For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding your vehicle’s health is becoming increasingly important. Modern cars are complex machines run by numerous computers, and accessing this information requires the right tools. While a basic and cheap Bluetooth ELM 327 dongle paired with a phone app might seem appealing, it often falls short, especially if you’re looking for more in-depth diagnostics than just standard OBDII codes. These simple setups are generally not capable of reading non-OBDII systems, meaning crucial data like oil level – which isn’t part of the standard OBDII data – remains inaccessible. You might get a warning code if the oil level sensor malfunctions, but not the actual oil level reading itself.
To truly tap into your car’s diagnostic potential and go beyond basic OBDII functions, you need to invest in a more capable OBD car scanner. Think of tools that can communicate with the non-OBDII systems within your vehicle, similar to professional systems like VIDA/DiCE. These advanced scanners unlock a wider range of diagnostic and maintenance capabilities.
At the entry-level for more comprehensive scanning, consider options like the Autel DiagLink. Generally priced around $90-$100, the DiagLink offers a significant step up from basic OBDII readers. However, it’s important to note its limitation: it typically works with only one car brand. You get to choose a single brand for the initial software, which you download and install onto the device from Autel. This software enables access to advanced, non-OBDII functions for that specific brand. If you own multiple car brands or decide to work on a different make in the future, you’ll need to purchase additional brand-specific software from Autel, usually at an extra cost of around $10 per brand. Despite this brand limitation, the DiagLink is a cost-effective solution if you primarily work with a single car brand. It offers functionalities often unavailable in similarly priced generic scanners, such as resetting oil change lights or retracting electronic parking brakes for service – features that are incredibly useful for DIY maintenance.
If your needs extend to working with multiple car brands and accessing non-OBDII data across them, a tool like the Autel MD806 is a strong contender for the best OBD car scanner in terms of value and versatility. While costing around $200, the MD806 offers multi-brand compatibility without the need for separate software downloads for each brand. Many believe it utilizes similar internal hardware to the DiagLink but runs on software that supports a wider range of manufacturers right out of the box. Furthermore, it often includes free software updates for the tool’s “lifetime,” although “lifetime” in this context usually refers to the expected support period for the device, meaning updates might not be available indefinitely, especially for very old units. Nevertheless, the Autel MD806 stands out as an excellent value proposition. It provides a comprehensive set of features suitable for most home mechanics and car enthusiasts, offering advanced diagnostics without breaking the bank, especially if you anticipate using it frequently across different vehicles. For those seeking a balance of capability and affordability, the Autel MD806 is often considered one of the best OBD car scanner options available.
