Whether you have an auto shop or you have a car that you want to fix, you’ll need to look into a tool that can help you.
Cars made in 1996 and afterwards have a computer system in place that allows for easier diagnostics. The diagnostic system is part of the computer elements that now run vehicles.
Modern vehicles have software that helps rung every component, and can be tapped into to tell you if something is wrong.
Knowing what is wrong is the key to fixing your computer, especially if you are to purchase automotive diagnostic software to help you diagnose issues overall.
If you were to search for software online, you would find a lot of information on these. You would have thousands of listings, but which is the best for your car? There’s a few things that you should know about what to look for, and what to pick up.
The following tips and tricks will help you gain the upper hand, and pick out the right tool and software that is going to help your scanner, and tool.
Trusted Resource (Authority)
The very first thing that you should look for is the authority of the software that you are looking for.
The trusted resource should help you gain the upper hand in regard to your vehicle, which means that it should not be necessarily new. Look for options that have been in the market for some time.
Creating software that is specifically for car diagnostics isn’t the most complex, but finding an option that has the right updates is critical. Look online for options that have been peer reviewed, used by professionals, or has been updated in recent months.
Look for authority modules, and signs that the data has been updated for the make and model of your vehicle.
Customer Support (Tech and More)
The software that you choose may seem great, it may be well reviewed, but it may not be up to date. Or you could purchase something that needs a helping hand to configure correctly. With that in mind, you’ll want to look for software solutions that have customer support available.
Whether you can email, or call, make sure that you can pick up the phone or send a message and get answers. If you cannot contact the company, or get an update for your software, then you will be stuck with something that may not work out for you.
The best software today is created by companies that have support for it. Even if it’s just a call center that is open 8 hours a day, you’ll want to look into this moving forward. A good technical support system may very well give you the answers to work with the software correctly.
Compatibility Lists
As you look into picking out the software you need, makes sure to read about compatibility. Compatibility is important, because it will tell you whether or not your vehicle’s computer systems is going to be picked up. Some options work with a lot of vehicles, some are only for specific makes and models, and others are generic in general.
Take your time to look into whether or not the software is for multiple vehicles, or just “one” brand. Options that are meant for “one” brand alone, may cost you more, but will have specific answers to the issues that your vehicle is having. That’s a good thing, as it will be easier to manage.
Updated Often
The next major thing that you are going to want to look for is whether it’s updated recently or not.
If you don’t see a timeline that has been updated, you will not be able to get the information you need out of the scanner or diagnostic software. Some options aren’t updated because there is no manufacturer changes to the ECU or the OBD adapter.
However, some options are updated frequently, and changed to coincide with new models and changes to the drive train, engine, and tuning. The more updates, and the sooner they are together, you’ll find that things are going to be better overall.
An antiquated software will not give you the right information, although some basic options can give you simplified codes.
Usability (Moving Around)
Automotive diagnostic software should be mobile, if you need to move around a bit. Your software may be attached to a computer, phone, or tablet.
You will want to be able to work with it around a garage, and perhaps around different areas of your home. If you cannot work with it, move around, and get the right information, then you’ll no doubt be stuck in one place.
There’s nothing wrong with an option that doesn’t move around, but if you want to move around, then look for options that are easily transported throughout your garage, etc. For instance, look for options for tablets, smartphones, or work with Bluetooth or Wireless Information.
The Cost
Perhaps one way to make sure that you’re getting a good option is to look at the price. Just because something costs thousands, doesn’t mean that it’s going to be the best solution for you.
However, it can be true that low cost or free solutions aren’t going to have enough information overall. You’ll want to find something in the middle, in terms of cost.
Make sure that you look for cost versus compatibility and devices that you can use it on. Create a budget, and read through the specifications of the software that you want to purchase, and then order one that has updates, and costs a modest amount.
Again, free options are ok for beginners, but to get the most out of automotive diagnostic software, you’ll need to pay for software, not download free options.
As you can see, there’s a lot of different elements that you will need to consider when searching for software today.
Look for the right option for you, and get moving forward with the “right” option, by taking your time. Don’t rush through the selection process, or you could buy the wrong solution.
