The Best OBD Reader You Can Buy
An On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) reader is used to diagnose vehicle issues, while also providing solutions that may save you a trip to the repair shop. The best part is that you don’t have to be a skilled professional to operate one. The four products we will be covering today are OBD2 scanners, which each have their own design and benefits.
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Innova CarScan Pro 5610
We will first talk about the Innova CarScan Pro 5610. Innova is the only American company that provides in-house customer service with the lowest return rate in the industry. A few features of the Innova CarScan Pro 5610 include:
- In-depth live data for advanced vehicle systems like ABS and SRS
- Ability to cover OBD1 models with accessory adapters (bought separately)
- Extensive reset functions for repair and maintenance
Innova CarScan Pro 5610 is very adaptable, making it a fantastic tool for diagnostics on basic and professional degrees. Bidirectional control helps test vehicle actuators, which help prevent accidents with braking or fuel issues.
The tool also lets you send commands to your vehicles for better testing. With the all-system network scan, analyzing and troubleshooting coding in modules is very easy. Compared to competitors, Innova CarScan Pro 5610 has a wider range of vehicle coverage.
I have the Innova CarScan Pro 5610 which has some extra features (e.g. enhanced data stream, utilizes data from all 10 OBDII modes, etc.) compared with the 5160. In addition to the basic OBDII modes you expect (generic OBDII DTCs, PIDs, I/M readiness, etc) the 5610 also provides OEM DTCs and does CAN network scanning so that you can see what the available modules are.
This is an excellent product. Just keep in mind that a code-reader is an ‘interpretive’ device. Any decent reader presents codes when plugged into your car and properly run. The INNOVA 5610 is more comprehensive than many. Just be aware that, as with all such devices, the codes can mean one or more issues are in play. Some codes can be intermittent, which may have implications of their own.
Innova CarScan Pro 5610 is the perfect example of what an OBD2 scanner should be. With a multitude of different features, it shows off some functionality that other automotive diagnostic tools may not have.
ANCEL BD310
ANCEL BD310 is a powerful two-in-one OBD2 scanner that can perform a wide range of tests, including the car’s coolant temperature, vehicle speed sensor (VSS) and more. A few features of the ANCEL BD310 include:
- Access to all OBD2 modes with handheld and Bluetooth modes
- Performance tests including vehicle acceleration and braking distance
- Built-in DTC lookup library with specific code for certain manufacturers
ANCEL BD310 can record and analyze your usual behavior in the car, which is then used to help improve driving etiquette. There is also an app available that allows you to also send diagnostic reports to anyone within seconds.
Even though ANCEL BD310 is a great product, it doesn’t have a very extensive set of instructions provided, which may be a little troublesome for beginner car hobbyists. According to some reviews, there is a lot of information that can be found online though.
Liked ease of use for quick diagnostic checks. Bluetooth connectivity is very handy for more in depth analysis. Would mention that the more sophisticated functions might need further research to be really useful, and are not well described in the short instructions provided. However there is a huge fund of information about using this diagnostic tool from other sources on the internet.
This diagnostic tool not only has a great design and appearance, but it also works very well. The magnet clip that holds it on the dash makes seeing your results while driving so much easier. The app was easy to install on my Android phone and the entire thing is easy to use and gives you the results you need. Don’t spend double what this costs at the dealership!
With such a compact design, you can bring this OBD2 scanner anywhere. ANCEL BD310’s simple user interface makes it easy to perform advanced diagnostics.
JETHAX OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth
JETHAX OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth is an easy-to-use diagnostics tool that covers all OBD2 protocols. The name itself is also quite self-explanatory, as the scanner can seamlessly connect to your car via Bluetooth.
A few features of theETHAX OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth include:
- Wireless compatibility via Bluetooth and/or the mobile application
- Improved OBD2 scanner supporting vehicles that date back to 1996
- Car code reader with LED lights and simple user interface
Due to the wireless Bluetooth coverage, JETHAX OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth has lower power consumption compared to many other alternatives. Test your car’s evaporative emission control system (EVAP) and read diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) with a simple click of a button.
I always wanted to see what is causing it when there is a check engine light displayed on the dash screen. Mostly it was because of a service due. But I wanted to confirm it before going to a mechanic shop. This device is very easy to use and seamlessly connects to the car. It gives a lot of information from the car onboard computer like the fault code and a lot of other information. It needs to be used with an application that can be downloaded from the phone app store.
This scanner blows my mind away. I’m not a mechanic or anything and I know very little about cars and how it works. This scanner leads me to what to research and learn about my vehicle which is great. It provides the best experience in terms of installation, navigating the app. Although, the app might confuse me because I do not know everything about it.
In conclusion, JETHAX OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth is very simple to set up and gets the job done. This product works wonders for people who are still getting the hang of vehicle diagnostics.
SEEKONE SK860
Lastly, SEEKONE SK860 is an enhanced OBD reader that can save you a lot of money from blind maintenance. It covers a variety of car components, like the electronic control unit (ECU) and malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
A few features of the SEEKONE SK860 include:
- Live O2 sensor data with one-click I/M readiness status design
- Multilingual support and automatic fault code definitions
- Built-in speaker and LED lights
Even though it only has vehicle coverage dating back to 2000, SEEKONE SK860 supports all OBD2 protocols and provides live sensor readings. With a one-click hotkey, you can easily do some data-logging, store freeze-frame data and erase fault codes.
My girlfriend’s Audi TT had a coil light that kept flashing. The local garage was going to charge £60 just to diagnose the problem. Thought I’d give an obd reader a try and I was pleasantly surprised as it worked a treat. Turned out to be the turbo actuator. Very good quality, works really well and bought a cheaper one before this that broke, whereas this is going strong! Use it for my whole family’s cars and it works great.
This is absolutely ideal for the complete novice or professional alike. Me being the former! It took me longer to locate the port in my car than it did to get this great piece of tech running. What it does give you is a massive piece of mind. No longer relying on the garage telling you things you have no idea if they’re true or not.
With anti-shock protection, SEEKONE SK860 can definitely hold its own when performing diagnostic tests. This product boasts lifetime warranty and updates as the cherry on top.