The best auto scanners for buyers' reviews

Autoscanner was invented quite recently. But in a short period of time the market was filled with a lot of instruments, very different from each other. Diagnostic scanners can be designed for amateur use - they are easy to learn, and their value does not make one clutch at the heart. There are professional auto scanners. They are used by dealers who from time to time serve their customers by conducting a technical inspection. Such a device is not only able to detect any malfunctions, it also acts much faster than when manually checking all vehicle components.

Which autoscanner to choose

Even an ordinary amateur car scanner is a technically complex device. It can not be made "on the knee".It takes a long time to design, then there are numerous tests, and only then serial production starts. For all this, small firms have no money.

But large manufacturers of automotive electronics are quite capable of creating such a device. But their production costs a very large amount of money, this should be remembered. However, the buyer does not have much choice.

The most popular in our country are scanners under the following brands:

1. Autel

2. Autocom

3. Bosch

4. Carman

5. Launch

Customers from other companies are also interested in buyers. It can not be said that the market of autoscanners has managed to "grow up" and on it there is no place for beginners.

The best inexpensive auto scanners

Launch CReader V

This diagnostic scanner belongs to the budget segment, although for some motorists its cost still seems overestimated. The product differs from cheaper counterparts in that it is completely autonomous. The owner does not need a connection to the computer to analyze the information received - the device will do it himself. The device only interacts with the engine control unit. The reason is that the device supports only the OBD-II protocol.

Launch CReader V reads current and stored errors, records the current diagnostics, and also allows you to control the fuel injection system. All information can be displayed in text form. But for greater visibility, it's better to switch to showing charts. So it's much easier to estimate the air flow at different engine speeds and get acquainted with some other data.

Pluses:

• Russian language is supported;
• No need to connect to a PC;
• Minimum device dimensions;
• Displays not only text, but also graphics;
• No need for batteries.

Disadvantages:

• Monochrome display;
• Works only with OBD-II protocol;
• High for such a limited functionality price.

ELM327

Several years ago, an American company developed a special interface that converts automotive protocols into a set of standard serial port commands. The interface was named ELM327, its support was received by a special device. Since then, the Chinese have created a huge number of copies of this device. All of them are called - ELM327, the brand name is sometimes not specified. These copies are unlicensed. But these devices are quite inexpensive. You can buy such an autoscanner in any Chinese online store, and sometimes in Russian automotive electronics stores.

There are several hardware implementation of the auto scanner ELM327.Some devices have a wireless Bluetooth module, thanks to which the connection to the laptop is much simpler. Others have only a USB connector - in this case the device is recognized by the operating system as a virtual COM port. And the new models get a Wi-Fi module. Always the same - to work with an auto-scanner will need a computer. And it should work with Windows. However, with wireless models you can also interact via a smartphone. And, for this you do not even need to pay extra money - many applications are distributed free of charge.

Advantages:

• There are a large number of programs for interaction with the device;
• Very low cost;
• Most often, these auto scanners have minimal dimensions;
• Can be used as an on-board computer.

Disadvantages:

• You need a computer or a smartphone;
• Until now, widespread models without Bluetooth and Wi-Fi;
• The performance depends on the software used;
• Often determines only the injection system.

The best professional auto scanners

Carman Scan VG +

Only a major service center or auto dealer can afford this device. The tool is multi-branded - it can be used to diagnose a variety of cars, from American "mask-cars" to Asian shorty. The device includes a four-channel multimeter, a digital oscilloscope with the same number of channels, a high-voltage oscilloscope and a signal generator.

The autoscanner comes in a shockproof case. On its front panel is a color touch screen. It is on it that all the information including various graphics is displayed. The device can be operated with a set of buttons located on the front panel and on the sides. The device checks almost all the systems of the car. In short, this is a real monster, to which absolutely everything is subject.

Advantages:

• Diagnoses problems in most vehicle nodes;
• Built-in detailed help system;
• Does not require a connection to the computer;
• Has a shock-resistant casing;
• There is a touch screen with a high enough resolution;
• There are many physical buttons.

Disadvantages:

• Extremely high price tag.

Bosch KTS 570

Another multimart instrument. Released by a German company specifically for its use by car dealers and car service centers. It allows to carry out a multidisciplinary check of almost any vehicle, including a cargo vehicle. But first of all this device is intended for diagnostics of Bosch diesel fuel systems. The device provides access to all the functions of the dealer level. They are configured and coded electronic blocks, as well as system tests are carried out.

Autoscanner has a universal diagnostic interface, a digital multimeter and a dual-channel oscilloscope. All this, in particular, allows a meticulous check of electrical circuits. Unfortunately, the device will have to be connected to a computer or laptop. The buyer is provided with proprietary software that includes the ESItronic reference book - it contains the electrical diagrams of many cars present on the market.

Pluses:

• Very handy reference;
• Can be used for instrumental diagnostics;
• There is support for 52 brands of cars at the dealer level;
• With some limitations it works with non-Bosch fuel systems;
• Checks for the most diverse parts of the vehicle.

Disadvantages:

• Diagnostics can not be performed without a desktop PC or laptop;
• The cost of the device is prohibitively large.

Autel MaxiDas DS708

This auto scanner is not without reason called a multi-brand. They support work with cars from about 50 automakers. Among the brands that can be understood are brands of European, American and Asian origin. The device is somewhat similar to a GPS-navigator. The fact is that it also runs on the operating system Windows CE.The image here is displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen display. Control via buttons is not implemented. But the creators have implemented two rubber pads, thanks to which comfortable grip is carried out by hands.

With many European cars, the auto scanner works almost at the dealer level. In particular, it allows you to specify the parameters of the control units and program the immobilizer chips. During the diagnostics several graphs can be displayed in parallel to each other, on the same screen. Also, the tests are stored in the log, so that later it can be found periodically arising( they are also called floating) faults. It should be noted that there is not only a LAN port, but also a Wi-Fi module. All this allows you to connect the device to a local network of service centers, in order to send a report to a computer or printer. In the same way, the firmware update is implemented. Unfortunately, after a year this option becomes paid for the buyer.

Advantages:

• Some cars are supported at the dealer level;
• A wireless module and a LAN port are available;
• Firmware is updated regularly;
• The functional pleasantly pleases the eye;
• It is not necessary to connect to the computer;
• Convenient log analysis.

Disadvantages:

• Free technical support and software update only for a year;
• The cost seems slightly overstated;
• On a 7-inch screen, it's inconvenient to work with charts.

Scanmatic 2

Autoscanners are trying to create and Russian manufacturers. Scanmatic 2 is one of their creations. The device is supplied in a box, where there are many other accessories. It works best when connected to a domestic vehicle. However, in service centers it is often used to check foreign cars. No wonder the box contains modules for interaction with Chevrolet, Kia, Mitsubishi and some other brands.

The device must be connected to either a computer or a smartphone. Interestingly, the corresponding application can be installed not only on Android, but also on Windows Mobile. Scanman 2 is able to display on the screen at the same time several graphs of current data. Also by means of the device it is possible to control the CO-correction on the VAZ flashing with the lambda probe disconnected. And, of course, the device builds reports that can be sent to print immediately.

Advantages:

• The price does not seem extremely high;
• You can connect to a computer or smartphone wirelessly;
• Stable diagnostics of all systems in supported brands;
• Rich package;
• Ideal for domestic transport.

Disadvantages:

• The list of supported foreign brands is not large;
• You can not do without a PC or a smartphone;
• There are no applications for iOS and Windows Phone.

Which auto scanner to buy

1. A good budget solution is Launch CReader V. This is an excellent choice for those who need to diagnose only the engine. But if you have an injection system that does not use OBD-II, but some other protocol, you need to consider another auto scanner.

2. Another severe minimum is ELM327.Instruments from this series are created by a huge number of Chinese companies. But it is not worth hoping for great opportunities, since such an autoscanner only recognizes the fuel injection system. But the information can be displayed on the smartphone, which is very convenient.

3. Carman Scan VG + is designed for use on the largest car-care centers, where it is customary to save time. The device has an astronomical value, but with its help it is possible to survey the car almost completely in a short time. In fact, the device combines a simulator of sensor signals, a motor tester and a scanner.

4. If you are a dealer, and among the machines you sell there are those that use the Bosch fuel system, then you need to purchase KTS 570 from the same company. This device performs a complete check of the engine, as well as all electrical circuits. But you will have to stock up more and a computer, because the autoscanner is not autonomous.

5. An excellent auto scanner with its own LCD display is the Autel MaxiDas DS708.This is an excellent choice for those car-care centers that do not yet make huge money. But do not assume that you can buy this device for a minimum amount. Also, you may be wary of the fact that a year later you will have to pay for technical support and software updates.

6. If most often you need to diagnose domestic cars, then it is recommended to buy Scanmatic 2. This is a small device that outputs all data to a computer or smartphone. In this case, you can use both a USB interface and a Bluetooth connection.