For decades, computer chips and control electronics have become as essential as any mechanicals to the efficient and reliable operation of motor vehicles. Many of the mechanical systems in a car — be it the engine and transmission, suspension, brakes, safety features, emission controls, accessories and even the tires — are managed by an increasingly complicated network of electrical sensors and electronic controls.
That’s where onboard diagnostics come in, and why an OBD2 scanner has become a key tool to understand, maintain and repair modern vehicles. DIY types, or anyone who wants to stay on top of what’s going on inside their vehicle and possibly save a few bucks, can make good use out of an OBD2 code reader.
It’s equally clear that choosing an OBD2 diagnostic scan tool can be intimidating, and that’s why we’ve assembled this list of the best OBD2 scanners. There are hundreds if not a thousand scanners out there in auto parts stores, discount stores and at the far fringes of the internet, with prices varying by literally thousands of dollars.