On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) is a system that keeps track of a vehicle’s status by checking all of its systems and recording present issues (called trouble codes). So, when there is an issue in your vehicle, an OBD2 scanner can access your car’s OBD2 system to get more information about the issue in order to know how to repair it.

In the earliest years of the car manufacturing industry OBD1 was implemented in all vehicles. However, the next generation of OBD (OBD2) came in 1990 and started to be used in most vehicles manufactured from then onwards. So, OBD2 is the most updated version of the OBD system.

An OBD2 interface is a 16-pin connector which looks the same in all vehicles. If the interface is different to a 16-pin connector, then the vehicle is OBD1. Additionally, it is helpful to know that most vehicles manufactured after 1996 are build with the OBD2 interface.

An OBD2 scanner can let you access and control many areas of your vehicle. However, this depends on the OBD2 scanner that you select. Generally, with an OBD2 scanner you should be able to read out and delete OBD (engine) and manufacturer (other systems) faul codes, read out OBD and manufacturer live data, perform car coding (car customizations), perform car maintenance with detailed guides, access professional repair information about your car model, perform an emissions test, check the state of a used car (ex. VIN and mileage tampering), store your vehicle’s diagnostic reports, and much more.

If you are a vehicle owner, an OBD2 scanner is the most useful and essentual tool that you can own in order to take the best care of your vehicle’s health and prevent unexpected repairs. Cosidering how much money you can save per year on maintenace and repairs with an OBD2 scanner, the return on its investment is extremely high and on its first use you would already cover the cost of it.

The best OBD2 scanner that you can get, its the one that offers you the best value for less money. Many scanners offer the most basic features (i.e. OBD diagnostics and OBD live data). However, to get a tool for you vehicle that actually gives you valuable and expert insights, we recommend you get a scanner that offers you the most advanced features possible for a reasonable price.

When selecting an OBD2 scanner for your vehicle, besides comparing the features offered, make sure that its compatible with you vehicle model and phone (in the case you select an OBD2 scanner that its utulized with a mobile app). Additionally, take a look at the OBD2 Scanner’s app/software so that you can select one that display’s your car’s data clearly and easy to understand, and that interprets you car’s data as much as possible.