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Automotive diagnostic tools are essential for any automotive mechanic, as they allow you to quickly and accurately diagnose problems with a vehicle. There are many different types of automotive diagnostic tools available, each with its own set of features and capabilities.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of automotive diagnostic tools, their features and capabilities, and how to choose the right tools for your needs.

Types of automotive diagnostic tools

There are three main types of automotive diagnostic tools:

• Scan tools connect to the vehicle's OBD-II port and read the vehicle's diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). DTCs are a valuable source of information, as they can help you identify the source of a problem.
• Code readers also connect to the vehicle's OBD-II port, but they only read DTCs. They do not provide any other information about the vehicle's systems.
• Multifunction tools combine the features of scan tools and code readers. They can read DTCs, perform system-specific tests, and reset DTCs.

Features and capabilities of automotive diagnostic tools

The features and capabilities of automotive diagnostic tools vary depending on the type of tool. Scan tools typically offer the most features, while code readers offer the fewest. Some of the features that automotive diagnostic tools may offer include:

• The ability to read DTCs
• The ability to perform system-specific tests
• The ability to reset DTCs
• The ability to graph data
• The ability to store data
• The ability to print reports

How to choose the right automotive diagnostic tools

The right automotive diagnostic tools for you will depend on your needs and budget. If you only need to read DTCs, a code reader will suffice. If you need more features, a scan tool or multifunction tool is a better option.

When choosing automotive diagnostic tools, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The type of vehicle you work on
• The features you need
• Your budget

Here is a bulleted list of the different types of automotive diagnostic tools:

• Scan tools
• Code readers
• Multifunction tools

Here are some of the features and capabilities that automotive diagnostic tools may offer:

• The ability to read DTCs
• The ability to perform system-specific tests
• The ability to reset DTCs
• The ability to graph data
• The ability to store data
• The ability to print reports