For car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics in 2017, understanding the nuances of vehicle diagnostics was becoming increasingly crucial. While basic OBDII scanners served a purpose, they often fell short when it came to accessing deeper, non-OBDII systems critical for comprehensive car health checks. If you were looking to go beyond simple error code reading and delve into systems like oil level monitoring and electronic parking brakes, a more advanced tool was necessary.
Understanding Diagnostic Needs Beyond OBDII in 2017
The limitations of entry-level OBDII devices, particularly the budget-friendly Bluetooth ELM 327 dongles paired with phone apps, were becoming apparent. These tools, while inexpensive, were primarily designed for standardized OBDII data, lacking the capability to interact with proprietary, non-OBDII systems. For instance, while an OBDII system might flag a faulty oil level sensor, it wouldn’t provide the actual oil level reading – a detail often essential for proactive maintenance. As VeePeak, a known brand in the scanner market, clearly states, their OBDII models are confined to OBDII scanning alone. Therefore, for workshops and serious DIYers in 2017, tools capable of engaging with broader in-vehicle communication networks were essential.
Top Recommendations for Advanced Diagnostics in 2017
Stepping up from basic OBDII, the market in 2017 offered solutions that provided deeper access. For those primarily working with a single vehicle brand, the Autel DiagLink emerged as a cost-effective option, typically priced around $90-$100.
Autel DiagLink: Best for Single-Brand Deep Dive
The Autel DiagLink stood out by offering brand-specific, advanced diagnostic functions that were often absent in generic scanners at this price point. It allowed users to perform tasks like resetting oil change indicators and retracting electronic parking brakes for servicing – functions crucial for modern vehicle maintenance. However, the DiagLink’s primary limitation was its single-brand focus. Each unit came with software for one vehicle brand, downloadable from Autel. While additional brand software was available for purchase (around $10 in 2017), this made it most suitable for users dedicated to a specific car make. For a home mechanic specializing in a particular brand or a household with a single car make, the DiagLink presented a powerful and economical solution in 2017 for in-depth diagnostics.
Autel MD806: The Multi-Brand Champion
For broader vehicle coverage, especially for those working with multiple car brands, the Autel MD806, priced around $200 in 2017, was a compelling choice. While believed to share internal hardware similarities with the DiagLink, the MD806 distinguished itself through its multi-brand software approach. It eliminated the need for separate brand-specific software downloads and offered “lifetime” software updates. It’s important to note that “lifetime” in software terms typically refers to the product’s support lifecycle, but for the expected lifespan of the tool, the MD806 offered significant value. For DIYers and small garages needing a versatile tool capable of handling various makes and models, the Autel MD806 was considered one of the best all-around diagnostic tools in 2017, balancing capability with price.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Diagnostic Tool in 2017
In 2017, selecting the best car diagnostic tool depended heavily on individual needs and budget. For single-brand enthusiasts seeking deep diagnostics, the Autel DiagLink was a strong contender. For those requiring multi-brand coverage and future-proofing, the Autel MD806 offered a robust and highly recommended solution. Both tools represented significant advancements over basic OBDII scanners, empowering users to take greater control of their vehicle maintenance and diagnostics in 2017 and beyond.
