For car enthusiasts and those keen on maintaining their vehicles, understanding the health of your car’s computer systems is crucial. In 2018, while basic OBDII scanners were readily available, truly comprehensive car diagnostics demanded more sophisticated tools. If you were looking to go beyond simple error code reading and delve into deeper diagnostics, especially accessing systems outside of the standard OBDII protocols, a basic, inexpensive Bluetooth ELM 327 dongle simply wouldn’t cut it. These entry-level devices, often paired with smartphone apps, are limited in their capabilities, primarily focusing on federally mandated OBDII systems. Features like checking oil level, for example, aren’t standard OBDII data points. While OBDII can report issues with a faulty oil level sensor, it won’t provide the actual oil level reading itself. For in-depth analysis and access to proprietary vehicle systems, you needed to step up to more advanced car diagnostic tools.
Understanding the Limitations of Basic OBDII Scanners in 2018
The OBDII (On-Board Diagnostics II) system is a standardized system implemented in most cars for emissions monitoring and basic diagnostics. While incredibly useful for reading generic fault codes related to the engine and emissions, it’s intentionally limited. Manufacturers often use proprietary systems outside of OBDII for various vehicle functions, including transmission, ABS, airbags, and comfort features. For example, as highlighted earlier, checking the actual oil level or engaging functions like putting an electric parking brake into service mode are typically beyond the scope of a basic OBDII scanner. Therefore, relying solely on a cheap OBDII scanner in 2018 meant missing out on a wealth of diagnostic information and control available within your vehicle’s complex network of computers.
Top Car Diagnostic Tools Stepping Up in 2018
To overcome the limitations of basic OBDII tools and access these deeper diagnostic capabilities in 2018, several options emerged, catering to different needs and budgets.
Autel DiagLink: Brand-Specific Depth at an Affordable Price
For car owners primarily focused on a single vehicle brand, the Autel DiagLink presented a compelling option in 2018. Priced around $90-$100, it offered significantly enhanced diagnostic capabilities compared to basic OBDII scanners, particularly for non-OBDII systems. The key feature of the DiagLink was its brand-specific software. Each unit came with software for one vehicle brand of your choice, downloadable and installable by the user. This specialized software unlocked access to advanced functions like resetting service lights, including oil change indicators, and performing tasks like retracting electronic parking brakes for brake service – functions unavailable through generic OBDII.
The trade-off with the DiagLink was its brand limitation. It was designed to excel with one brand. While additional brand software could be purchased for around $10 per brand, it wasn’t a multi-brand solution out of the box. However, for individuals or small garages specializing in a particular brand in 2018, the Autel DiagLink provided a cost-effective entry point into deeper, brand-specific diagnostics. It delivered functionality that was often inaccessible in tools at similar price points, making it a strong contender for the best car diagnostic tool for specific brand users in 2018.
Autel MD806: Versatile Multi-Brand Diagnostics for Broader Coverage
For those needing diagnostic capabilities across multiple vehicle brands, the Autel MD806 stood out as a highly recommended option in 2018. At around $200, it represented a step up in price from the DiagLink but offered significantly broader coverage and versatility. Internally, the MD806 likely shared hardware similarities with the DiagLink, but its software was designed for multi-brand compatibility. Crucially, it eliminated the need to purchase separate brand-specific software, making it immediately usable across a wider range of vehicles. Furthermore, the Autel MD806 came with free software updates for its “lifetime,” although realistically, this meant for the expected lifespan of the tool itself. Despite the practical limitations of “lifetime” updates, the MD806 offered excellent long-term value.
In 2018, the Autel MD806 hit a sweet spot for many users. It provided the ability to read non-OBDII data across multiple brands, access advanced functions beyond basic OBDII, and offered a level of diagnostic depth suitable for both serious home mechanics and professional technicians needing a portable and versatile tool. Its balance of features, multi-brand capability, and reasonable price point positioned the Autel MD806 as one of the best value car diagnostic tools available in 2018, capable of handling the diagnostic needs of a wide range of users and vehicles.
Conclusion
Choosing the “Best Car Diagnostic Tool 2018” depended heavily on individual needs and budget. For brand-specific in-depth diagnostics at a lower cost, the Autel DiagLink was a strong contender. However, for broader multi-brand coverage and versatility, the Autel MD806 emerged as a top recommendation, offering an excellent balance of features and value for its price. Both tools represented significant advancements over basic OBDII scanners, providing users with the ability to truly understand and maintain the complex computer systems within their vehicles in 2018 and beyond.
