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 ...

Micah is a 20-year authority in the automotive industry with extensive experience founded on marketing, events, and racing. His writing beats can be found in various online publications such as Car ...

A check-engine light is the car equivalent of a vague "we need to talk" text message. It causes panic but is frustratingly short on details. It's for this reason we always recommend keeping an OBD-II ...

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Since the mandate of the OBD-II port in 1996, auto mechanics have accessed vital information about your ...

We named this one of the best Bluetooth options in our recent comparison test because it takes the headache out of diagnostics in a compact device. It pairs deep scanning capabilities with an app that ...

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." The check-engine light suddenly appearing on your dashboard is enough to dampen any drive. For the ...

I liked the Ancel BD310 for its approach to connectivity, allowing users to connect via the hardwired dongle or Bluetooth. The Bosch Automotive Tools 1200 provided tons of detailed vehicle information ...

Seeing your vehicle's check-engine light come on can throw a wrench in your travel plans. It can also feel a little scary: Does it mean your ride is headed for the scrapyard? Or is there a simple fix?

That's where OBD-II scanners come in, giving enthusiasts and everyday drivers a window into their vehicle's diagnostic systems. If you're chasing down the cause of a check-engine light, ensuring peak ...

Seeing your vehicle's check-engine light come on can throw a wrench in your travel plans. It can also feel a little scary: Does it mean your ride is headed for the scrapyard? Or is there a simple fix?