Review policy

Last updated: March 25, 2026

Iamcarhacker is built on real-world testing, hands-on experience, and honest evaluation of automotive diagnostic tools.

This page explains how products are tested, how reviews are created, and how affiliate relationships work.


Affiliate Commissions & Transparency

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links.
If you purchase a product through one of these links, we may earn a small commission.

Important:

  • the commission is paid by the seller
  • you do not pay more by using our links
  • pricing remains the same with or without affiliate links

Affiliate partnerships help fund:

  • tool purchases
  • test vehicles
  • garage space
  • content creation

For more details, see the Affiliate Disclosure.


How Products Are Tested

Iamcarhacker focuses primarily on:

  • OBD-II scanners
  • diagnostic tablets
  • Bluetooth adapters (ELM327, etc.)
  • automotive electrical testing tools

Unlike many comparison websites, reviews are not created from specifications alone.


Hands-On Experience Comes First

Most products featured on this website are:

  • personally tested, or
  • tested through trusted industry contacts

Recommendations are made only after real-world testing or verified feedback.

Products are evaluated based on:

  • real vehicle behavior
  • actual supported functions (not marketing claims)
  • reliability and stability
  • usability and limitations
  • value for money

Tool Acquisition & Independence

Products reviewed on this website may be:

  • purchased independently, or
  • provided by manufacturers for testing

Receiving a product does not guarantee a positive review.

If a tool performs poorly, is unreliable, or is overpriced, it will not be recommended — regardless of affiliate potential.


Real Vehicles, Real Testing

Testing diagnostic tools requires working with multiple vehicles because:

  • functionality varies by brand and model
  • software support differs significantly
  • no single tool works best in all situations

Testing may include:

  • working on personal vehicles
  • using vehicles from external sources
  • controlled testing scenarios

In some cases, testing involves advanced procedures such as:

  • ECU removal
  • wiring modifications
  • system testing outside normal operation

This approach allows identification of real limitations, not just advertised features.


No “One Best Tool” Approach

Iamcarhacker does not promote a single universal “best” tool.

Different tools perform better depending on:

  • vehicle brand
  • required functions
  • user experience level

Reviews are structured to explain:

  • who the tool is suitable for
  • where it performs well
  • where its limitations are

Use of AI

AI may be used as a support tool to:

  • structure content
  • improve clarity
  • format technical information

AI is not used to:

  • generate fake reviews
  • replace hands-on testing
  • make final recommendations

All conclusions and recommendations are based on real-world experience.

For more details, see the AI Policy.


About the Author

Iamcarhacker is operated by Carhacker OÜ.

The content is based on practical experience gained through:

  • working on real vehicles
  • testing diagnostic tools in real conditions
  • solving real diagnostic problems

The goal is to provide practical, usable information — not theoretical content.


Final Commitment

The goal of Iamcarhacker is simple:

  • provide honest, experience-based recommendations
  • explain real limitations, not just benefits
  • build long-term trust

If a review exists on this website, it exists because real testing or meaningful research was performed.