For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding the health of your vehicle is paramount. Modern cars are complex machines, and when that check engine light illuminates, you need the right tools to diagnose the issue effectively. While a basic, budget-friendly Bluetooth OBDII dongle paired with a smartphone app might seem appealing, it often falls short when you need to delve deeper than basic emissions-related problems. These simple setups, often costing around $13, are primarily designed to read standardized OBDII system data. They are not equipped to access non-OBDII systems, meaning crucial information like oil level – which isn’t part of the standard OBDII data set – remains out of reach. Although OBDII can report sensor malfunctions related to oil level, it won’t provide the actual oil level reading itself. Even brands like VeePeak clearly state the limitations of their OBDII scanners to OBDII protocols only. Truly comprehensive car diagnostics, especially for accessing non-OBDII communication networks within your vehicle, demand a more sophisticated tool, similar to professional systems like VIDA/DiCE.
Stepping up from basic OBDII readers, the Autel DiagLink emerges as an entry-level option for more in-depth diagnostics, typically priced around $90-$100. A key consideration with the DiagLink is its brand-specific nature. It’s designed to work comprehensively with only one car brand. Upon purchase, you select a single brand for which you receive “free” specialized software, downloadable from Autel and installed on the DiagLink itself. This software unlocks advanced, non-OBDII diagnostic capabilities for your chosen brand. If you own vehicles from multiple manufacturers and wish to utilize the DiagLink’s advanced functions across them, you’ll need to purchase additional brand-specific software licenses from Autel. Despite this limitation, the DiagLink presents a compelling value proposition if you are primarily focused on a single vehicle brand and intend to maintain it for the foreseeable future. Its ability to perform tasks often unavailable in similarly priced generic scanners – such as resetting oil change lights or retracting electronic parking brakes for service – makes it a worthwhile investment for owners dedicated to a specific marque. The cost for additional brand software is relatively modest, around $10 per brand, making expansion possible without significant expense, but it’s a factor to consider upfront.
For car owners and DIY mechanics who work with a variety of vehicle brands, a multi-brand diagnostic scanner becomes essential. In this category, the Autel MD806 stands out as a strong contender, generally available for around $200. While internally it may share hardware similarities with the DiagLink, the MD806 distinguishes itself through its software. It offers comprehensive support for multiple vehicle brands without requiring separate software downloads for each. Furthermore, Autel provides “lifetime” software updates for the MD806. It’s important to interpret “lifetime” in the context of software support realistically; updates will likely continue for the product’s active support lifespan, but not indefinitely (e.g., fifteen years or more). Nevertheless, the Autel MD806 delivers exceptional value for its price. It encompasses the diagnostic capabilities needed by most home users and DIY enthusiasts without an exorbitant price tag, particularly if you anticipate frequent use across different vehicles. Its ability to access non-OBDII data across multiple brands and perform advanced functions positions the Autel MD806 as one of the best all-around car diagnostic scanners for 2017 and beyond, balancing functionality and affordability for a wide range of users.
