For car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics, having a reliable OBD2 scanner is indispensable. The market is flooded with options, many of them cheap, unreliable Bluetooth scanners from questionable sources. Sifting through these to find a quality tool without breaking the bank can be a challenge. After extensive research and hands-on experience, I decided to try the Bafx Obd2 Scan Tool, and here’s my take on whether it lives up to the hype.
Navigating the online marketplace for OBD2 scanners, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of low-cost devices. Many raise concerns about quality and origin, often shipping from unknown sellers on major online platforms. The BAFXPro stood out because it offered the ability to purchase directly from their website, a welcome sign of legitimacy in a market saturated with generic products.
The BAFX OBD2 scan tool arrived promptly within a week of ordering and cost around $34 Canadian, including shipping. First impressions were positive; the scanner itself feels well-constructed and durable, certainly not like a flimsy, budget device. It’s important to note upfront that this particular BAFX model is designed for Android devices only, so ensure compatibility before purchasing.
BAFX Products OBD2 Bluetooth Scan Tool Device
With the scanner in hand, the next step was to choose a compatible app. The Google Play Store offers numerous OBD2 applications, but after considering user reviews and features, Torque Pro emerged as the clear frontrunner.
Torque Pro consistently receives high ratings and for good reason. The depth of data it can access and display is truly impressive. From basic engine codes to advanced performance metrics, Torque Pro offers a wealth of information at your fingertips. Imagine real-time readouts for 0-60 mph times, quarter-mile performance, G-force measurements, and gauges for coolant, transmission, and oil temperatures. It also provides data on fuel efficiency (MPG), horsepower, and torque. For anyone interested in vehicle performance and diagnostics, the possibilities seem endless.
Setting up the BAFX scanner and Torque Pro app is straightforward. Simply pair your Android device with the scanner via Bluetooth, launch the Torque app, and create a vehicle profile. The app provides customizable dashboards, allowing you to display the data most relevant to you. These dashboards are organized into pages, and widgets can be added in various sizes and styles, including dials, graphs, and digital readouts.
Torque Pro also logs maximum and minimum readings, and users have the option to upload data to the Torque servers for later analysis. This feature is particularly useful for tracking performance improvements or diagnosing intermittent issues. As a quick test, I recorded a 0-60 mph run.
The results were surprisingly accurate. Comparing the app’s readings to the vehicle’s speedometer and tachometer confirmed the accuracy of the data. This is reassuring, as the app directly utilizes the vehicle’s sensors for its information.
Beyond basic diagnostics and performance monitoring, Torque Pro offers even more advanced features. One intriguing capability is the ability to overlay gauges onto dashcam video in real-time. While I haven’t personally tested this feature yet, it promises to be a valuable tool for performance driving analysis or even just creating engaging driving videos. There’s a significant depth to the Torque app, with many features yet to be fully explored.
In conclusion, the BAFX OBD2 scan tool paired with the Torque Pro app represents exceptional value. For around $40, this combination provides a powerful and versatile tool for vehicle diagnostics and performance monitoring. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who enjoys working on cars, tracking vehicle performance, or simply wants a deeper understanding of their vehicle’s health. If you’re in the market for an OBD2 scanner and use an Android device, the BAFX OBD2 scan tool should definitely be on your list.
For a visual demonstration, check out this Torque OBD2 / Car video: Torque OBD2 / Car
