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.