Two of the innovative techs that made this possible are the car code readers and car scan tools. Find out everything you need to know about them in this article.

These days problems with modern vehicles can be detected in just a few minutes. Two of the innovative techs that made this possible are the car code readers and car scan tools. Anyone with a modern vehicle and has had the experience of running into a problem with it has most likely seen any of these two.

The good thing is that these tools no longer require the mechanic to go from zero when it comes to diagnosing what’s wrong with the vehicle. Some issues when it comes to cars are hard for the mechanic to detect. The harder the problem is to recognize, the longer the repair time.

Two of the innovative techs that made this possible are the car code readers and car scan tools.

If you were lucky enough to own and drive a classic car from years ago, you may have experienced running into some problems with it. Before, some technical and mechanical automobile problems gave experts a hard time in diagnosing them. But what can these two devices actually do for you? Are they worth it? How do they work and how do they differ? Get the answers to all those questions and more, right in this article from Philcarnews.com:

Scan Tools and Code Readers

Scanning tools and code readers are made to interface with a compatible vehicle’s on-board computer. This computer is also referred to as a diagnostic system. Both code readers and scanning tools are used to troubleshoot or identify vehicle problems.

In shorter terms, code readers are simplified versions of the original scan tool. This is because it’s only able to perform the very basic process of scanning trouble codes. A scan tool is able to clear and read trouble codes. It may also be able to provide the user with advanced data reading. More advanced types can also offer knowledge bases, built-in testing equipment, playback features, and diagnostic procedures.

Scanning tools and code readers are made to interface with a compatible vehicle’s on-board computer

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For a more comprehensible way to identify the differences between the two, refer to this list:

Code Readers Functionalities

• Display, clear and read vehicle trouble codes.
• Resets your vehicle’s check engine light
• Advanced (usually more expensive code readers) can also display and read data, access parameter IDs from the onboard computer or reset readiness monitor

Code readers display, clear and read vehicle trouble codes

Scan Tool Functionalities

• Read generic, pending and codes that are specific to a particular manufacturer
• Give troubleshooting tips, info and definition of trouble codes
• Playback and record live data
• Use definite parameter IDs (or PIDs)
• More advanced versions include other features like diagnostic equipment such as multimeters and scopes

Scan tool reads generic, pending and codes that are specific to a particular manufacturer

We already know that car code readers are usually affordable and are made to be user-friendly. These devices make it very convenient for even the regular car owners to check and read diagnostic car codes.

However, scan tools can offer everything a car code reader can do along with other features. This is why they also cost more than simple car code readers.

Most professional technicians usually need high-quality tools to make their job easier and more efficient. Regular car owners can do just fine with the cheaper option, car code reader.

If you think you need to use a scan tool, your closest automotive shop may let you rent or borrow theirs. But if you can afford a scan tool for yourself, then why not!

Pros and Cons of Car Code Readers

Why Buy a Car Code Reader?

• There is a wide price range for products with varying capabilities and features.
• Car code readers are way more affordable.

Why Shouldn’t You Buy a Car Code Reader?

• Car code is not as accurate, helpful or advanced as scan tools.

Most vehicle owners go for a free code-reading service from their local auto parts store. If your local shop doesn’t offer it for free, you may be able to get the service at a cheap cost.

If you don’t have access to an automobile shop with a scan tool, you can still use your car code reader. All you have to do is take note of the trouble codes that show up. Then, look up what it means on the internet. It’s also good to know that not all the car code readers in the market are the same. While most code readers can do basic functionalities, there are some that are capable of other actions like the ones below:

• Display the names of the trouble codes
• Display and read live data
• Show freeze frame data
• Show readiness monitor status
• Rest readiness monitors
• Allow basic access to full range parameter IDs (or PIDs) given by the vehicle’s onboard computer

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Pros and Cons of a Scan Tool

Why Should You Buy a Scan Tool?

• Modern troubleshooting and diagnostic tool
• Some scan tool models come with playback features and innovative data reading features. It may come with a knowledge base and diagnostic instructions.

Why Shouldn’t You Buy a Scan Tool?

• These are very expensive and can cost up to Php 15,000 to Php 20,000.
• Has a steep learning curve

Spending on a high-quality scan tool isn’t really considered as a good decision if taking finances into account. We could only say that this makes sense if you are seriously into cars or that you earn from fiddling with it. Other than that, spending Php 15,000 to Php 20,000 on something you will rarely use can be a terribly wrong move.

Spending on a high-quality scan tool isn’t really considered a good decision if taking finances into account

Scan tools offer a whole suite of features that varies depending on its cost and intended use. Consumer-grade lower-end scan tools can give code definitions as well as troubleshooting tips.

Higher-end scan tools can come with more in-depth troubleshooting procedures and diagnostics. Some may even have the functionalities listed below:

• Graph specific PIDs or graph data
• Give troubleshooting info and tips
• Use functions that need bidirectional communication

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