Thanks for taking your time to read our review on the best car diagnostic tool UK that is currently available in the marketplace.
These scanners plug into the car directly and ( the more expensive ones ) can also connect via bluetooth to display diagnostics codes on the screen. This makes it easy to see which problems exist or what kind of maintenance is needed for the vehicle. You will get a fault code reading and then you will be able to diagnose any problem you are having.
Everything on a car now is electronic and it's more likely you will get a problem with a sensor or that type of component than a simple failure of a mechanical part. As we know the garages are very expensive so this is a great way to find out what problems or even do your your own servicing and switch off the service lights yourself.
Just below you will see our top list of diagnostic tools. However, we also know you are busy, so if you don't have time to read our full review, we would highly recommend the AUTOPHIX OM129 OBD2. This tool is absolutely superb and if you want to do some diagnostic work occassionally and need a unit at a reasonable price, then this is it.
Just below, we have also completed some summary reviews on each of these, so as you can see which is the best option for you.
AUTOPHIX OM129 OBD2 Scanner Auto Code Reader Car Diagnostic Scan Tool
This is the best over all car diagnostic tool that you can buy at the minute. By this I mean when we combine price and functionality, this model comes out on top of the pile, compared to the rest.
Full OBD Service Modes Supported to include O2 sensor, turn off check engine light, reset monitor, view freeze frame data. The car diagnostic tool can quickly read and erase DTC (engine fault codes)
Full Battery Test feature for battery voltage that will analyze information automatically and display results in a nice graph.
Enhanced Fault Code Definition Check engine code reader has a unique "i" button that will directly use the fault code definition function. To give you accurate repair advice instead of a load of technical terms you don't understand. The enhanced fault code definition function helps you fully understand the meaning of the code without any hassle, which a cheaper scanner can't do.
This 129p model is equipped with a more advanced STM 32-bit CPU which has the specialty of high speed, and steady performance compared to its competitors.
TOPDON OBD2 Scanner ArtiDiag500
At 94% buyer satisfaction, this model is the best rated car diagnostic tool overall. Though, when it's not on offer, it's well over twice the price of the model above and really you are paying for a nice display and a few bells and whistles
The software has a free lifetime update via Wi-Fi
You can get a printable report auto-generated with email share on Android 7.0, 16GB ROM; Vivid 5” touchscreen; 6,100mAh battery (10+ hrs running).
This diagnostics scan tool gives access to 4 vital car systems Engine/ABS/SRS/Transmission that will give you ECU version info. Pull DTCs with a handy DTC library explanation.
I found the unit very easy to use and learn. Its simple and user friendly as well as having robust buttons that arent fiddly.
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This scan tool works on most 1996 & newer OBDII compliant vehicles, covering 57 car brands, 10000+ models across America, Europe, and Asia
Autel AutoLink AL319 Universal OBD2 Reader Car Diagnostic Scanner Tool
The Autel model is the best seller in the UK at the minute. Its pretty cheap and will do most jobs for you
As with most of these tools it is compatible with OBD II protocol vehicles (post-1996 US cars, post-2001 EU cars and post-2004 diesels)
The error code reader is “plug and play” and comes with an easy interface. Even if you’re not familiar with vehicle repair, you can quickly take control of this code reader, and get the information you want.
This car diagnostic tool supports Reading DTCs, displaying Live Data, Freeze Frame & I/M Readiness etc to figure out the root cause of the Check Engine Light (CEL) and turning it off.
It's pretty simple to use and the cable is long enough without being too long and getting in the way. No batteries are needed.
There is a 12 months warranty from the date of purchase and lifetime free software updates are offered by this Automobile OBDII scan tool.
Foseal Wired Car OBD2 Scanner
You aren't going to find anything much cheaper than this model. It is one of the best budget car diagnotistic tool we could find. Over 5000 buyers have reated this at 84% so obviously it works reasonably well for the money.
This OBD2 code scanner is compatible with all OBDII-Compliant vehicles, passenger cars or light trucks. Post 1996 in US, post 2000 for EU-based and Asian cars.
Again I found this Foseal OBD2 car scanner easy-to-use. Its plug-n-play to check engine codes and can check engine related fault codes and turn off warning lights.
The display is pretty basic compared to the more expensive models but it works reasonably well ( sometimes not first time )
It includes vehicle-specific number of monitors like misfire monitor, fuel system monitor, comprehensive components monitor, O2 sensors, EVAP system and etc. Making this OBD2 scan tool an excellent scan tool to help get your vehicle ready to pass the annual MOT.
Launch X431 V+ Bluetooth Car Diagnostic Scanner
This is more professional level of unit that will work on bluetooth as well as being connected by a wire.
LAUNCH X431 V+ supports ECU coding function on most makes of cars and also provides activation test to test output elements to improve the efficiency of the diagnostic work
It covers diagnosing Fuel system, Emission system, Transmission, Engine, Body, Powertrain and more.
Based on Android 7.1, LAUNCH X431, V+ is Wi-Fi/Bluetooth enabled with top-ranking configuration of large storage capacity. Advanced 1.2GHz four-core CPU.10.1”HD IPS screen display, together with massive capacity of battery.
There is a 5 year warranty on this model and although its expensive I have to say that it is a joy to use. The functions are really easy, the display is lovely. If I was going to be using it regularly, I might be tempted to spend this sort of money.
A very quick video review
We have looked over all the video reviews and found this great short presentation on these tools. It gives you an instant idea of what to expect as well as telling you all the features and spec in and easy to understand format.
I hope you enjoy watching it as I always think its much better to see a tool in action rather than just reading about it or seeing pictures. This guy is particularly good at explaining the features and he is well known for demonstrating tools.
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