From Dongles to Diagnostics: Which is the best OBD2 Scan Tool for my car?

If you love your drive, chances are you already have a high-resolution dual-channel dash cam installed in your vehicle. But if you love your ride, you need more than just a dash cam - you need an OBD-II scanner, too.

OBD-II, or OBD2, stands for On-Board Diagnostics and is a system that monitors your car’s computer system. Today’s automobiles have computers that control everything - fuel economy, RPMs, emissions, and all other vital systems. Just like how you need a monitor to display the information generated by your computer, you need a way to read the computers in your car, especially if something goes wrong. This is where the OBD-II scan tool comes in.

Virtually every new car sold over since 1996 follows the OBD-II standard. OBD-II cars have a port that devices like scanners, code readers and other devices can plug into and connect to the car’s computer. The OBD-II port is typically located near or under the steering wheel column, although it is sometimes located near the center of the dash or center console, or under the glove box. If you’re having trouble finding it, check your owner’s manual.

Companies have plenty of ideas about what you can plug into that port and the IROAD Power OBD-II is a good example. The IROAD Power OBD-II is a cable that you plug into your car’s OBD port to power your dash cam for parking mode recording.

As the name suggests, car diagnostics is the primary purpose of OBD. When the car’s computer decides that something is not right, it will trigger a “fault” or trouble code. For example, there are various reasons that could be causing the Check Engine Light on the dashboard, and the OBDII scanner is essentially a code scanner that taps into your car’s computer to scan and read codes to tell you what’s wrong and clear the error codes from the computer’s memory once the problem is fixed.

Important diagnostics that the OBD-II scanner can help you:

• Transmission diagnostics - it may be an overheating problem, transmission control malfunction, or low transmission fluid
• ABS/SRS/Airbag Monitoring - the ABS and SRS systems in your car store information about brake fluid, antilock detection, airbags, brake pressure and more, which all these are critical in driver and passenger safety
• Tire Pressure Monitoring
• Oil reset
• Battery testing

So, rather than guessing where that burning smell or that funny clicking noise is coming from, you can simply plug in an OBD-II scanner and find out what your car’s computer is trying to tell you.

OBD was made for diagnostics, but you can use it to upgrade the performance of your ride, ie. make your car go faster. Many OBD-II scanners can read real-time information from the car’s computer and there are also dongles made specifically for monitoring a car’s power output and lap times. Professional racers rely on this data to see how they perform on a track and to tweak their cars. These performance dongles can help you remap the car’s computer software to improve power output and fuel economy, or even unlock horsepower.

OBD-II dongles are also often issued to customers by insurance companies as a way to incentivize good driving habits (or penalize bad drivers). Progressive’s Snapshot Program and Allstate’s Drivewise Program are two of such telematics-based tracking done by auto insurance companies. Once the telematics dongle is plugged into the car’s OBD-II port, it can see all the data your car’s computer collects and grab whatever the insurance company has programmed it to find. Typically, insurance companies are mostly interested in data that paints a picture of a driver’s habits: distance drive, time spent driving, speed, incidents of hard braking, location, etc.

The IROAD OBD X-Scanner is a OBDII diagnostics plus telematics devicesthat works with your IROAD X10 4K UHD dash cam to provide insights on driver habits.

To meet stricter emission control regulations and environmental laws, most car manufacturers have developed electronic sensors to monitor exhaust gases, maximize fuel efficiency and cut down on pollution.

Did you know that originally, the OBD-II system in your car was made to help detect emissions problems? Unlike annual emissions tests, the OBD-II system in your car detects emissions every time you turn on your vehicle.

OBD-II scanners monitor and record your car’s emissions and alert you to sudden changes in emissions output. Smog test, smog check, I/M readiness testing or emission test all refer to measures that ensure the vehicle meets certain emission and engine standards. In other words, it will let you know if your car exceeds the federal limit for an emissions test.

Choosing the right scanner for your needs is not always simple. There are hundreds of different autoscanners out there on Amazon: Ancel, Bluedriver, Autel Autolink, Foxwell, Innova, Launch Tech, Bafx (and the list goes on), and on BlackboxMyCar, you will find four OBDII scan tools. So how do you choose the best one for your car?

Pick a scanner that is compatible with your car (model, make, fuel type, protocols, etc.)

• Most scanners support cars but some may support light and heavy-duty trucks as well
• Most scanners over five OBD-II protocols but some may support additional protocols as well
• OBD-II scanners only work with 1996 and beyond models. You will need an OBD1 scanner for older cars

You have to ask yourself, which functions you need for the scanner. Are you simply looking for a scan tool that reads and interprets generic DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) or do you need one that supports manufacturer-specific codes?

Some OBD scanners go beyond the basic OBD-II functions and support features such as remote diagnosis, sharable diagnostic reports, community support/interaction, real-time live data, black box recording and much more.

Do you prefer corded or Bluetooth? Do you want an OBD scanner that comes with a built-in LCD screen or would you prefer using your smartphone?

While corded scanners have their benefits, many people prefer Bluetooth scanners nowadays and one reason is Bluetooth models work well with their mobile devices, particularly Android devices. Got an iPhone or iPad? Apparently, WiFi adapters work better on iOS (Apple) devices!

Bluetooth (and WiFi) scanners typically cost more than corded models. But, keep in mind, the price also depends on factors like warranty, features, etc. Not to forget, many of the Bluetooth and WiFi scanners offer additional features that you can purchase to beef up the functionality of the free app. Ideally, you will pick one that is within your budget.

We strongly recommend going for a scanner that comes with regular software/firmware updates. Some scanners can be updated online via the mobile app, while some need to be connected to a computer.

There is no one-size-fit-all OBDII scanner: each brand and model has its own advantages and falls short in some aspects, and each user’s requirements vary. What’s necessary for you as a car owner is to understand what you really need from your OBDII scan tool and how it can work to your advantage.

And, once you’ve chosen and installed the right one, you can feel safe and sound throughout your drives with all risks taken care of. Until next time, Safe Driving and Stay Healthy.

Want to be among the first ones to get news on dash cams and helpful tips from our dash cam experts? Subscribe to our newsletters to stay up to date with all of our special sales, new products, exclusives offers and giveaways and much more.