Here’s why everyone should have a car scanner

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No matter how well you take care of your vehicle, it’s going to break down or malfunction. When that happens, you need a reliable way to diagnose and identify the problem. That’s precisely why everyone should have a car scanner, and even if you don’t own one yourself, ensure you have access to one.

A common misconception about car scanners, also called OBD2 scanners, is that they are only for mechanics and die-hard auto professionals. So, if you’re not into min-maxing performance, like tuning up a sports car, why own one?

Because car scanners come in a variety of formats, some specialize in high-performance and detailed diagnostics while others are better for basic read-outs and detection. Anytime your check engine light comes on, a car scanner can tell you what’s wrong. It’s silly considering modern cars should do this anyway, but, unfortunately, they don't. When that check engine light comes on, it could be virtually anything wrong.

Why everyone should have a car scanner

Soccer mom? You need one. Business owner? You need one. Uber or Lyft driver? You definitely need one. Everyone needs one. The only people who don’t need a car scanner are those who don’t own any vehicles at all.

How does an OBD2 scanner work?

The letters “OBD” stand for On-Board Diagnostic. So, once you put it all together, the term On-Board Diagnostic scanner is fairly straightforward.

Introduced in 1996, OBD2 is essentially a communication and technology standard for vehicles, which means an OBD2 scanner will work with OBD2-certified vehicles. Nearly all modern vehicles with an onboard computer are OBD2-compatible.

Think of the OBD2 scanner as a Google Translator for your vehicle. When your vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) detects something wrong, it will turn on the check engine light. That informs you there’s a problem, but with that information alone, you won’t actually know what’s wrong.

The OBD2 scanner plugs into your vehicle, reads the diagnostic trouble codes — called Parameter IDs (PIDs) — and tells you what’s going on. It translates from a vehicle language to one you understand. A suitable OBD2 scanner offers diagnostic data, guiding repairs or indicating next steps.

Where do you plug in a car scanner?

All the top car scanners on the market work the same way. You plug them into a specialized port in your vehicle called a Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC). The connector’s location varies from vehicle to vehicle, however.

• For most vehicles, the DLC is under the driver’s side dashboard. Somewhere near or below the steering wheel.
• In older vehicles, the DLC may be below the ashtray.
• You may also find the DLC in the center console or hidden inside the center storage compartment.
• In rare cases, the DLC may be located elsewhere, like behind a coin tray, in or near the glove box, or somewhere under the dashboard.

If you’re having trouble finding the correct port, you can always refer to your vehicle’s owner's manual. A simple Google search online may help, as well.

What are the pros and cons of an OBD2 car scanner?

Not all car scanners are of equal quality. Innova car scanners, for instance, are much better than cheaper alternatives. But even with the best car scanners on the market, there are some advantages and disadvantages to using them.

Don’t let that deter you from getting one. These are merely important considerations to keep in mind.

Pros

• Early and relatively affordable diagnostics for a wide variety of vehicles.
• Improved vehicle performance with regular checks, especially since you can use the car scanner to check frequently.
• Well-maintained vehicles last longer, use less fuel, and are better all around. A car scanner can help you maintain your vehicle and do pre-emptive maintenance checks before something serious occurs.

Cons

• In most cases, the vehicle needs to be on to get a full diagnosis with real-time data. Some scanners can provide basic info with the car off, but that’s it. If your battery is dead, you might be out of luck.
• OBD2 car scanners can only read essential engine and emission problems. Anything physical is off the radar, including issues with brakes, the suspension and critical mechanical components.
• The data provided by a car scanner may still need interpretation from a mechanic or experienced professional. Some diagnostic information doesn’t provide the full picture regarding an issue or repair.

Basic versus advanced car scanners

Not all car scanners are the same. Some provide more detailed diagnostics information, which is helpful for mechanics and auto professionals. An excellent comparison is the Innova 1000 versus the Innova 5610.

The Innova 1000 is small, ridiculously easy to use and pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth. You plug the module into the DLC port on your car and the companion app will tell you immediately what’s wrong. You’ll even unlock repair guides, delivered step by step to help you do DIY maintenance, provided the issue is fixable at home.

The Innova 5610, on the other hand, is more expensive, with a built-in display that’s meant for more advanced system diagnostics. In particular, it enables bidirectional controls, which means you can send commands to the vehicle’s components like the fuel injector or ABS pumps. That gives you more granular access, both in regards to diagnostic information and system controls.

The biggest difference is that if you’re just checking vehicle repair information, the basic Innova 1000 is what you need. If you plan to do more advanced repairs, or need to know more information, then you can opt for a more advanced scanner. The latter is especially handy if you’re driving a semi or a long-haul vehicle, just to provide an example.

What else can an OBD2 car scanner do?

You know that pesky check engine light that stays on? Most OBD2 scanners can help you clear it, provided you’ve addressed the underlying problem. If you don’t actually get your vehicle repaired and just clear the notification, it will return.

How do I choose one model from all the top car scanners for sale?

What information do you need to know? If you only need basic information, with a direct translation of the check engine concerns, something like the Innova 1000 is a perfect match. In fact, for most scenarios, that model will work great.

The only time you need something more advanced is if you’re planning to get into the weeds of diagnostics. That’s better suited for mechanics, auto professionals, and vehicle performance enthusiasts. Of course, that doesn’t exclude the average person. It just means that most of the information you can glean from more advanced solutions is not necessary.

At the end of the day, everyone should have a car scanner handy, whether they own one or they have access to one — borrowing from a friend or family member, for example. Although having one with your vehicle at all times means you can use it when something goes awry. That could be especially helpful if you’re stranded or away from home and your vehicle malfunctions, which does happen.

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