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Diagnose And Repair Cars With Ease Using The Best Obd Readers

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Last Updated: May 3, 2024, 1:21 p.m.

Modern cars are some of the most complicated machines owned by people. This complexity is not without reason, though, as every single wire or pipe in these machines is responsible for cars to work as intended. Unfortunately, this complexity makes diagnosing the issue with the car that much more difficult. A flat tire? Easy to fix. But a clicking noise when driving at a certain speed? That can be anything inside the complicated engine.

This is where the top OBD readers of 2023 come into play and translate your car’s internal data into usable information. This information can then track down the issue and fix it before it becomes a bigger problem. Only the highest quality readers will provide accurate readings with perfect reliability, and the five readers in our list of recommendations are an ideal example.

OBD Readers Buyer’s Guide

Modern OBD readers are a massive timesaver for car mechanics, both professionals, and DIY enthusiasts. These scanners act as a translator between your car's self-diagnostic systems and you. Having one hand can also save you a lot of money in the long run since you'll be able to differentiate serious issues and stuff that can be resolved with a 30-second power down. Just make sure that you get a high-quality reader since it'll be responsible for your car's health and safety. But, what makes an OBD reader high quality? More importantly, how can you find one yourself? Let's find out.

What to Look for in OBD Readers

Accuracy

Accuracy is an essential attribute of an OBD reader as it is directly linked to the diagnosis. You want the reader to produce correct error codes every single time without fail. Even a single wrong code can waste time and money, especially if you're a professional. Unfortunately, there is no way to access the accuracy and reliability of an OBD scanner without using it for a long time. So, your only option is to buy from reputable manufacturers or look through customer reviews about accuracy. If you see too many complaints about wrong error codes, move on to the next viable option.

Speed

The device's speed might not sound like a big deal at first. What if it takes a few seconds to process each button press and around a minute to read error codes? But that few seconds add up over time and can end up wasting upwards of 30 minutes or more per diagnosis. So, look for readers known for their speedy UI and quick code access.

Power

Most OBD reading devices draw power directly from the connection to your car, so they do not need a battery charge up or replacement. Any wired scanner that does not offer similar convenience is not worth your consideration.

Build quality

The last key factor to consider is the build quality of your OBD scanning device. Wired devices should be made from rigid plastic and have a rubber coating on the outside to prevent fall damage. Wireless devices are much lighter, so they can get by with just a tough plastic exterior. Additionally, the screen must be easy to read in both bright and low light scenarios, and the buttons need tactile feedback so you know when they're pressed.

Connection Type

There are two key types of OBD reader connections, wired and Bluetooth, and both have pros and cons.

Wired

The biggest benefit of using a wired device is its reliability. Unless the wire gets damaged, which is very unlikely, you will not lose connection or get glitches in the signal. That said, wired OBD readers tend to be bulky with less than stellar UI and mushy buttons. The wired connection can be difficult to use in cars with awkward OBD port locations.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is the name of convenience when it comes to OBD scanners. The info gathered by the scanner is relayed to an app on your smartphone that is much easier to navigate than most wired devices. The big issue with Bluetooth connections is their reliability around metal sheets (like a car's body). You'll also have your phone out during the whole diagnosis, so misplacement and accidental falls can also be an issue.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Ancel Obd Reader
Runner Up: Foxwell Nt301 Obd Scanner
Easy To Use: Motopower Mp69033 Obd Scanner
Convenient Operation: Bluedriver Pro Obd2 Obd Scanner
Fantastic App: Fixd Obd2 Professional Scan Tool

Reviews

Best Overall

Ancel Obd Reader

Pros	Cons
Wide compatibility Critical functionality Enhanced diagnostics	Needs a software update

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Runner Up

Foxwell Nt301 Obd Scanner

Pros	Cons
Easy to use the 2.8-inch color screen Compatible with all cars, trucks, and SUVs Extremely reliable and accurate readouts No need to charge beforehand	A bit difficult to hold

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Easy to Use

Motopower Mp69033 Obd Scanner

Pros	Cons
Extremely easy to understand and use Long-lasting, sturdy soft plastic design Compatible with US, EU, and Asian cars Compact and easy to hold	The screen is tough to read in the sunlight

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Convenient Operation

Bluedriver Pro Obd2 Obd Scanner

Pros	Cons
Large connection range Compact, easy to store Works on both iOs and Android Reliable and accurate readings	Might lose connection without a line of sight

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Fantastic App

Fixd Obd2 Professional Scan Tool

Pros	Cons
Easy-to-learn user interface Compatible with both Android and iOS Compatible with all gas-powered vehicles Tracks maintenance like oil change as well	Takes some time for the initial setup

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FAQs

Can I drive with a code reader plugged in?

Yes, driving your car with the OBD reader plugged into its port is entirely safe. Many wireless Bluetooth scanners use this to inform you about potential maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire pressure.

Do OBD scanners drain the car battery?

No, high-quality OBD scanners do not drain your car battery much, but a few poorly designed ones with shotty wiring can deplete most car batteries in 10-20 minutes.

Does using the OBD scanner void warranty?

No, using an OBD scanner will not void your warranty as they do not mess with the engine parameters. Though, it is still a good idea to leave further diagnostics to the professionals.