What’s an OBD-II (sometimes alternatively referred to as OBD-2, and other times in either form absent the interstitial hyphen) scanner? Answering that question first requires an understanding of what ...

The world of car diagnostics has changed a lot over the last 50 years. Back in the '70s and earlier, a mechanic's most valuable diagnostic tools were usually their eyes and ears. You could figure out ...

What is an OBD scanner for ECU-equipped cars? How important is it to your car? Keep reading to unveil the answers right now! For most production cars sold today a majority are run by an ECU-control ...

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Modern cars are technological marvels, and understanding what’s happening under the hood has never been ...

With the list of easy-to-use OBD II scanner software, drivers can access the engine date in real time. This is the golden age of motoring and drivers have the best technologically advanced cars that ...

This article was updated in November 2025 with new information. You know you’ve earned your DIY stripes when you can stay calm the moment something goes wrong. And with cars, that moment usually ...

️ Editor's note: This product category requires new testing about once a year. We'll update this article with the most recent information when it's available. Modern cars are technological marvels, ...

There's nothing more intimidating for many drivers than to find a warning error light appear on your vehicle dashboard. While some may be confident in their ability ...

Over the last few decades, cars and trucks have increasingly relied on sensors and computers to run properly. And while that’s improved day-to-day reliability, it’s also made some repairs more ...