The debate over the Best Automotive Scan Tool For Body Shops is intensifying, particularly as vehicles become more technologically advanced. A recent “Who Pays for What?” study highlighted that a significant 67 percent of body shops utilize aftermarket scanning equipment at least some of the time. However, this practice has come under scrutiny from industry experts who argue for the necessity of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) scan tools for collision repair.
Mike Anderson, CEO of Collision Advice, voiced strong opinions on this matter during a Dave Luehr’s Elite Body Shop Academy webinar. Anderson stated bluntly, “If you are scanning a car with an aftermarket scan tool, you are a hack.” Jake Rodenroth, asTech OEM and industry technical relations director, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical differences between aftermarket and OEM tools, especially in the context of modern vehicle repairs.
These experts argue that using aftermarket scan tools in body shops can compromise repair safety and quality. Anderson even challenged skeptics to witness firsthand the capabilities of OEM tools versus aftermarket options, underscoring the seriousness of this issue for the collision repair industry.
Key Concerns with Aftermarket Scan Tools in Collision Repair
The criticisms against aftermarket scan tools for body shops center around several key limitations that can impact the accuracy and completeness of vehicle diagnostics and repairs:
Access to Vehicle Build Data
One of the primary concerns is whether aftermarket tools can access a vehicle’s build data. OEM scan tools are directly linked to manufacturer databases, providing them with detailed information about a specific vehicle’s configuration and installed systems. This access is crucial for accurate diagnostics.
Rodenroth illustrated this point using a 2019 Nissan Sentra without blind-spot monitoring. An OEM Nissan scan tool, accessing build data, would correctly identify the absence of this feature. However, an aftermarket tool, lacking this data, might incorrectly search for and potentially report errors related to blind-spot monitoring, generating “phantom or ghost codes.” This discrepancy highlights a significant gap in diagnostic accuracy.
Real-Time Updates and Model Year Coverage
Another critical difference lies in update frequency and model year coverage. OEM scan tools receive real-time updates directly from manufacturers, ensuring they are current with the latest vehicle software and diagnostic protocols. Anderson mentioned that OEM tools can receive updates multiple times a month, whereas aftermarket tools may only update a few times per year.
This lag in updates can be significant, especially considering the rapid pace of automotive technology advancements. There can be an 18-month or more delay for aftermarket tools to catch up with the latest OEM software and vehicle models. Given that collision repair shops often work on newer vehicles, this delay can lead to incomplete or inaccurate diagnoses. The average vehicle repaired in a collision claim is significantly younger than the average age of vehicles on the road, emphasizing the need for up-to-date diagnostic capabilities in body shops.
Cybersecurity and Secure Gateways
Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with cybersecurity measures, such as secure gateway modules, to protect their electronic systems from unauthorized access. Stellantis (formerly FCA) pioneered this with their Secure Gateway Module in 2018, and other manufacturers like Nissan, Mercedes, and Subaru are following suit.
These secure gateways can pose a significant challenge for aftermarket scan tools. Rodenroth explained that while older aftermarket tools might miss only a few modules, the introduction of secure networks creates “gaping holes” in their diagnostic capabilities. Gaining access through these gateways requires authorization, which can lead to delays for aftermarket tool manufacturers. AsTech experienced this firsthand, handling thousands of Stellantis vehicles with encrypted systems before aftermarket tools gained access.
While the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) acknowledges these initial delays and has worked to address them, the cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, potentially creating ongoing challenges for aftermarket tools in keeping pace with OEM security measures.
ETI’s Perspective and the Role of Aftermarket Tools
The Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI), representing aftermarket scan tool manufacturers, offers a different perspective. They emphasize that their members have been licensing legitimate OEM diagnostic data for decades, contributing to the functionality of millions of aftermarket tools used in both mechanical and collision repair.
The ETI highlights the range of aftermarket tools available, from basic code readers to advanced systems supporting ADAS calibrations. They argue that these tools undergo rigorous testing and are continuously updated to meet the evolving needs of the repair industry.
The ETI advocates for shops to have access to both OEM and multi-brand (aftermarket) tools, allowing them to choose the “most appropriate solution for each repair.” They believe that aftermarket tools offer valuable options for repair shops.
Mechanical vs. Collision Repair: Different Needs?
A key point of discussion is the distinction between mechanical and collision repair and how it relates to scan tool requirements. Rodenroth argues that aftermarket tools are often adequate for mechanical repair because they are designed to address specific customer complaints – “pointed problems.” Mechanics often utilize multiple aftermarket tools, each with its strengths, to diagnose and resolve known issues.
However, collision repair presents a different scenario. Collision damage is often unpredictable, and body shops work on “newest vehicles in the worst shape.” Unlike mechanical repairs focused on predictable issues, collision repair requires a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle’s condition after an accident. Neither the shop nor the customer typically knows the full extent of the damage upfront.
In this context, the precision and comprehensive diagnostic capabilities of OEM scan tools become more critical. Collision repair necessitates identifying all potential issues, including hidden damage or system malfunctions that may not be immediately apparent. The detailed data access and thoroughness of OEM tools are argued to be essential for ensuring complete and safe collision repairs.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Scan Tool for Your Body Shop
The decision of which automotive scan tool is best for a body shop is complex. While aftermarket scan tools offer versatility and can be suitable for certain diagnostic tasks, industry experts raise valid concerns about their limitations in collision repair, particularly concerning vehicle build data access, update frequency, cybersecurity, and the comprehensive nature of collision damage assessment.
For body shops prioritizing the highest standards of repair quality and safety, especially when working on modern, technologically complex vehicles, investing in OEM scan tools or OEM-level scanning capabilities may be the most prudent choice. While aftermarket tools can play a role, especially for general diagnostics or supplemental use, relying solely on them for collision repair may pose risks. Body shops should carefully evaluate their needs, the types of vehicles they service, and the evolving technological landscape to make informed decisions about their diagnostic equipment and ensure they are equipped to perform safe and accurate repairs.
Further Reading:
- “It’s Not Just About DTC’s – Dave Luehr’s Elite Body Shop Academy, April 27, 2021
- “SCANNING –IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT DTC’S” slides – Dave Luehr’s Elite Body Shop Academy, April 27, 2021
- “Should Your Collision Repair Shop Perform In-House Diagnostics & Calibration” – Collision Hub, April 28, 2021
- I-CAR Repairability Technical Support portal links to official OEM repair procedure websites
