Should I purchase a OBD-II Scanner?

When it comes to automotive repair, many people just go to a garage. There’s nothing wrong with getting professional help with this, but what if you could save money? What if you could fix things yourself?

That’s the notion that many are looking into, especially those that are aware that there is a software and diagnostic device that can help with moving forward. That option is known as an on board diagnostics scanner. You can find these by searching for OBD-II scanner, and see what’s available.

If you searched for one of these in any search engine, you’ll find thousands of options come through. Which is the best for you, however? Or rather, should you even buy one?

There are a lot of reasons that make up the definitive, authoritative answer to the question, and it starts with answering a few questions beforehand.

How Old Is Your Vehicle?

The very first thing that you need to consider is the age of your car. How old is your car? Seriously, what make and model do you have, and what year was it made? The reason why this matters so much is simple, some cars cannot be tied to this type of scanner.

The reason why it doesn’t go with every vehicle is because only cars that were made in 1996 and afterwards are compatible with these types of scanners.

Unfortunately, if you have a car that was made before this time frame, and before the EPA mandate, your car may not have the right elements to scan. If you have a car that’s older than 1996, you will not benefit from purchasing this type of scanner, simple as that.

The answer would be, “no”, in regard to whether or not you should buy this.

Do You Want To Fix Your Own Car

Now, there is obviously a curve in regard to car maintenance. There are some things that you can do outright, and some things that require experienced mechanics to work with.

If you want to fix your own car, however, you will find that buying an OBD-II scanner is a good plan. This is a device that will scan your car, and relay data as to whether or not something is wrong.

If you want to fix your own vehicle, this is going to be mandatory, especially if you want to save money in the long term.

Because you’ll be able to scan things outright, you will be able to denote what area needs fixing, and what specific problem is going to need to be addressed.

Something as simple as a spark plug replacement may be needed, and you can’t really know that if you aren’t getting the data that comes from one of these scanners overall.

If you want to go DIY with car maintenance, then yes, it’s worth purchasing.

The Golden Standard Mechanics Are Using Today

Take your modern vehicle to a garage and have a mechanic look at it. You’ll notice that they will use a scanner to lookat the diagnostics of your car.

Even if you were to bring it in and tell someone that you hear something rattling, or you’re driving seems out of whack, the mechanic you choose to go with will hook up an OBD tool to scan the interface that runs your car.

Once they hook things up, within seconds, they’ll know exactly what is wrong, and how to fix it. The modern vehicles that were put together after 1996 have an interface that is easier to work with, but still requires professional assistance at times.

The golden standard today is that of the OBD-II protocol. Scanners that use this will be able to give you a great deal of information. By simply investing in this option, you’ll have the same type of device that professionals utilize, and that’s a good thing.

Proprietary Manufacturer Devices

Your vehicle has authorized repair people. There are some mechanics that only fix certain makes and models, and are certified to service specific manufacturer’s vehicles.

With that in mind, you’ll find that they will have specific devices that only work with proprietary codes. Those devices are available to the general public, but they cost a great deal of money.

You’ll need to spend a little more to get your hands on these, but they will help you fix specific problems that are common with your car.

It’s going to be something that you will no doubt want to explore, especially if you want to have the same thing that your local dealership is going to use to diagnose and fix your car.

Saving Money By Making Small Fixes

Moving forward, if you’re not sure whether or not you should be purchasing a scanner, you’ll need to consider the costs associated with vehicle repair. A simple repair could run you several hundreds of dollars.

Changing out spark plugs, wires, and things along those lines could cripple your budget. Finding yourself paying for these can be tough, and saving money to get the money together to fix these issues is not advantageous.

If you do not address certain issues quickly, you will find yourself paying thousands as they could cause larger problems overall. In order to save money, you’ll need to make small fixes today.

Saving money with a good OBD-II scanner will be simple, because you’ll know issues before they become bigger, and you can apply a fix long before it becomes too problematic.

Overall, if you’re looking for the definitive, authoritative answer about whether you should purchase a good OBD-II scanner, the answer is, yes. You should have one of these if you have a car that was made in 1996 or later.

By simply having this in hand, you’ll be able to get information about what your car is doing, and whether it needs to be fixed. Sometimes, just having a little information is going to go a long way.

Saving money is easy, when you know what is going on with your car, instead of just guessing whether it’s ok or not.

How To Diagnose and Hack Your Car Using RossTech VAG-COM tool?

Cars that have been manufactured in recent years have electronic interfaces that can be accessed with special software. 

In the past, only mechanics could access these, and the manufacturers of vehicles kept it quiet. Now, anyone can purchase adapters and scanners that pull information out of vehicles. 

There are a lot of options that you can consider in regard to work within on board diagnostic tools, but if you have a specific vehicle type, you may not be able to get a generic solution. 

You may need to use something like VAG-COM to work on specific vehicles.

Understanding OBD Options

First and foremost, you’ll need to understand what an OBD system is. This stands for on board diagnostics. There are a lot of solutions that you can find by simply searching for OBD-II online. 

You’ll find that there are solutions that are handheld, some that are attached to computer systems, smartphones, and tablets. 

Whichever you decide to use, many generic options exist that can tap into the car type you have. However, they are not completely universal. 

Unfortunately, you’ll find that generic options only go with consoles with systems that have ECU and are generic in nature. In fact, you’re going to be able to get all the information you want with generalized, cloned, or DIY OBD solutions. 

You’ll need to buy brand specific or manufacturer specific solutions.

Introducing VAG-COM

If you have never heard of the VAG-COM diagnostic system, or the VCDS, then you will find this to be quite fascinating.

In 2000, Ross Tech LLC built a software that worked with specific vehicles for the purpose of OBD scanning. 

They focused on working with the diagnostics and adjustments of Volkswagen Group cars. That included Audi, SEAT, SKODA, and the traditional Volkswagen offerings that were sold. 

Before Ross Tech LLC built this software for specific use with Microsoft systems, only dealers were allowed to have such tools.

In fact, dealers never sold the items to consumers, and therefore you could not fix, or diagnose any problems without visiting an authorized dealership and automotive shop. 

However, after 2,000 the software was released, and updates have been going strong for some time, including an update that went out on March 20, 2019

The stable release is the 19^th version of the software, and it comes in a variety of languages, and options.

What Makes VAG-COM Different

Unlike other on board diagnostic scanners and tools, you’ll find that this is specific to the cars of the Volkswagengroup. By only working with one type of vehicle’s electronic unit, you’ll be able to get more information than generic or cloned options. 

Generic solutions give you an overall code that is the same across several cars. That’s not the case with this solution. This solution goes in depth to diagnose everything about the vehicle that you plug into. 

You’ll find that you can replace timing, control fuel injection, even work with door locks, and more. You can diagnose problems associated with the electronics, the car tuning, and just about anything that is attributed to the car that you have.

This is not the same thing that generic OBD solutions can offer, which is why many are looking at this option.

Working With Generic Protocols

With the latest updates, you’ll find that the VCDS option now works with vehicles that are usually only meant for generic OBD-II protocols. 

While they are limited in reach, you can still save money by knowing the general issues that your car may have. 

Generic protocols may have vague codes, but they will help with identifying certain classes of problems. For instance, if you hear a misfire from your engine, or it sputters. You may get a code that tells you something is wrong with the ignition, or spark plugs. 

Replacing these can be an easy fix. Another issue may be with the battery, and therefore, you can change that up as well. 

Getting notice about where or how the car you’re driving is not doing so hot, can help you avoid having to go to a garage and get a helping hand from a professional. 

There’s nothing wrong with going to a pro, but if you want to save money, why not fix things yourself? 

VAG-COM works with any vehicle that has an input for scanners and tools of this type, but of course, it works best with specific makes and models.

Should You Invest In VCDS

You may be wondering whether or not this is a good option for your vehicle. You have to consider whether or not you have a Volkswagen that has been made after 1996. If you do, then yes, purchase this solution to get a lot of information about your vehicle, and even hack it. 

When you hook this up to your ECU, you’ll find that you can control everything, fine tune the processes, and figure out what is wrong. You’ll know it all, and you will be able to change the stock elements of your car to run the way you want it to run. 

Whether it’s for racing, or just fuel efficiency, you control the way the car runs by simply using this system and changing things up. 

Even if you were to add a secondary part, you can calibrate it with this option so that you don’t have adverse effects. If you have a Volkswagen, you owe it to yourself to pick up one of these tools.

What If You Don’t Have a Volkswagen?

For those that don’t have a Volkswagen, car tuning will not be possible with this. You’ll need to get an option that is more specific to your make or model. 

VCDS from Ross Tech LLC is NOT made to help with adjustments to the ECU or in-depth diagnostics systems. 

That’s what makes this different than others. Don’t go this route. If you do not have a specific make or model, then you will have limited use of this option, even though it may help you find out a few things about your car. 

It’s limited, so it’s essentially only meant for certain cars, and that’s it.

How OBD2 Software Can Help You Save Money on Car Repairs

How OBD2 Software Can Help You Save Money on Car Repairs

In 1996 a mandate from the EPA changed how cars are manufactured. They would get a complete upgrade, and one that is now something standard.

This update was a significant change behind what your car can do, as it allowed for a computer element. The computer system in cars today controls everything, and it helps mechanics out a great deal. As a consumer, you can get  your hands on a scanner that will read the computer’s data, and with the right software, can relay information about what is going wrong with your vehicle. 

This is known as OBD2software. This is connected to a receiver, and you can attach it to special areas of your vehicle, and get information, sometimes in real time.

There are several benefits that come with using this option, especially if you plan on working on your vehicle yourself. If you do not want to pay a hefty sum for repairs of your vehicle, you’ll find that you can easily move forward with scanning, and applying a fix that is based on the codes that you see from your on board diagnostic scanner. 

With the right software and scanner, you could save a lot of money. In fact, there are several reasons why you can save money on car repairs when you have this installed and ready to scan things via your vehicle.

Use The Same Tools Mechanics Do

The first thing that you’re going to find is that you can use the exact same diagnostic tools that professional mechanics utilize today. Mechanics around the world are using scanners and software to give them codes back about what is wrong with the vehicle that needs fixing. 

Aside from the traditional trial and error, and checking different points of wear and tear, they can get information through software that will tell them exactly what’s wrong and what to change out. The diagnostic element makes for easier repairs, and faster repairs for that matter. 

Every car after 1996 has an element that can be scanned, and mechanics utilize this software daily. You can use it too. When you use this, you could find out what’s wrong with your car, and then apply a simplified fix. Something as simple as a need to change spark plugs can cost you hundreds of dollars.

Comprehensive Options (High End Software)

Moving forward, you’re going to find that higher end OBD2 software options can come with comprehensive codes and information. Modern vehicles can give you information about a ton of different codes and issues that your car may have. 

Everything from a drive train issue to brake issues or exhaust problems can be searched for and detailed with codes. 

You’ll find that the higher end your solution is, the more information you can pull about your car. For those that want to work with car tuning, this can help with updating the components, and changing the way the vehicle drives. 

Whether you want to race it, or you want to ensure that you are able to control more aspects of how your vehicle uses fuel, and more, you can tune it to your specifications with a proper scanning software.

Avoid Bigger Issues By Solving Them Now

Before your check engine light turns on, you may hear a noise. You may find that there’s a backfire, or your vehicle has a slight issue that you aren’t too worried about. It may only sound in certain cases, or you may only notice it every now and again. 

Whatever the case may be, you’ll find that small issues today, can turn into a large one later on. 

A simple fix today, could very well change the course of your vehicle’s future. Something as simple as changing the spark plugs could help you avoid bigger engine failures.

If you had to replace an engine, you’d be spending thousands of dollars. However, if you were to fix the spark plug issue long beforehand, you may not ever have to spend the thousands of dollars. 

With the right software, you can prevent bigger problems, by fixing the simple issues that you’re facing off against today. It’s simple, you can save money by applying fixes that otherwise could cause a lot of problems for your vehicle.

Pass Inspection Easily

Every state has different rules about the vehicles that get registered. You will find that an inspection may be needed to get registration done. 

With a good OBD2 software, you could see if you are having exhaust issues or if you need to fix something before you go in to get an inspection. 

By fixing exhaust problems, you’ll be able to fix something early, and easily. Save money on having to overhaul your exhaust system by simply fixing small elements on your automobile. 

Instead of going into a garage and waiting for a thousand-dollar estimate, you’ll be able to get to work on the issue yourself, and perhaps even get a small part to change out or fix with ease.

Help Mechanics Figure Out Issues

In some instances, consumers can purchase software and tools that some mechanics may not use. If you know something is wrong with your car, and you take it to your local mechanic and they have issues, you can figure it out ahead of time.

Imagine figuring out that you have a gasket issue, but your local mechanic cannot find the problem manually. You could point them in the right direction, and possibly save money on the repair bill. 

Some mechanics have different tools or software, which means that you can assist and save money if you know the issue ahead of time. This may be rare, but it happens.

At the end of the day, knowledge is power. It can help you save money when it comes to knowing what is wrong with your car, and getting it fixed ahead of time. 

By simply working with a good software system, you’ll be able to do a lot more to fix your auto than if you were just to get a mechanic to look at it and hope they can change things up.

How to Buy Proper OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner

One of the best investments that car enthusiasts should buy today is none other than a OBD2 bluetooth tool. This is a solution that can scan and diagnose problems that a vehicle has.

It’s something that most people don’t think about, but very well could be the answer to many common problems that your vehicle may have today. 

There are several things to be aware of when you’re looking to purchase a scanning tool, especially if you have never used one before. With that in mind, consider looking for a modern OBD2 Bluetooth solution. 

This can help you not only diagnose issues fast, it can do so without having to attach a laptop, computer, or other mechanism to get your codes and results. 

If you’re in the market for a scanner of this type, consider a few things to do and not to do, while you’re at it.

Understand What An OBD2 Scanner Does

Before you spend a dime on anything, make sure that you know what you’re getting yourself into. Many people assume that scanners are going to do all the work for them, and that’s not true at all. 

In fact, you’re going to find that you can easily miss out on a lot of information if you think that your scanner is going to fix issues. Instead, you should know what it does outright.

When attached to your vehicle, you’ll be given codes as to whether there is something wrong. Diagnostic tools work with vehicles that were made after 1996, thanks to an EPA mandate. 

That mandate allows for easier scanning of the electronic mechanisms in a vehicle. When you hear or sense something is wrong with your ride, you can attach the scanner, and get information about the different components. 

If there’s an issue, you will then be able to repair them with relative ease. 

It’s something that can save you money on costly repairs, and deliver peace of mind when something goes awry with your car. Scanners diagnose issues based on the onboard computer elements of your ride, simple as that. 

You’ll still need to apply a fix if something is wrong.

Do Look For Compatibility

The first major thing that you need to consider before spending a dime is simple, compatibility. Do you have a receiver for the Bluetooth device you want to purchase? 

Bluetooth technology only works if you have a signal point and a receiver, otherwise you will not be able to take advantage of the information transmission. 

You cannot buy a OBD2 Bluetooth device without having something to catch the signals. You can have wireless internet, you can have a laptop or desktop, but if they don’t have the compatibility to use the device’s signal, you will not be able to take advantage of the scanner at all. 

Smartphones and tablets are uniquely equipped with this function, so you may want to look into that option.

Do Consider Upgrading The Software

Moving forward from compatibility, you’ll want to ensure that you are able to upgrade the software from time to time. Initially, your OBD2 device will have an initial software that you can utilize straightway. But there are upgrades that many companies have.

Some interfaces have been updated several times over the past years, and even months. If that’s the case, look at how simple it is to upgrade your device’s software or if it is at all possible. 

Sometimes you’ll find standalone units that do not allow you to do this, while others have separate mechanisms that you plug in to get the information going. 

Whatever the case may be, do not buy something if you plan on upgrading the software over time.

Don’t Invest In Clones

One of the interesting factors regarding OBD2 solutions is that there are clones of interfaces that have been produced in the past. Some of the clones are inexpensive, and tempting to purchase. 

Don’t invest in anything that is cloned, or isn’t licensed. Buying unlicensed solutions will not give you the right upgrades, and there will be bugs in the software. 

It may also open vulnerabilities on your network, which is always a bad idea. Don’t invest in clones, even if they are inexpensive and look to be the same as other solutions. This will be a problem.

Don’t Go Cheap

Hinging on the notion of clones, it’s important that you do not go with a cheap solution. In fact, do not spend as “little” as possible when you are looking for a good OBD2 Bluetooth device. 

It’s easy to go with the lowest priced solution to save money, but that’s only going to give you a basic option. 

If you’re going to get a solution that is up to date, well-reviewed, and will work with your vehicle, then spend a little more to get a quality handheld device. 

You’re already investing in Bluetooth, why not get something that is more portable, powerful, and is easy to upgrade down the line.

Do Look For Manufacturer Specific Devices

Every major car company has proprietary OBD2 devices. If you’re going to purchase a high-end solution, and you are willing to pay thousands, then go forward with this option overall. 

Look for branded, licensed, and official car manufacturer devices. You’ll find that some companies sponsor the production and software updates of proprietary solutions, which may cost more, but will be worth your money down the line. 

When in doubt, ask around on forums and look for branded elements.

Don’t Just Read Positive Reviews

It’s easy to get caught up with reviews. A lot of people are discussing OBD2 Bluetooth devices, but you’ll need to understand that not all of them are honest. 

You’ll do yourself a great favor if you read both positive and negative reviews on any device you want to purchase. By doing this, you’re going to end up with a good option that has been peer reviewed, with integrity. 

Knowing what the downsides are for these options should help you determine which is the best tool for your diagnostic needs overall. Simple as that.

How to Buy the Best OBD2 Scanner?

Modern cars have much better electronic elements than ever before. Cars made after the middle of the 1990s are now easier than ever to diagnose and fix, and that means that the consumer has more power.

You don’t need to study deeply to figure out what is wrong with your vehicle today. Instead, you can easily lock in a OBD2 scanner, and start to learn what is going on, and where to apply the fix.

When you look into buying one of these, you may be tempted by the many offerings on the market. Whatever the reason, you’ll need to be careful about what you buy as not all of the scanners on the market today are going to be worth your time.

Consider the following breakdown of what to do and what not to do when it comes to buying one of these for your vehicle today.

Do Not Rush To Buy A Scanner

The first thing that you should consider is patience. You should not rush into purchasing any OBD2 device.

When you type this into a search engine, you’ll find that there are a lot of solutions to consider. It can be overwhelming to purchase the “right” solution, so do not just buy the first option that you find online.

Instead, take your time, and consider what your overall needs are. Take note of the make and model of your car, and then look for solutions that are compatible. Not all options connect with the interface of every single car out there, so be patient.

Do Read Reviews Online

One of the best things that you can do when you look into purchasing a scanner is to read the reviews. Read the reviews of every item that you wish to purchase.

That includes newer and older models. Always make sure that you read more than just the positive notes on the solution that you want to buy, as well. Read through the positives and negatives that people have.

You’ll find that every car brand has forums with people that discuss their car, problems, and more overall. Do not buy anything without reading what people are saying overall.

Do Not Buy Options Without Software Updates

There are people that will buy a simple scanner or app for their phone and find out that you cannot update things. Some solutions are stand-alone. That means that they are limited.

You may not be able to upgrade or update the software. That may suffice for some individuals, but you will be limited overall.

If you have the choice between a solution that allows you to get software updates or not, pick the one that lets you update.

 You will always find that updates can be helpful with the overall performance, and longevity of the device that you’re going to use.

Without these updates, critical errors, notes, and more may not come through on your scanning solution.

Do Purchase A Refurbished or Used Model 

For those that have never used these devices before, you don’t need to purchase anything that is new. You can purchase a refurbished or used model to save money.

Saving money on a scanner is a good thing, as it will let you try out devices without investing heavily.

Once you start to utilize these options on a larger scale, and you purchase a solution that works well for you, you can always get a newer option after the fact.

You need to first learn how these work, how to read the error codes, and apply fixes.

Do Not Just Buy An App 

Smartphones are great to utilize for a number of reasons. However, if you’re going to use your phone as an automotive scanner, you will not want to go with a smartphone solution.

Yes, there are scanners that can work with your Android or iOS device, but it’s not going to be as good as stand-alone solutions. Do not just buy an app as your main resource.

They can work in a limited capacity, but they will not have the same kind of precision that a dedicated solution will be.

You can test out applications at first, and see if it works for you, but if you want to ensure that you get a better solution, you’ll want to purchase a scanning element.

Do Purchase A Scanner With A Good Warranty

One of the best things that you can do is look for warranty information on the scanner that you want to purchase.

A lot of OBD2 solutions today have limited time warranties that are around 90 days. Others have a year, or even lifetime warranties and guaranteed to work for a great deal of time.

If you want peace of mind and you want longevity with your device, make sure that you only go with a brand and model that has a great warranty as well. It’s going to help you keep things working for a long time.

Don’t Buy Anything Without Checking Compatibility

Compatibility is everything. Compatibility is going to change whether or not you get something that is good or not. Don’t just go and purchase an item that seems to fit, check the connections, check your computer, laptop, or tablet, and wires.

Make absolutely sure that your vehicle can work, and you have a connection point for it. Some scanners are only able to connect with a laptop, and others are wired for tablets, and more.

Do not purchase anything without doing a little extra research to see what the compatibility elements are, as you’ll find that this makes the different overall.

There are several different do’s and don’ts that are associated with OBD2 devices today. There are so many different solutions that are available today that it’s easy to purchase one today.

However, not all of the solutions that are on the market are going to work the same way as others.

You will need to do a little extra research so that you get the right option for your car’s make and model. A little extra time spent before purchasing will help you gain the upper hand.