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 scanner in the glovebox. Thankfully for you, one of our favorite wireless options—BlueDriver Pro—is down to just $70, its lowest price ever and a steep discount from its usual $120 price.
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 is actually pleasant to use. You don't have to wrestle with a stiff cable that never reaches the passenger's seat—simply plug it in, open up the app, and pull up the data on your phone.
The software is what really caught our attention. In our comprehensive OBD-II test, we found the BlueDriver app (available for Android and iOS) to be a treasure trove of helpful information. The interface uses a simple tile layout that is easy to navigate, even if you aren't a mechanic or technically inclined. And it doesn't just spit out a code like "P0300" and leave you guessing.
For Sale Near You
See all results for used cars for sale near 60323
It also features a Repair Reports function that suggests verified fixes for your specific vehicle and links directly to repair videos or information you can access directly from your phone. That feature alone can save you hours of researching forums (don't ask us how we know). We also love that it supports live data monitoring for things like fuel pressure or intake temps in case you need to take a test drive to get additional data points.
Our testing team noted that the initial pairing process took a little longer than some plug-and-play wired units, but once you're connected, the signal is rock solid. We also appreciate that the app gets free continuous updates. That means the tool stays current with newer models without needing to download files to a PC. At $70, it is cheaper than a single hour of labor at a shop, making it one of those tools that pays for itself the very first time you use it.
➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.
Gannon Burgett loves cameras, cars, and coffee: a perfect combination for his Hearst Autos work. His byline has appeared in USA Today, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Digital Trends, the Detroit Free Press, and more.
