codes being displayed. Which you can show to professionals or even other people to get some feedbacks about the state the car is in.
For professional users, one factor, which they are looking it is the general runtime of the tool. Let’s face it, some scanners may contains some of the techiest features but they fall when it comes to the battery life. This is where the Autel Maxisys is different. You can use this equipment at a steady power, without any disruptions on its operations. The batter of this tool is rechargeable, and runs for about 8 hours, or even more.
We are talking about the best value product in the market. So, it does not contain any louse features that can cause its downfall. If you want something that is may exceed you expectation, when it comes to the speed, then you should go with this one, the Maxisys. Known for speed, it contains a cortex-A9 quad-core processor. Due to this impressive component, it is able to perform with utmost speed and efficiency. With the quality processor embedded in the tool, you can perform multiple functions easily without any lag or delays.
One of the highlights of technology nowadays are the connectivity capabilities. Tool with wires or cord are definitely a thing of the past. The new trend nowadays are wireless technology. Being wireless, it does not need to burden itself with tangling wires. Instead, the Autel Maxisys contains both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that makes it more convenient to use. If it is connected to the vehicle, then you or the technician can freely move, without interrupting the connection.
Not all scanners or tools have the capability of software updates. For this, they remain at the lowest state possible, not being able to undergo development. The Autel Maxisys begs to differ. To completely go with the trend or development of cars, the Maxisys, also undergo its own updates. Through this, the scanner is compatible even, with the latest of automobiles.
The cream of the crop when it comes to the features. The coding capacity is a cut above the rest. It can definitely perform safe and reliable coding for your vehicles. There is nothing more to explain when it comes to the coding, as it can truly outperform other conventional scanners in the market.
Now that you have known some of the features of the Autel Maxisys, how about some more great things about it? Here are the pros of the Autel Maxisys Pro MS90P.
This is the first on the list due to a reason. Designed by Autel to perform with astoundingly, and without flaws in its operation. With its impressive qualities and feature, this is an investment worthy of buying, of course if you have the financial capability. We will leave it to you to decide if this is the best in the world.
Setting on the second spot is the BlueDriver Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner. This scanner is also one of a kind, due to the unique features it have. It can perform with exceptionality and reliability. One of the notable features it have is the easy installations and on-the-go competence. There have been cases that Bluetooth scanners have been a dud when it comes to performance, but this brand is different. To know more about this product, here are its prominent features.
There aren’t a lot of scanners capable of giving report regarding the state of the system. Well, some may give playback competence but not a complete report. The BlueDriver, however, provides a well-defined report on how to address the issue of your car at hand.
This scanner is gadget friendly, and is designed to be compatible with IOS and Android devices. So, if you have devices that is IOS and Android in nature, then the BlueDriver can efficiently work without displaying any problems.
Unique to the BlueDriver, it has a feature which supplements each other. The control interface of the tool is through the BlueDriver application, to go well with it is the sensor. Both works to provide quality and reliable quality readings.
You will have no issues looking at the data, scanned by the tool. The BlueDriver shows a live data that can be seen in different forms. It can be viewed in graph, digital, gauge readout. Through this, you can see the data, or information conveniently.
Same with the first product, the BlueDriver is also competent when it comes to coding. It has the ability to read and clear the permanent, or pending codes in your car. It can also enhance the codes of various aspects of your cars such as airbags, transmission and many more.
Aside from the features, which definitely shows the positive side of the BlueDriver. Here are some more excellent things to marvel BlueDriver. Here are some of the pros of the equipment.
The BlueDriver is not at all close to perfection. It contains some flaws which limits it competence against other scanner in the market.
The BlueDriver is one of the leading scanner in the market. It can outperform the conventional scanners. It has unique and advanced features, and qualities. But the competence of the BlueDriver is limited, as it has several cons or limitations.
If you’re looking for a diagnostic tool that is not too complicated, then this might just be the one. The Innova 3160g is designed especially for home technicians, due to its easy-to-use features, but don’t let it fool you though. It’s in the list for a reason, and that is due to its impressive features. Basically, you can use this to any types of vehicles such as cars, trucks, hybrid vehicles, and even SUVs. Now, don’t be a stranger to this creation, and discover the different features it holds.
When it comes to the usability of the tool or device the Innova 360g can work either, as stand-alone diagnostics tool, or via the application model. You can easily connect the tool to your mobile devices, through Bluetooth. Or if you don’t want any hassle, you can just use the tool as it is.
Since the tool is Bluetooth enabled, you can use your phone as interface, and set commands for the tool. But if you find getting your phone connected to the tool too much work, then you can directly use the tool. It has great impressive display screen, supplemented by several buttons. Therefore, controlling or setting commands are just made to be easy.
There are cases where the tool isn’t not compatible to automobiles. Thus, this limitations are the reason why other brands are being successful. Perhaps, the Innova 360g is one of the popular diagnostic scanners in the market, due to its compatibility proficiency. Any vehicles made or produced after the year of 1996, will be catered by the scanner, whatever the brand is.
Multifunctional scanners are the trend nowadays. Luckily, the men behind the Innova 360g learned to adapt and inserted some more coding functions, to add up in its repertoire. Added in its coding competence are ABS coding, oil codes and airbag coding.
One indication of a good running scanner is the capability to undergo updates. The ability for a software update paves way to great things. Due to the pending production of new cars of some companies, scanners should also step up. Their way of upgrading is not by creating a new tool, but opting to go with software updates. The Innova 360g is capable of software updates to perform its functions to a vast range of vehicles.
To the eyes of common people, the Innova 360g is one of the conventional scanner in the market, which is not. It may look conventional, but it has advanced features, which can outperform other product brands. To give you more ideas, here are the pros of the Innova 360g.
A system have flaws. Same with the system, the Innova 360g also have its shares faults in its components.
In conclusion, if you want something that is simple, yet contains some advanced features, then the Innova is the best answer. Suitable to home or do-it-yourself mechanics, the device has its own easy interface control, either by application, or the device itself. It also has a manual for you to know the in, and out of the device. Overall, the tool is a top if not the best performer when it comes to coding or diagnosing your car.
A diagnostic tool that looks exactly alike as smartphones. The Launch X431 is said to level the performance of the Autel, the device first in our list. The X431 pro is approximately is 8 inches in size, and truly resembles a smartphone with its sleek, and compact design. Consider this device as one of the top diagnostic, or scanning tool available in the market today. With 11 diagnostic functions, you surely will not regret purchasing it. Here are the features, and the functions of e Launch X431 PRO.
If you have any issues with the throttle position, then this baby can surely help you address that. If you want to settle the throttle at idle position, then it’s possible, as long as you are using the Launch X431 PRO.
Every vehicle tend to have the mandatory oil reset, the only problem is when? Some drivers, especially the new ones are confused with this. When do you reset the oil of your car? But, with the Launch X431 you will be notified when it’s time to reset the oil. The device reads the oil reset light, and gives you this notice. A great help particular for new drivers.
Air, as we know it, is always present in the atmosphere. Air is also a contributor on the disrupting the system of a vehicle. Once you open the hood, or the engine for component changing, air tend to enter. It will then do its work, and mess up the system, and the brakes in particular. The tool can also be used to bleed air from the ABS, thus releasing the problems that might mess up the system of your auto.
Whenever the car is being diagnosed, the data will be displayed on the monitor for you to see. The device will provide you the live feed of the results, or the full report on the overall health of the car.
Consider to be one of the highlight of the device, the X431 Pro can perform actuator testing. Through this evaluation, you will be able to identify the different liabilities under the hood, or the subsystems of your car. The device does this individually, it analyze, and evaluates the state of every component. The reports, or live data is instant, thus you will not need to wait for minutes.
Being in the level, the Launch X431 carries a lot of punch, and positive features. Let’s continue pouring on the great things about this device. Here are some of the pros, which you will experience once you use the Launch X431.
Nothing is perfect. Creations always have these liabilities, or flaws. In the case of Launch X431, the concept also applies to it. Here are the cons of the device, Launch X431 PRO diagnostic tool.
The Launch X431 PRO is an impressive device, definitely made to diagnose the state of cars. It is quite versatile as it works for both professional, and home technicians. The tool is not that hard to control and it comes with a manual with complete information. If you have the money, then you should opt for this one, as it has multiple functions in one scanning tool.
To be simple is great. The Actron is the perfect example of the phrase when it comes to the look. The Actron CP9690 looks like a century old phone with buttons. But don’t let the external look of this tool fool you. The small machine is very handy when it comes to checking cars if it has issues, or none at all. If you want to know more about this product, then here are some of its amazing features.
Let’s begin with one of the notable quality of this device, which is trilingual feature. One of the noticeable issues with scanners nowadays is the inability to use due to language barriers. The brains behind this device have truly taken into consideration other countries. The device can actually shift from three languages namely French, Spanish, and English. No more language barriers with this one, use the tongue you are comfortable in using.
Unlike other devices that performs intensive and specific coding only, the Actron offers a wide-ranging coding. The small equipment can work with both OBD 1 and OBD 2 automobiles. Not only that, it contains 26 million codes, so every inch of issue within the car will be read and solved.
Only a handful of devices can display live data, of course, the Actron belongs to the list. The Actron displays the report or the data for you to view and read. The data can also be stored for future uses as well. Or if you want a hard copy of the data, then it is also possible to have it printed with the Actron.
One of the features of scanners is it should be updatable. Fortunately, the Actron can be updated through the internet. If you have internet connection, then it is never a problem to update the device to update the tool of fix bugs. You can connect the device to a computer, and let the device do all the work.
It is very difficult to read data on the screen of some device because the LCD is colorless. Different from those conventional miniature machines, the Actron’s LCD is colored and well-lit. Therefore, you will not have issue reading the data from the screen and you will not have any eye strain as the screen is actually big.
The list of enhanced features of the Actron device is long, and it may take longer time. THE OBD 1 and OBD 2, each have their own enhanced features that is truly magnificent, and can be used to identify and address any issue found in the car.
Of course, the device also contains some cons or faults. But the Actron only contains a small number of flaws, and they are stated below.
The Actron CP9096 is may be simple looking but it packs great and impressive qualities. The room for improvement is always open, as the device is updatable. But, this tool is recommended for professionals due to the complexity of the tool. In general, the Actron CP9096 is an impressive tool for your car diagnostic needs.
If you are looking for something that fits your budget, then this might be the answer for you. The FOXWELL NT301 belongs to the list of budget-friendly devices available in the market. The pricing is not the only great thing about this. This also works for newbies or average type technicians looking for simple diagnostic functions. Here are the features of the device.
If you don’t want something complicated, and desires simple only, then the NT301 is suited for you. Easy and simple interface as the buttons are labeled. You will not find it hard to use the device with these buttons.
This device is also known for its versatility. It can be used to a wide spectrum of car brands and models. Although the design and construction is simple, it can keep up with its performance. Regardless of the car being local or foreign brand, the NT301 can greatly work with it. This simple yet wide range scanner may perform above or beyond expectation.
This scanner have room for improvements or developments. Why? The device is updatable. If you have a stable internet connection, then you can instantly update the device. The equipment actually comes with a lifetime software update to fix bugs, and improve its diagnostic performance. Also, you will never need to buy advanced scanners because all you need to do with this one, is to upgrade.
Don’t judge a book by its cover. It may look simple but it can put other devices to shame. With its various functions, it can perform a wide range of diagnose and coding hobs for your car. There are even some functions that the device will automatically perform from time to time.
The devices can be powered by connecting the cable to the interface of your car. The cable is long so you can operate while in the drive seat. This is a great bliss for mechanics just like you as you will not buy batteries anymore.
Here are the pros of the devices. Let’s skip the long introduction and check them out below.
Going simple is the thing of some technicians nowadays, nothing fancy as they might say. The FOXWELL NT301 may be the answer for them. With simple buttons to basic but wide function, this is truly made for the home technicians. It is also affordable, so your budget wouldn’t be stretched to a certain extent. But this device only performs to an extent only due to the cons. Overall, this is still one of the top performers on the list.
Finding the best diagnostic or scanning tool in the market is easier said than done. With a vast range of devices in the market with different brands, you will surely have a hard time finding the right one for you. Fortunately for you, this review article will be very much of help for you. Above are some of the best products available in the market, each having their own unique qualities and features which you will enjoy upon purchasing.
If you are having a hard time with choosing one, you can select with the collection above. Just read the features, and the pros and cons to help you decide buying the right one for you. Be guided and select the best among the rest.