There are several types of diagnostic equipment and scanners on the market for garages, and though there is some overlap between some of these, you need to ensure you get the right tool for the job.
| Type | Use/Purpose |
| OBD2 Scanners | Used to scan Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) on all modern cars and vehicles. |
| OBD1 Scanners | Used to scan Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) on older vehicles that aren’t OBD2 compatible. |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) | Monitors tyre pressure and performance. |
| Circuit Testers and Multimeters | Diagnose electrical systems by testing voltage, resistance and continuity. |
| Car Battery Testers | Assess battery health, charge and performance. |
Although the names are used interchangeably, an OBD2 reader is a basic diagnostic tool that can read and display diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from a car’s OBD2 port, whereas an OBD2 diagnostic scanner is a more advanced diagnostic tool that can do everything a code reader can do; it can also:
In general, OBD2 scanners are more expensive than OBD2 readers, but they offer more features and functionality.
Here is a table that summarises the key differences between OBD2 readers and diagnostic scanners:
| Feature | OBD2 Reader | OBD2 Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Reads DTCs | Yes | Yes |
| Clears DTCs | Yes | Yes |
| Reads pending DTCs | No | Yes |
| Reads manufacturer-specific DTCs | No | Yes |
| Displays real-time data | No | Yes |
| Performs diagnostic tests | No | Yes |
| Graphs and records data | No | Yes |
Which type of diagnostic tool you need depends on the type and size of garage you run, the types of vehicles you work on and of course, your budget. If you are looking for a basic way to read and clear DTCs, then an OBD2 reader is a good option.
However, if you run a garage or MOT Bay and need more advanced features, such as reading pending and manufacturer-specific DTCs, displaying real-time data, or performing diagnostic tests, consider an OBD2 scanner.
When selecting a diagnostic machine, consider:
Our expert team will be happy to help you find your perfect tool from our stock from leading diagnostic equipment manufacturers, including TOPDON UK, Bosch and Otofix.
Call us today on 01302 203 888.
