1. Autel MaxiDAS DS808K

This full code reading and diagnostic kit comes as a tablet that can be quickly connected to the car’s onboard computer. This is the most expensive kit on the market using a powerful and quick quad-core processor, powered by Lithium Polymer Batteries, and weighing about 15.5 lbs.

A 7-inch touchscreen with its own backlighting makes the options and features easy to see at all times, with its own auto-brightness adjusting features to make it even more convenient. The tablet-based tool, connectors, and more all come in a handy suitcase, as well, so it’s easy to transport and carry around with you.

It can help diagnose most cars from a range of manufacturers, covering both Asian and European models, with the help of a handy AutoVIN feature that can help identify car make and model quickly. Other scanners may require you to find and enter the VIN manually, so the MaxiDAS can help cut one step out of the process entirely.

Besides reading and analysing trouble codes from the OBD system, it provides a much deeper diagnosis thanks to its advanced scanning technology. You can even create test reports and performance graphs with relative ease thanks to an intuitive user-interface that keeps your options readable and understandable.

What’s more, It offers the ability to reset and fix codes. Using this tool, you can cycle the ABS system, calibrate the weight sensor, bleed the ABS pump, reset transmission CVIs and much more, helping you address many of the problems that the diagnostics tool finds.

The tool has reasonable memory capacity for saved reports and downloaded updates but can be enhanced even further thanks to the MicroSD slot that allows you to add up to 32 gigs of extra data with compatible cards.

What’s more, the device connects to a Cloud-based data manager. This means that diagnostic reports, records on your specific vehicle, notes for the technician and more can be exported and uploaded, so they can be downloaded and reproduced on other devices with relative ease.

The remote support is a handy feature, too. If you experience any bugs or issues, the device itself can help you connect to the Autel team and they can remotely control your device to troubleshoot it and help correct any issues.

Any bug fixes or updates that are released for the MaxiDAS are completely free for a year, helping you keep its diagnostic database up-to-date by simply connecting the device to the Wifi every time you get a prompt for an update.

If you regularly deal with vehicle diagnostics, then the Autel MaxiDAS is a sophisticated, comprehensive tool that’s both professional and easy to use. If you’re able to take the costs, it’s hard to beat in terms of quality, functionality, and service.

2. Innova 3160G

This code reader and scanning tool is much cheaper than the Autel MaxiDAS, and much smaller, as well. It’s a handheld device that can easily be used in one hand, as opposed to having to be kept on your lap, with a 3.5” inch display and Bluetooth connectivity.

This diagnostic tool is compatible with a large range of US, European, and Asian models from 1996 onwards, including cars, hybrids, SUVs, and light trucks. Not only can it be used to read problem codes from the OBD system, but it’s also able to diagnose and help fix issues with ABS, SRS, to reset oil and battery maintenance, and even to test the charging system of the vehicle.

The Bluetooth functionality is one of the best features of this device, allowing you to stream data and trouble codes to other devices completely live, meaning it can be used with some of the best apps on the market that can help you identify problem codes and get more details on what’s wrong with your vehicle.

Despite the relatively small screen, the display is high-quality and intuitive, meaning that it’s not too difficult to find the feature you want and you won’t be fussing with accidental presses of the wrong thing. It presents more than error codes alone, with live data graphic that can help you see more details on performance than the average scanner usually allows you to do.

Innova has a reputation for creating some of the most comprehensive diagnostic tools on the market, and their database of vehicles and problems codes is always updating. As soon as you buy this device, you’re entitled to free software updates for the foreseeable. Combined with the fact this device is programmed to work with multiple OBD system protocols means that it’s effective at scanning a huge range of vehicles.

The device also comes with a free year-long trial of Innova’s Repair Solutions software package. This software helps provide even more information on what’s wrong with the vehicle, so you can use the problem codes provided by the tool to get more information on the issue and exactly what you can do about it.

Providing information like average costs and step-by-step instructions for a range of repairs, it’s a good tool to use alongside the Innova. While it might not have quite as many advanced features as more expensive kits like the Autel reviewed above, it provides a lot more information and functionality than your average scanner or problem code finder.

With the added Bluetooth functionality that allows it to connect to a range of devices and apps, it’s easy to recommend the Innova 3160g to the average car owner who wants to more readily identify what is wrong with their vehicle.

3. FOXWELL NT624 PRO

Only slightly more expensive than the Innova scanner, the FOXWELL code scanner is another handheld device. With a large 3.4” inch display, it’s compatible with a large range of European, Asian, and US makes and models. What’s more, it’s a standalone scanner so you don’t need to connect it to any external devices to get all of the information and features that it’s capable of providing.

Besides reading manufacturer protocols and scanning for problem codes, this device is also able to more effectively diagnose other subsystems of the car more effectively than the average generic scanner, including braking and parking systems, your ABS, transmission, airbag, and the air conditioning systems.

It can provide live data graphs as well as reports so you can see the performance of your car in real-time to help you identify how the issues detected are affecting your vehicle.

Unlike other diagnostic devices, FOXWELL does not force you to pay up or re-subscribe for software updates after a certain period of time. You have a lifetime of free updates, helping you keep the device functional as well as keeping its database up-to-date with the latest vehicle and code information.

The only drawback is that to update it, you have to manually remove the SD card and insert it into a smartphone, tablet, or computer to download the update directly onto it.

For a professional tool, the FOXWELL NT624 PRO is built to be easily used by beginners, as well. This is helped not only by the high-quality, clear, backlit display, but also the large buttons and a user interface that keeps your options concise while presenting all the information you need to know.

Unlike the Autel, it can’t program the car, but it can read and reset codes for the engine, turn off dashboard lights, and is compatible with a huge range of manufacturer protocols, meaning it’s compatible with more vehicles than the average OBD device.

Add to that the extremely compact design and it’s easy to simply carry with you or store in the glove compartment of your car, to use a quick and efficient diagnostics tool whenever you need to.

All this makes the FOXWELL NT624 a great device for pros who want a much more efficient diagnostics tool but also for learning technicians and car DIYers. It’s not the most comprehensive tool on the market, but offers a lot more functionality than the average scanner, and the standalone nature of it means that you don’t have to fuss with other devices in order to learn exactly what’s wrong with your car.

More Information about Car Diagnostic Tools

These diagnostic tools are plugged into the car’s onboard computer, often found near the knees, just under the dash. Once the ignition is turned, the computer is booted. Some scanners run on their own power supply, while others are powered directly the car battery. When they’re plugged in, you can start the diagnostic process.

There’s some difference between OBD-connection diagnostic tools and what are most often called “scanners” on the market, too. Scanners help you find the code provided by the onboard computer, from which point you can use several smartphone apps to search up the code and find out the issue. A professional car diagnostic tool will give you a lot more detail on the condition of your vehicle.

Pro Automotive Diagnostic Tool Video

Here is a YouTube video showing how to use a car diagnostic tool:

Conclusion

If you want a truly professional tool that offers all the functionality that a mechanic could need, then the Autel diagnostic kit is the right solution for you. It’s a premium device, even though it comes at a premium price.

While it’s a little heavier than the others, the sheer added functionality and the Cloud-based data management system makes it a truly professional tool. If you’re looking to spend a little less, then both the FOXWELL and the Innova are good for your money.