Diagnose car engine problems without going to a mechanic. Use a car code reader!
In most cases, car owners or motorists spend lots of money taking their vehicles of checkups whenever the check engine light goes on. While this move is good, it is both time consuming and very costly.
Auto mechanics will charge you for these services each time they inspect your car. So to save time and cuts down these inspection costs, get an automotive diagnostic tool.
Besides, you will always have a rough estimate of the repair cost. These OBD scanners are affordable and have some highly advanced features.
Learn more about all those features by reading our 3 reviews about the best Kia car diagnostic tools and take one for your car now. (photo: Flickr)
Comparison chart of top OBD scanners
| Foxwell NT301 | Autel MaxiLink ML619 CAN | AstroAl OS720 | |
| Weight | 1.05 pounds | 1.95 pounds | 1.48 pounds |
| OBD1 / OBD2 | OBD2 scanner | OBD2 scanner | OBD2 scanner |
| Check engine light reset | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In-built lookup library | Yes | Yes | DTC Lookup |
| Full OBD II modes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS, SRS | No | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Full system | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Best Kia scan tools reviewed
Published here are reviews of the three OBD2 diagnotic tools that we have included in the comparison chart above. Continue your read to learn more about pros and cons of each of the scanners.
1. FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 diagnostic tool
The Foxwell NT301 OBD2 diagnostic tool supports every obd2 function. Therefore, it is a very versatile tool. Its compact design and large screen makes it easy to use. We have highlighted some of its great features alongside its benefits.
Reads emission
Whenever you take a vehicle for inspection, the mechanic will carry out some tests. One of these tests is the vehicle emission test.
But if you have this NT301 tool, you can test the emissions system yourself. Hence you will always have an idea whether the car will pass or fail the test.
DTC-Lookup Feature
Most vehicle code readers do not indicate what the codes mean. Well, this is different with the NT301 scan tool.
This diagnostic tool identifies the problem with your car. It goes a step further by giving an explanation for that problem. As such, you or an auto mechanic will be able to act accordingly.
Internet Updatable
As long as you have an internet connection, you can update your NT301 scanner. Also, it comes with lifetime software upgrade – for free. Hence, you will always have current technology and the latest bug fixes.
This means you don’t have to purchase a new scanner. All you have to do is to upgrade the one you have.
Requires no battery
Starting the NT301 scanner is very easy and quick. This is because it does not use a battery. Instead, it charges directly from your car’s obdII scan interface. This feature makes the scanner perfect for DIY and mechanics.
To say the least, it has a long USB cable. So you can use the scanner even when sitting on the driver’s seat. Just plug the code reader in and read or erase any fault code on your vehicle.
Vehicles coverage
The Foxwell NT301 scan tool accurately reads and clear error codes for different cars. These cars include SUVs, 12V diesel and light trucks equipped with obdII.
Who should take the tool?
The NT301 GM scanner is open to every customer. It is convenient for autoshops and home mechanics.
Pros
- The rubber material prevents the scanner from crashing when dropped on a hard or rough surface
- Its menu is easy to access
- Supports every obd2 service mode such as live data, freeze frame data and retrieving permanent codes
- Comes with additional accessories such as CD, USB cable and user guide
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- For newbies, the instructions might not be clear enough
- This scanner cannot perform Bi-directional Control tests
- The tool does not show or cancel error codes for every problem. It does so only for engine fault codes.
2. Autel MaxiLink ML619 CAN OBD2 ABS SRS scan tool
The Autel MaxiLink ML619 is very outstanding in performance. If you do repairs at a garage, you need a scanner that does more than reading and deleting error codes. If your budget is tight as well, have a look at the amazing features of this scanner.
Performs various functions
As an entry-level code reader, the ML619 provides more functions than a basic scanner. It reads and erases error codes. Moreover, it reads, stores, as well as playback live PCM data stream. The scanner also switches off the ABS warning lights and malfunction indicator light.
The interface is easy to use
The Autel ML619 has well-labeled hotkeys. So you will use the tool without a problem. It comes with a huge screen that displays any data recorded from your vehicle.
Besides, its menu is multilingual with languages like Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Dutch and German, etc.
Internet updateable
Similar to NT301, the Autel ML619 can be updated. It comes with the latest software to do your upgrades and updates. The only difference is that the upgrades and updates are short lived. So you will pay for them after a certain period.
Vehicle coverage
The scanner functions on lots of 1996 and newer cars. This includes Kia, Hyundai, VW, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Mercedes, etc.
Pros
- Comes with extra accessories such as carry case, quick reference guide, 16GB micro-SD card, and the main cable
- Works on every 1996 vehicles and newer ones
- Retrieves generic, manufacturer specific and pending codes
- The scanner provides the user with a 1-year warranty
- The device is lightweight as it weighs almost 1.95 lbs.
- The interface is easy to use as well
Cons
- Some users report compatibility issues
- Some issues might arise when updating
- The packaging might be too much
3. AstroAl OS720 OBDII check engine code reader
Nowadays cars are more complicated than ever. So diagnosing errors without a good scanner is very challenging. This is where we introduce the AstroAl OS720 OBD2 code reader.
It is an easy to use scanner even for DIYers. It will help you know why the check engine light is on. More so, you will be able to check why your vehicle is not working efficiently.
DTC Lookup
The scanner lets you detect problems your vehicle might be having. Further, it provides solutions for those codes.
Check the Emission Status
This scanner is utilitarian because it lets you check your car’s emission in advance. Therefore, high chances are that your car will pass the Smog Check.
Additionally, the patented I/M readiness key is very convenient to carry out the task.
Checks Engine Code Reader
With this scanner, you will easily know what makes the Check Engine Light go on. Hence, you can resolve these problems quickly and directly.
Updates and prints diagnostic report
When you connect your computer terminal with your scanner, you can update your software. The best part is that you can print your diagnostic report for further analysis.
Graph-based Data
The scanner lets you accurately know the problems through the auto-generated graphs.
Vehicle coverage
As an enhanced OBD2 and EOBD scan tool, it covers every obd diagnostic service and OBD2 protocol. Hence it works with almost every car equipped with OBDII.
These vehicles include Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Jeep, Toyota, Benz, Mitsubishi, and Mazda among others.
Who is it built for?
This KIA diagnostic scan tool is perfect for beginner technicians and ordinary vehicle owners.
Pros
- Compactly designed for easy storage and portability
- Among the most affordable obd2 scanner
- Has LED lights and huge screen for complete data analysis
- Comes with a multi-lingual menu
- Compatible with foreign and domestic OBD2 vehicles
Cons
- The translation from the English language to others seems poor
- Challenging to update the software
The bottom line
These 3 car diagnostic scanners function better than the basic ones. More so, they come at a really attractive price tag. That said, the scanners are all ideal for DIY enthusiasts and auto mechanics alike.
These scan tools can detect malfunctions on any car and erase them. Their display screens are easy to read, with clearly labeled buttons and compact designs.
Above all, these scanners cover a wide collection of cars. So you can always get a scanner suitable for your car model/make. The tool will save you time and money spent visiting a vehicle repair shop. Hopefully, these 3 reviews will help you make a choice.
