Car diagnostics has become an essential part of car maintenance and repair today. With the increasing complexity of electronics in automobiles, it is important to have a reliable tool for diagnosis and repair. There are many different diagnostic devices on the market that offer different features and capabilities. Here is an overview of a few options that can help you in choosing the right universal car diagnostic.
Affordable Universal Diagnostics iCarsoft (approx. 400 EUR)
Primarily for private use, the following brands of diagnostic devices are suitable. In addition to basic diagnostic functions such as reading and clearing errors, they also have a number of service functions and can usually handle tasks such as service and oil interval resets, electric parking brake diagnostics, DPF diagnostics and regeneration, injector coding and many other functions. A great advantage is the affordability and the presence of the different languages. The disadvantages are fewer features compared to more expensive diagnostics and the lack of support for newer cars - usually cars up to about 2020 are supported.
-> iCarsoft CR Max BT
-> iCarsoft CR Max
-> iCarsoft CR Pro+
Advanced Diagnostics from Autel (from 1000 EUR)
Autel's devices offer advanced diagnostics and, compared to iCarsoft, also support newer cars well. New for 2024 is wider language support. With the Autel MK808S you can do much more than with the universal iCarsoft instruments. It is an entry-level model that is suitable for low-maintenance applications. Autel offers a range of other diagnostic instruments in a variety of price ranges. The flagship is the Autel MaxiSYS Ultra, which is designed for professional use. However, between the "lowest end" MK808S and the high end MaxiSYS Ultra, Autel has a range of other instruments in the range.
-> Autel MK808S
-> Autel's Complete Offering
Multi-brand Launch Diagnostics (from 500 EUR)
Launch, like Autel, has been offering its products to professionals and homeowners for decades. Both manufacturers are among the top in their industry. Launch has enjoyed long-standing popularity in Europe thanks to the presence of the multiple language support and a wide range of diagnostic instruments. Most models also support the latest cars and a wide range of accessories are available for purchase. Most Launch tools are covered by two years of updates included in the price. An interesting new addition is the PROS Elite, which is the new entry-level model in the professional range and connects to the car via a cable:
More expensive models have wireless connectivity. The PROS V5.0 model is very popular.