Navigating the world of OBD-II car scanners can be confusing, especially when subscriptions enter the picture. For those considering the Thinkdiag OBD-II scanner, a key question often arises: What exactly does the subscription cover, and is it worth the investment? Let’s break down the subscription model and explore the value Thinkdiag offers.
The fundamental OBD-II diagnostic functions of the Thinkdiag scanner are available perpetually, without any ongoing fees. This means you can always rely on it for essential tasks like reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes, checking emission readiness, and accessing live data streams – core functionalities every car owner and technician needs.
However, to unlock the full potential of Thinkdiag, including advanced features such as bidirectional controls, special functions, and manufacturer-specific diagnostics, a subscription is involved. Thinkdiag provides flexible subscription options tailored to different user needs:
- Manufacturer-Specific Subscription: For $39.99 annually per car manufacturer, you gain access to all diagnostic functions for vehicles of that brand. Notably, Tesla diagnostics are priced separately. Upon purchasing a Thinkdiag, users typically receive one free manufacturer subscription for a year.
- Single Service Function Subscription: Priced at $49.99 per year, this option unlocks a specific service function (e.g., ABS bleeding, TPMS relearn) across all supported vehicle manufacturers.
- Comprehensive Subscription: Thinkdiag frequently offers a yearly package deal, around $129, granting access to all functions across all manufacturers.
It’s important to understand that if your subscription lapses, access to the subscription-based advanced functions will be suspended until renewal. For instance, a Kia manufacturer subscription enables full diagnostics for any Kia vehicle during the subscription period, but not for other brands like Hyundai or Ford unless their respective subscriptions are also active.
Thinkdiag’s subscription model is designed to be advantageous for various users. DIY car enthusiasts can opt for subscriptions only for the car brands they own or frequently work on. Professional technicians, especially those specializing in specific services like tire work requiring TPMS resets, can subscribe only to the functions they need across all makes, avoiding unnecessary costs.
When comparing Thinkdiag to other bidirectional scan tools, such as Launch scanners, the annual subscription fee of Thinkdiag is often seen as a cost-effective solution. The subscription ensures users receive continuous updates, including coverage for new car models and expanded diagnostic capabilities, making it a valuable tool for both occasional users and seasoned professionals in the automotive repair field.
