A car diagnostic tool is a small device that hooks up to your vehicle’s OBD-II port and connects to an app on your smartphone or tablet. It can read error codes and display a snapshot of what’s happening inside the engine and other parts of your car. These devices are a big help if the Check Engine light turns on, because they’ll give you an idea of what’s wrong with your vehicle.

Some models can identify specific problems with your car’s electrical and mechanical systems, such as the engine, transmission, and safety devices like airbag controllers. They can also show you simulated smog checks and live data measurements of the performance and functionality of your car as it operates.

Driving Smarter: Harnessing the Power of Car Diagnostic Tools for Proactive Vehicle Maintenance

The best diagnostic tools can translate those error codes into easily understood descriptions, so you can figure out what’s wrong with your vehicle. They can also clear these errors so that the check engine light can turn off and your vehicle will continue to run normally. The more advanced devices can even reset certain parameters once the repairs are made if you choose not to take your car back to the dealer.

However, a diagnostic tool isn’t going to fix your flat tire or replace your windshield. You’ll still need a high level of mechanic skill and specialized tools to work on your vehicle at the professional level. That said, a good automotive scanner can help you diagnose and repair your vehicle’s issues while feeling like a pro.