We have today been given the opportunity to review a car diagnostic code reader, and will run through a number of criteria to discuss it’s effectiveness, price and simplicity, all key things that are crucial to the usefulness and suitability for car owners up and down the country.
Like you and me, our cars develop faults throughout their lives. Some cars more than others, but like death and taxes, flare ups with cars are inevitable at some stage. However, if you are anything like me, and your knowledge of what is going on under the bonnet is poor, then the only option to understand the fault is to see a mechanic.
Now – I am not for one minute suggesting this device is a beacon of hope that rules out an expert to identify and actually fix the problem. But having a greater insight to the issue with your vehicle is very helpful to the brief offered to a service centre/ mechanic when briefing in the issue to be fixed. I will raise this question – have you ever taken your car in to be fixed, and been ripped off by a dodgy mechanic who’s taken advantage of the customer’s lack of car knowledge? I think the answer is ‘many have’. This helps you understand and have more confidence as to what the problem is.
So let’s look at the Ancel AD310:
What is the tool?
The Ancel AD310 – an enhanced Obd-li scanner is a code reading scanner, which provides insight to understand and identify any operating faults within the car. The product has a premium feel, made of what feels like robust materials, and with an intuitive, clear and helpful screen and display options. Ancel creates a number of similar products, so are well known for their strong, robust and premium build.
Who is it for?
As we touched on above, this code scanner is for car owners and feels like a mass market product. It will provide valuable insight for all, especially those who want extra confidence in understanding what is wrong with the car prior to taking to a garage / service centre.
This device is certainly not just for experts and knowledgeable car owners, but in fact is perfect for beginners.
Simplicity
One of my preconceptions before testing this product was the belief this would be more for experts, and a tool that would be challenging to setup and would provide information and insights that went over my head. I couldn’t be more wrong, and happily so.
Installation starts and finishes by locating the vehicle’s 16-pin data link connector (DLC). These are in different places on different vehicles but are never too difficult to find. Then simply plug it in (but PLEASE MAKE SURE THE IGNITION IS OFF). Then turn the ignition on, and then press enter on the device to take you to the main menu from which you select ‘diagnostics’. It doesn’t get more simple than that.
The scanner comes with an easy to read user manual, which I found incredibly comforting, and helpful. I am a newbie to this kind of device, so feel like a bit of a beginner myself, and this has proved to be such a helpful and simple Code Reading scanner tool.
Affordability
A tool like this can sometimes come with a hefty price, taking it out of reach for the mainstream, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the price. For such valuable insight and simplicity, and size, the Ancel AD310 code reader packs an almighty punch of affordability, and currently available for $35.99 on Amazon, but currently on sale for $29.99 as we type.
Before I looked at the price, I would have guessed a product of this quality, value and usefulness would have been creeping towards $100-120, so for this price it feels such good value.
Summary
Thanks you to Ancel for allowing us to test their scanner. We are under no pressure to provide only positive comments, and the review today has been honest, and independent, something we pride ourselves on at My Car Heaven.
This feels like a mass market product, especially at such an entry level price, and for a premium product. The information it spits out is incredibly helpful, with usability perfect for beginners alike.
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