Best OBD2 Scanners in the UK

A car mechanic, in many instances, is only as good as the tools that they use. In order to diagnose and repair problems with any vehicle, any number of tools are required for this task, and of course the better the quality of the tools, the more thorough a job can be done. Any mechanic using inferior tools is sure to run into problems with being able to fully fix a vehicle they are repairing, so it is of the utmost importance to ensure that they are using the highest quality tools possible in order to ensure a quality diagnosis and repair job.

This extends to ODB2 scanners, where the quality of the device is going to directly affect the information that can be gathered and analyzed by the mechanic. The Autel MaxiLink ML629 OBD2 Scanner provides any mechanic with a great quality scanner that can be used in almost any situation. The device allows you to get extended information on the DTC (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES) LIST, where you can study in detail the information regarding errors in electronic control units. In addition, it also provides the function of resetting SRS-codes, giving you a fully-featured device that lets you get to the root of any vehicle's problems in a quick and accurate manner.

ODB2 scanners have been a real godsend to mechanics. Thanks to their ability to interface with the computer in almost any car, they are able to help detect issues with the car both quickly and accurately. However, many of the top models available tend to be pretty expensive, which puts them out of the price range for those who like to work on their own cars instead of relying on a mechanic. This, in turn, tends to take away the ability to quickly and easily detect issues with a vehicle. Not all of the top models are so expensive, though, and the Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD II & CAN Scan Tool is a great example of this.

This is an affordable and easy-to-use OBD2 diagnostic scanner that works on all models and makes of car from 1996 and newer. With the Autel AutoLink AL319, you won't need to go through guesswork when troubleshooting an issue and work out what part of the whole system has gone out of order. It quickly detects all malfunctions, notifies the user about the error codes by displaying a message on the screen, and explains the issues so that it’s not necessary to look up online for further explanation. The Autel AutoLink AL319 will assist users in verifying road tests, solving basic engine problems, checking the emission monitor status, resetting monitors, displaying and clearing error codes, and viewing freeze frame data.

The Foseal FO-01 covers a little more than its contemporaries, solidifying its spot on this list. To start with, the 2.8-inch LCD screen is quite large, making the on-screen information readable even without staring at the screen from <10 centimetres. The font is reasonable, fitting ample information at a time but also making sure that you can read that information without much trouble. What's more, the screen is backlit, so you'll be able to read the information on the screen even at night without turning on the lights. Also, you can adjust the contrast, preventing the display from turning excessively bright. It seems like the screen also features some anti-glare treatment but it is not sufficient at all, so you'll still have to shield the display from the sun when using the device on sunny days.

On the bright side (pardon the pun), what the experts at Foseal call a grab design makes this device plenty comfortable. While the screen is large, the bottom half thins out, making the model more practical and comfortable to hold. As it is almost always the case, the sides are rubberised, preventing the scanner from slipping away and protecting its internal components from shock damage upon impact. The plastic behind the rubberised casing is not fragile as well, so there's a pretty good chance that this device will last. Even the 2.5-feet (76-centimetre) cable is pretty sturdy, so you can sit with comfort when running diagnostics tests.

As much as we like the screen, the controls sell this scanner even more than the display. To go with standard Scroll Up, Scroll Down, Escape, and Okay buttons, this device adds VIN and DTC buttons. With the former, you'll be able to check the vehicle ID number with one click. The latter, on the other hand, will let you access the trouble codes with one click as well.

Why overpay for costly diagnostics at a local auto service when you can perform the basic scans in your own garage? The MOTOPOWER OBD2 is a practical scanner that works with the 1996+ cars and easily uncovers the basic issues in your vehicle.

To start with, this scanner features the integrated OBD2 DTC lookup library that covers multiple tasks. View the vehicle info, check out the speed data, calculate the load value, and do much more with this handy device. A scanner such as the MOTOPOWER is indispensable if you keep getting a fault code and the standard auto service cannot help.

The LCD screen of this scanner is backlit and has contrast adjustment. Your eyes won’t get overstrained when you’re using the device, and all the information will be readily available to you at a glance. The scanner gets powered up directly from your car via the OBDII Data Link Connector.

This device was really designed to last. The flexible insulator is extra thick, so don’t worry about accidental damage. The 6 handy buttons let you navigate the menu as well as quickly query the VIN vehicle number or the DTC fault code.

Looking for a versatile and user-centric vehicle scanner? The AUTOPHIX may be your best choice in this case. It offers many features but doesn’t force you to become an auto mechanic to use it. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this device so practical.

First off, this scanner comes with as many as 14 special features, letting you read/erase the emission related or pending codes; view the vehicle information and the recorded DTC; and more. If your local car service cannot locate the issue, try this versatile device, and your problem may be gone for good. Find car faults easily and save up on the (costly) diagnostics.

The enhanced OBD2 scanner will read and erase all the trouble codes that may trigger the emission issues. It can also turn the MIL off and reset the monitor. The DTC lookup library will let you find code definitions to know for sure if your vehicle is in need of repair. This, in turn, will boost your car’s performance and extend its lifespan.

The 2.4" TFT 262K colour LCD screen of this scanner is a real pleasure to use. The keypad is silicone coated and very intuitive even for complete beginners.