5 Things an OBD Scan Tool Can Do

If you’re driving a car that was made after the mid-1990s, then you have the opportunity to help yourself in keeping it on the road. 

Cars that were made during and after this point have an onboard electronic and computer system that tells mechanics that there’s an error and where that error may be coming from. 

In fact, with the use of OBD options, you could do a lot more than just fix your vehicle, you can even tune it to run to your liking. 

To do this, you’ll need to get what professionals use to scan, fix, and update vehicles. 

There are handheld options and options that you will need to download, each can help out in different ways. This option is often known as an OBD scan tool. 

There are five things that this solution can do, especially if you have a modern vehicle.

Check Your Engine Problems

The first thing that you’ll find to be true about these scanners is that they can give you error codes about what is going on with your engine. 

Your engine problems may immediately start with a simple error message on your dashboard. If you see the “check engine” light turn on, you have a problem on your hands.

In some cases, the issue is not that big of a deal. Sometimes, you can easily open the hood and then just make a quick adjustment, and that’s it. 

However, you will not know this unless you are an experienced mechanic, or you have a scanner. 

Even mechanics that have been working with cars for years, will utilize a diagnostic scan tool to check the engine for issues. 

Once you know what the problem is, you can apply a fix, or perhaps hire someone to help you gain the upper hand with the issue.

Warn Against Cold Temperatures

Millions of people live in locations that get very cold. If you live somewhere that has seasonal cold spells, and even freezing options, you’ll need to consider what to do when the mercury drops fast. 

Your car may feel the cold, and when you turn it on, may sputter. It could also cause engine issues, wheel issues, brake issues, and much more. 

Your car is going to light up with signals that something is wrong, or perhaps will drive very slowly or oddly. 

With the help of a good OBD scan tool, you’ll be able to figure out what is going on and see whether or not you need to change things up, or apply simple fixes. 

Something as simple as a gas cap moving, or your tire pressure shifting could send your vehicle’s systems haywire. 

Knowing what the issue is can be tough at first glance, but if you just look at the scan tool’s information, you’ll know what is wrong.

Why Your Car Has Died (Emergencies)

Everyone that owns a car will at one point or another have to deal with a break down.

If your car dies, if you can’t turn it on, and yet you have gasoline, you need to figure out what to do fast. Many people call roadside assistance, but when they arrive, they pull out OBD scan tools. 

They can determine the issue and apply a simple fix, or they could recommend towing and a garage. 

Getting peace of mind when your car has died is a difficult thing to do at first glance. However, you can find out what is going on with a scan tool. 

The scanner will give you an idea as to how deep the issue is, and whether or not you can fix things on your own. 

Or you could get information so that you can call roadside assistance with an exact problem, and they can bring you a tool or upgrade.

Avoid Costly Repairs

Wouldn’t you like to know if something was going wrong with your car today?

Rather than waiting for months and months, only to get something go wrong and have to pay thousands of dollars for the fix? Think about that for a moment. 

If you knew today that your steering system was damaged, or needed fluid, wouldn’t you add it?

If you didn’t know, or didn’t work on simple fixes, you could be driving on the road until something big goes wrong. 

Once that small issue gets bigger, you may have to pay thousands of dollars for the fix. A professional will charge you for the parts, labor, and even diagnostics at times. 

You may save yourself thousands, if you find an issue today, and apply a simple fix, than to overhaul everything because you didn’t act swiftly. 

A scanner will help you save money, and it’s because you can catch problems far in advance of them getting worse and worse.

Up To Date Recall Information and More

Those that invest in a good scanner that can be updated, will find that they can get information that others don’t get. 

For instance, if there’s a recall mentioned by the manufacturer, you may be able to catch it and fix it, or perhaps get to the dealer fast. 

You’ll find that many software updates that go into OBD options are full of information, data, and more. 

By having up to date recall information, you could very well save yourself from harm, and your passengers as well.

The overall cost of a good scanner can be as little as $20 and as much as several thousands of dollars, depending on what you want it to do. 

The professional grade solutions will cost you a great deal, but they will also have the most up to date information, and will be easy to work with even if your car is a little older. 

Take time to investigate tools, compatibility, and software updates. If you do this, you’ll be able to see how the above five things come through with relative ease. 

It’s one of the best options to consider, especially if you want to save money on car repairs. 

Test these out and you will be able to figure out what is going wrong with your car.
  

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