Using a code reader that connects to your phone allows you to access more of your vehicle data:
A car scanner or OBD2 reader allows you to monitor performance and other details on a vehicle by connecting a device to the on board diagnostics port of a vehicle.
OBD2 is a standard system in most modern vehicles that makes it easy to read details from a vehicles computer system.
In most cases, it’s simply a case of connecting a Bluetooth or WiFi device to your computers diagnostics port.
After connecting the device, an app can be paired with your vehicle to read information from the on board computer in real time.
It’s possible to access car diagnostics, fault codes, performance, maintenance and customisation options depending on the device used to connect to your vehicle.
The options available will depend on the type of scanner used, and the model of the vehicle.
If your car was built after 2001, it’s likely that you can use any OBD2 scanner. Petrol vehicles build from 1996 and and diesels built from 2008 should have an OBD2 port that you can use to connect a car scanning device.
You’ll usually find the OBD2 port on the drivers side somewhere under the steering wheel.
Customisation options will vary depending on the make and model of your car. It’s also important to read the features available before purchasing a scanner. Not all scanners will have options to customise your vehicle.