For any home mechanic, Code Readers For Cars have become indispensable tools. The ability to decipher engine fault codes is now essential for diagnosing and repairing modern vehicles, from cars to vans.
Are investing in code readers for cars truly worthwhile? Absolutely. They offer the quickest route to pinpointing automotive issues. Without a code reader, you’d typically need to visit a professional garage just to identify the fault code. Considering that hourly labor rates at independent garages average around £50, owning a code reader for cars can lead to significant savings. When you combine a code reader for cars with resources like Haynes AutoFix, our online repair guide, you gain the power to diagnose and fix many common faults and electrical problems yourself, right at home, using basic tools.
The market offers a vast selection of code readers for cars, yet they all share fundamental functionalities. Crucially, many of these devices are priced lower than a single diagnostic visit to a garage. But with so many options, which code reader for cars is the right choice for you? We’ve tested eight different models, with prices ranging from £13 to nearly £250*.
Understanding Code Readers for Cars
Traditionally, a code reader for cars was a dedicated handheld diagnostic device. It connects to your vehicle’s computer system to identify fault codes and provide other diagnostic information. You can find code readers for cars at very affordable prices, starting from around ten pounds, and going up to hundreds for more advanced models. While higher-end devices offer more features, all effective code readers for cars should meet basic requirements, including the ability to:
- Establish communication with the vehicle’s system
- Read and display fault codes
- Clear or erase fault codes
It’s important to note that many basic code readers for cars may not be able to reset service lights or oil life management indicators, including systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and SRS (Supplemental Restraint System). However, Haynes AutoFix provides step-by-step guidance on how to perform these resets and other procedures.
Find Haynes AutoFix for Your Car Model Now
How Car Code Readers Utilize OBD
OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics. It refers to a standardized port in your vehicle, resembling an older style SCART connector. OBD ports have been a mandatory feature in all petrol passenger cars sold since January 1, 2001, and in diesel cars since 2004. This 16-pin connector is known as OBD2 in regions outside Europe and EOBD within Europe.
The OBD socket also supplies power, eliminating the need for code readers for cars to have their own power source through batteries or separate power cables.
