For modern vehicle diagnostics that go beyond the standard emissions checks, you’ll quickly realize that a basic, inexpensive OBDII scanner might not be enough. Those simple $13 Bluetooth ELM 327 dongles paired with phone apps are handy for reading generic OBDII codes, but they fall short when you need to access systems outside of the mandated OBDII parameters. For instance, checking your oil level – a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance – isn’t part of the standard OBDII data set. While OBDII can report issues with a faulty oil level sensor, it won’t give you the actual oil level reading. As clearly stated on VeePeak’s website, their scanners, like many in the lower price range, are designed solely for OBDII diagnostics.
To truly delve into your car’s health and access non-OBDII systems, you need a more sophisticated tool capable of communicating with the broader network of computers within your vehicle. Think of tools that can operate like the professional-grade VIDA/DiCE system used for Volvo vehicles – these are the kind that unlock deeper diagnostic capabilities.
One of the entry-level options that offers expanded functionality is the Autel DiagLink. Generally priced around $90-$100, the DiagLink presents a more robust solution compared to basic OBDII scanners. However, it comes with a significant limitation: it’s designed to work deeply with only one car brand. Upon purchase, you get to choose one “free” brand-specific software package from Autel, which needs to be downloaded and installed onto the DiagLink before use. This software is what enables the tool to access and interpret the non-OBDII communication protocols of your chosen brand. If you own vehicles from multiple manufacturers and want to utilize the DiagLink’s advanced features on another brand, you’ll need to purchase additional software licenses from Autel. On the bright side, if you are loyal to a single car brand and anticipate sticking with it for the foreseeable future, the DiagLink offers excellent value. For its price, it provides capabilities often absent in similarly priced devices, such as resetting oil change lights or retracting electronic parking brakes for service – features accessible, of course, for your selected brand. The cost for additional brand software is relatively modest, around $10 per brand, making it feasible to expand its brand coverage if needed, but it’s an important factor to consider upfront.
If your needs extend to diagnosing multiple car brands beyond just OBDII, you should consider multi-brand scan tools like the Autel MD806. Typically priced around $200, the MD806 represents a step up in versatility. While it may share similar internal hardware with the DiagLink, the key difference lies in its software. The MD806’s software is designed to support multiple car brands without requiring separate software downloads for each. Furthermore, it usually includes “lifetime” software updates. It’s worth noting that “lifetime” in the context of software support generally refers to the product’s expected lifespan and support period. While updates might not be available indefinitely (perhaps not in 15 years for a very old unit), for the practical lifespan of the tool, you generally receive ongoing software support. Considering its capabilities and price point, the Autel MD806 often stands out as one of the best values in car scanning tools. It equips DIY enthusiasts and home mechanics with the functionality needed for a wide range of diagnostic tasks, without the prohibitive cost often associated with professional-grade equipment. For those who plan to use a scan tool frequently across different vehicles or simply want broader diagnostic access, the MD806 is a compelling option.
