For car owners and DIY enthusiasts, understanding your vehicle’s health is crucial. OBD2 scanners have become indispensable tools, offering insights into your car’s onboard computer system to diagnose issues and maintain peak performance. Among the numerous options available, FIXD and BlueDriver stand out as popular choices. This article provides an in-depth comparison of FIXD vs BlueDriver, examining their features, capabilities, and overall value to help you determine which OBD2 scanner best suits your needs.
FIXD vs BlueDriver: Head-to-Head Comparison
To give you a clear overview, here’s a detailed comparison table highlighting the key features of FIXD and BlueDriver:
| Product | FIXD – Editor’s Choice | BlueDriver |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.99 | $119.95* |
| Purchase | Buy FIXD Now | Buy BlueDriver Now |
| Vehicle Compatibility | 1996 and newer gasoline cars, 2006 and newer diesel cars | 1996 and newer cars and light trucks in US & Canada |
| Mechanic Verification | ASE Certified Mechanics | ASE Certified Mechanics |
| Languages | English, Dutch, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Polish, Italian | English |
| Mobile Apps | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System | iOS 12.4+, Android 5.0+ | iOS 10.2+, Android 6.0+ |
| OBD2 Port Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Skill Level | DIYer or enthusiast | Professional |
| Check Engine Light Reset | Yes | Yes |
| Smog Check | Yes (Premium Version) | Yes |
| Diagnostic Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Live Data | Yes | Yes |
| Car Monitor | Yes | No |
| Freeze Frame Data | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Vehicles | Up to 5 | 1 |
| Engine & Transmission Codes | Yes | Yes |
| TPMS | Yes | No |
| ABS & Airbag Codes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Shipping | USA: $5 or Free, Others: $10 | Free Express Shipping: $10 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 180 days |
| Learn More | FIXD Review | N/A |
| *Product prices and availability are accurate as of post date and are subject to change. Amazon price and availability applies at the time of purchase. |
Delving into FIXD: Your Wireless Car Expert
FIXD is designed as a user-friendly OBD2 scanner that empowers you with comprehensive knowledge about your car, right at your fingertips. It’s a blend of hardware and software engineered to seamlessly extract and deliver vital vehicle information in seconds.
Read Full FIXD Review
Think of FIXD as your personal, wireless mechanic, providing similar diagnostic insights that professionals offer, but without the hefty service fees. The FIXD sensor, also known as the “FIXD OBD2 Professional Bluetooth Scan Tool,” plugs directly into your car’s OBD2 port. Once connected and paired with the FIXD app on your iOS or Android smartphone, it begins transmitting real-time data about your vehicle’s condition. A standout feature of FIXD is its ability to monitor up to five vehicles simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for families or multi-car households.
Beyond diagnostics, FIXD excels in proactive car care. It sends timely maintenance reminders, ensuring you stay ahead of scheduled servicing. In case of detected issues, FIXD alerts you promptly, providing detailed descriptions of the problem, severity ratings, and even estimated repair costs, empowering you to communicate effectively with your mechanic.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the FIXD Scanner
Using the FIXD scanner is straightforward:
- Purchase and Plug-In: Obtain the FIXD sensor and insert it into your vehicle’s OBD2 port. Note that the ignition needs to be on for the device to power up.
- Download and Register: Install the FIXD app on your smartphone and create a new account.
- Bluetooth Pairing: Enable Bluetooth on your phone. The FIXD app handles the pairing process automatically; avoid using your car’s built-in Bluetooth settings to pair with the sensor.
- App Setup: Within the app settings, configure your preferences, particularly setting maintenance reminders to stay informed about your car’s upkeep.
- Sensor Connection: Select “I have a Fixd sensor” in the app settings and input the sensor code found on the back of your FIXD device. This action pairs your sensor with your smartphone, confirmed by a flashing blue light on the sensor.
Once the hardware is connected and the blue light is flashing, the FIXD app will scan for and detect your device. Simply select your FIXD sensor within the app to add it to your sensor list. You can customize the sensor name in the settings for easy identification.
Exploring BlueDriver: Professional-Grade Diagnostics in Your Hand
BlueDriver is another prominent Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, designed to provide users with advanced vehicle management and maintenance capabilities, reducing the need for frequent mechanic visits.
Check BlueDriver Price on Amazon
BlueDriver, a product of Lemur Vehicle Monitors founded by CEO Maurice Tuff, is recognized for its reliability and robustness in the OBD2 scanner market. It excels at reading and clearing codes across a broad spectrum of vehicle makes and models, both old and new. BlueDriver is backed by a vast database of over 30 million fixes, enhancing its diagnostic accuracy and repair guidance.
Like FIXD, BlueDriver is user-friendly. You plug the device into the OBD2 port and pair it with the BlueDriver app on your Android or Apple smartphone. Once synced, it transmits crucial vehicle data to your phone, enabling you to monitor your car’s internal systems effectively and receive alerts for potential issues or breakdowns.
Getting Started with the BlueDriver Scanner
Using the BlueDriver scanner involves these simple steps:
- Purchase and Connect: Acquire the BlueDriver Pro Scan Tool and plug it into the OBD2 port, typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
- Power Up: Turn on your car’s ignition and wait for about 10 seconds to allow the BlueDriver device to power up and prepare for pairing.
- App Download and Scan: Download the BlueDriver app from your smartphone’s app store and launch it. After the warm-up period, use the app’s scan feature to search for nearby BlueDriver devices.
- Pairing Confirmation: Once your smartphone detects and pairs with the BlueDriver scanner, it will appear in your list of connected sensors. On subsequent uses, the device will blink ten times upon ignition to confirm successful connection with your phone.
Shared Strengths: FIXD and BlueDriver Similarities
Both FIXD and BlueDriver offer compelling solutions for vehicle diagnostics, sharing several key advantages:
User-Friendly Operation
Ease of use is a hallmark of both devices. Setting up and using FIXD and BlueDriver is remarkably simple. Just plug in the hardware, install the app, and follow the pairing instructions. The intuitive software interfaces make it accessible for both novice users and experienced car enthusiasts. While BlueDriver is favored by professionals and DIYers for its advanced features, both scanners maintain user-friendliness, ensuring that vehicle diagnostics are not exclusive to experts. They present complex data in an understandable format, often with visual aids and clear explanations.
Broad Compatibility
Both scanners are designed for wide compatibility, working with OBD2 compliant vehicles and supporting both iOS and Android smartphones via Bluetooth connectivity. This ensures that a vast majority of car owners can benefit from these tools regardless of their phone or car model (within the supported year ranges).
Core Diagnostic Functionalities
FIXD and BlueDriver provide essential diagnostic functions, including:
- Check Engine Light (CEL) Monitoring and Reset: Both allow users to read and clear check engine light codes.
- Live Data Streaming: Access real-time data about your vehicle’s performance.
- Freeze Frame Data: Capture data snapshots when a trouble code is triggered.
- Engine and Transmission Code Reading: Diagnose issues related to the engine and transmission systems.
Furthermore, both scanners offer insights into the potential implications of detected issues, aiding users in understanding the urgency and nature of necessary repairs. They deliver engine status information in a format that is comprehensible to both car owners and professional mechanics.
Key Differences: FIXD vs BlueDriver Unique Features
Despite their similarities, FIXD and BlueDriver diverge in significant aspects, catering to different user priorities:
Design and Focus
FIXD emphasizes a lightweight and compact design, prioritizing ease of use and straightforward vehicle monitoring. While it may not boast the extensive diagnostic depth of BlueDriver, its simplicity and user-centric design make it ideal for everyday car owners seeking basic yet reliable vehicle health insights.
Feature Set
BlueDriver distinguishes itself with a richer set of advanced diagnostic features, appealing to users who require in-depth vehicle analysis. Beyond the basics, BlueDriver offers:
- Enhanced Diagnostics: Covers systems like climate control, SRS airbags, and ABS.
- Repair Reports: Generates detailed repair reports to guide troubleshooting.
- Repair Cost Estimator: Provides estimated repair costs, helping users budget and negotiate with mechanics.
In contrast, FIXD focuses on car monitoring and preventative maintenance, offering features like car monitoring and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) alerts, which are not available in BlueDriver.
Vehicle Management Capacity
A notable difference is the number of vehicles each scanner can manage. FIXD can monitor up to five vehicles under a single account, making it cost-effective for families or individuals managing multiple cars. BlueDriver, however, is designed for single-vehicle use.
Price and Value Proposition
For budget-conscious buyers, FIXD presents a more affordable entry point into OBD2 scanning. It delivers a robust set of features comparable to BlueDriver at nearly half the price. FIXD is particularly attractive for users who need essential diagnostic capabilities without the need for advanced professional-grade features.
FIXD often offers bundle deals, such as “Buy 1, Get 1 50% OFF” or “Buy 2, Get 1 FREE,” further enhancing its value proposition. Check current FIXD bundle deals here.
Final Verdict: Choosing Between FIXD and BlueDriver OBD2 Scanners
If you prioritize affordability, ease of use, and the ability to monitor multiple vehicles, FIXD is an excellent choice. It provides essential diagnostic features and proactive maintenance reminders in a user-friendly package.
Conversely, if you demand professional-grade diagnostics, in-depth system analysis, and features like repair reports and cost estimations, BlueDriver is the superior option. It caters to experienced DIYers and professional mechanics seeking comprehensive vehicle insights.
In conclusion, while BlueDriver offers a broader array of advanced features and wins in terms of diagnostic depth, FIXD stands out as the preferred choice for everyday car owners seeking a balance of essential features, user-friendliness, and affordability, especially for managing multiple vehicles. Ultimately, the best OBD2 scanner depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise.
