Car diagnostics have hit all time technology changes. You no longer have to be in the dark as to what your car is doing, or what is going wrong. If you have a Volkswagen, Audi, Seat or Skoda – then you’re going to be specifically in luck. There’s something grand that you can purchase, and it’s known as a scanner. Beyond what you may already know, you’ll find that you’ll want to focus on VAG COM Scanner options. There’s a lot of these on the market, and some are good, while others aren’t so good. Whatever the case is, you’ll need to do a bit of tinkering before you get the right option.
It’s best not to rush through the process. Don’t rush through anything when it comes to looking for a scanner. If you are going to get the right solution, you are going to need to take your time, and focus on the elements that you need overall. The right scanner for the right job, especially if you have an Audio or a Volkswagen vehicle.
Don’t All Scanners Work?
There’s a huge difference between a VAG COM Scanner and the other types that you will see on the market. The main issue is in regards to the software. VAGCOM is specifically for three different types of manufacturers. So if you have a Toyota or a Ford, this is not going to work. This is very specific to the car, and model. You’re not going to be able to go very far if you go with generic solutions.
Furthermore, generic scanners do not run the software very well at all. It’s just not something that you are going to see very often. That’s something that you absolutely need to consider overall. If you already have an OBD-II scanner and assume you can just go to RossTech and pick things up, you’ll end up losing out big time.
The Software and Scanner Difference
Before you purchase anything, you need to understand that you will have to buy the elements separately. If you run into a bundled package, it most likely is a clone or the LITE version of the software. If you want to have the full version, you’ll need to pay out of pocket. The cost can run you upwards of $500 in some cases, especially if you want full compatibility with everything that you have.
Now, while you can get away with purchasing a scanner, then buying RossTech cables, you’ll still need a computer that can run the software. If you’re running iOS right now, you are not going to get very far, that’s for sure. You will need to focus on a different plane if you are planning on getting this solution.
Look For Reputation (Reviews)
The first thing that you should be looking for when you finally settle down to purchase a VAG-COM Scanner is the option that has a lot of recommendations and reviews. You’ll need to ensure that you are going to be able to run the software, obviously, but you will also want to ensure that others have confirmed that one solution has worked over others. You will not be able to move forward with a generic version, or something that doesn’t have any sort of testing behind it. Visit forums in regards to this answer, and you’ll get pointed in the right direction.
Reputation and reviews will point towards the right solution overall. Don’t skimp on this information, or you could get lost in the shuffle. When it comes to tech, reputation matters a great deal, because it will highlight whether or not you’re going to be able to use the software properly.
Size, Shape, and Cables
The next thing that you are going to want to look into when you’re looking at VAG-COM Scanner options, is the shape, size and whether or not it has been officially licensed for use. You’ll find that you can go to auction websites and run into a lot of listings for OBD-II scanners that are compatible with the VAGCOM option. However, some of them don’t have RossTech cables, or software that has been produced by them. You need to read the fine print and make sure that you are in fact buying something that has been authorized by the software manufacturer. Otherwise, you are going to be disappointed with the results.
The size and shape of your scanner matters too. Do you want something that is handheld? Do you want something that you roll around on a cart, or do you want to connect to a laptop? Each option is going to have different advantages to it. You will not be able to use your smartphone or tablet, mind you. The software doesn’t run the same as your Android or iOS device, so you will not be able to go this route straightway.
The Costs
Finding the right scanner may also come down to costs. On the low end, you can find solutions that cost roughly $200 to purchase. That’s not a bad option. However, you will also find solutions that can cost you several thousands of dollars. Which is going to be the right choice for you? That’s something that most people don’t really get, but at the end of the day, you should not go with the cheapest.
Buying the cheapest scanner usually comes with issues related to compatibility. If you go cheap, you will not be able to gain the upper hand with the software. Always look for something in the middle, and make sure that you read reviews, look for reputation, compatibility, size, and more. As you investigate the right solutions in regards to VAG-COM Scanner solutions, you will end up with a positive outcome overall.
If you remember nothing else, remember to take your time. Balance what your wants and needs are, and consider the make and model of your car. Don’t rush this, as it could prove to be costly. Only go with officially licensed, well performing scanners, and don’t go for clones if you’re serious about your vehicle’s maintenance, and want to hack it a bit.
