Ancel AD530 Review: The Best Beginner Code Reader, but Watch the Value
The Ancel AD530 is one of the best code readers for a beginner DIY mechanic: beyond reading codes, it tests your battery and lists possible…
Category: Tool Reviews
Best ELM327 OBD2 apps in 2025: Free and Paid!
I am a big fan of Bluetooth OBD2 scanners and have used them for a few years. There are literally hundreds of different apps, and…
VCDS Review: Dealer-Level VAG Diagnostics, and the Clone That Costs a Fraction
VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System) is aftermarket diagnostic software for VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda, used even in authorized VW dealerships alongside the factory ODIS tool.…
Torque Pro review: OBD2 smartphone diagnostic
Torque Pro was the first OBD2 app I ever used, paired with a cheap adapter on an old Fiat Punto. It’s one of the most…
OBDLink MX+ Review: The Fastest ELM327 Adapter, but Only Worth It With a Plan
The OBDLink MX+ is one of the best Bluetooth OBD2 adapters: very fast, works with hundreds of apps and laptop software, has a sleep function…
Toyota Techstream Review: Dealer-Level Toyota Diagnostics for Under $50
Techstream is the OEM diagnostic software Toyota and Lexus dealerships use, and you can run it yourself: buy a J2534 cable (around $25 to $50)…
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 Review: The Best OBD App I Use, and Why
Car Scanner ELM OBD2 is a diagnostic app that talks to your car through any ELM327 adapter, and it’s become my go-to OBD app. I…
Thinkdiag2 Review: The Most Powerful Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner, With One Catch
Thinkdiag2 is a Bluetooth OBD2 dongle from Launch/Thinkcar that turns your phone into a near-tablet-level scanner: full-system diagnostics, bidirectional tests, ECU coding and around 15…
OBDeleven vs Carly vs Carista: Coding with OBD2 scanners
I tested OBDeleven, Carista, and Carly on multiple real cars to see which one is best for diagnostics and coding. I also re-tested all of…
Carista Review: Great for Hidden Settings, Weak for Diagnostics
Carista is a coding app for unlocking hidden car settings, and the easiest, cleanest one I’ve used. I tested it on a Toyota Corolla and…
