For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding your vehicle’s health is becoming increasingly important. Modern cars are complex systems, and accessing their diagnostic information often requires specialized tools. While a basic, budget-friendly Bluetooth ELM327 OBD2 scanner paired with a smartphone app might seem appealing, it’s crucial to understand its limitations, especially when looking for the best bluetooth OBD2 scanner in 2021.
These inexpensive Bluetooth dongles, typically around $13, are designed to interface with your car’s On-Board Diagnostics II (OBDII) system. However, OBDII data is standardized and limited. For example, while an OBDII scanner can detect a faulty oil level sensor, it won’t provide the actual oil level reading because this information isn’t part of the standardized OBDII data set. Manufacturers like VeePeak clearly state that their entry-level Bluetooth scanners are restricted to OBDII system diagnostics.
If your goal is to delve deeper and access systems beyond the standard OBDII – perhaps to reset an oil change light or to work with electronic parking brakes – you’ll need a more advanced scan tool capable of communicating with your vehicle’s non-OBDII systems. This is where tools like the Autel DiagLink enter the picture.
In 2021, the Autel DiagLink was a notable step up, typically priced around $90-$100. Its key advantage lies in its ability to interact with non-OBDII systems, offering functionalities that basic Bluetooth scanners lack. However, the DiagLink has a significant constraint: it’s designed to work with only one car brand out of the box. You choose your brand during the initial setup and download the corresponding software from Autel. While this makes it cost-effective for owners dedicated to a single car brand, expanding its capabilities to other brands requires purchasing additional software licenses from Autel, typically around $10 per brand. Despite this limitation, for users focusing on a single vehicle make, the DiagLink offered excellent value in 2021, providing access to advanced functions like oil light resets and electronic parking brake service modes, features rarely found in similarly priced generic OBD2 scanners.
For broader vehicle coverage and access to non-OBDII data across multiple brands, you would need to consider more versatile tools like the Autel MD806. In 2021, the MD806 was available for around $200, representing a significant step up in capability. While it’s believed to share similar internal hardware with the DiagLink, the MD806’s software is designed for multi-brand compatibility right from the start. Furthermore, Autel often included “lifetime” software updates with tools like the MD806, adding long-term value. It’s important to note that “lifetime” in software terms usually refers to the product’s expected support lifespan, not literal eternity. However, the continuous updates during this period ensure the tool remains effective with newer vehicle models and diagnostic protocols. For home mechanics or car enthusiasts working on various vehicles, the Autel MD806 in 2021 was considered one of the best value propositions, offering a wide range of diagnostic capabilities without an exorbitant price tag. It provided the necessary tools for most DIY automotive tasks, making it a worthwhile investment, especially for frequent users.
When choosing the best bluetooth OBD2 scanner for 2021, consider your needs carefully. For basic OBDII code reading on any car, a cheap Bluetooth ELM327 scanner might suffice. However, for brand-specific advanced diagnostics or multi-brand non-OBDII system access, investing in a tool like the Autel DiagLink or MD806 (or their equivalent models available in 2021) will provide significantly greater functionality and long-term value. Remember to research current models and compare features and prices to find the best fit for your specific requirements and budget in the evolving world of automotive diagnostics.
