Maintaining your car can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools, you can take control of your vehicle’s health. OBD2 scanners have become indispensable for car owners, providing insights into your car’s computer system to diagnose issues and ensure optimal performance. Among the numerous options available, the FIXD and BlueDriver scan tools stand out as popular choices. This article provides an in-depth Compare Blue Driver Scan Tool And Fixd Scan Tool analysis, helping you determine which device best suits your needs and budget. We’ll delve into their features, performance, and overall value to guide you towards the best decision for your automotive maintenance.
FIXD vs BlueDriver: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | FIXD | BlueDriver |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.99 | $119.95* |
| Purchase Link | Buy FIXD Now | Buy BlueDriver Now |
| Vehicle Compatibility | Gasoline cars 1996 & newer, Diesel cars 2006 & newer | All cars & light trucks (US & Canada) 1996 & newer |
| Expert Verification | ASE Certified Mechanics | ASE Certified Mechanics |
| Languages Supported | English, Dutch, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Polish, Italian | English |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System | iOS 12.4+, Android 5.0+ | iOS 10.2+, Android 6.0+ |
| OBD2 Port Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Skill Level | DIYer, Enthusiast | Professional, DIYer |
| Check Engine Light Reset | Yes | Yes |
| Smog Check | Yes (Premium App) | Yes |
| Diagnostic Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Live Data | Yes | Yes |
| Car Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Freeze Frame Data | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Vehicles | Up to 5 | 1 |
| Engine & Transmission Codes | Yes | Yes |
| TPMS Support | Yes | No |
| ABS & Airbag Codes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Shipping | USA: $5 or Free, International: $10 | Free Express Shipping |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 Days | 180 Days |
| Learn More | FIXD Review | N/A |
* Product prices and availability are accurate as of post date and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Choosing between the FIXD and BlueDriver OBD2 scanners depends on your specific needs and technical expertise. Let’s explore each device in detail to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Diving Deep into FIXD: Your Wireless Car Health Monitor
FIXD is designed as an accessible and user-friendly OBD2 scanner, perfect for everyday car owners who want to understand their vehicle better without needing extensive automotive knowledge. This tool combines a small hardware sensor with a powerful mobile app to deliver vehicle diagnostics and maintenance information directly to your smartphone.
FIXD’s primary goal is to simplify car maintenance. It plugs into your car’s OBD2 port and wirelessly transmits data to the FIXD app, available on both iOS and Android. Developed in the USA by ASE certified mechanics and professional engineers, FIXD provides access to a vast database of over 10,000 manufacturer-specific trouble codes. Beyond just reading codes, FIXD offers practical information, including the severity of issues, plain English descriptions, and estimated repair costs. A standout feature is its ability to manage up to five vehicles simultaneously, making it ideal for families or multi-car households. Furthermore, FIXD sends maintenance reminders, ensuring timely servicing and helping to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Getting Started with FIXD
Using the FIXD scanner is straightforward:
- Purchase and Plug In: Obtain the FIXD sensor and insert it into your vehicle’s OBD2 port, usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. The device powers on when the car is running.
- Download the FIXD App: Install the FIXD app on your smartphone from the app store and create an account.
- Bluetooth Pairing: Enable Bluetooth on your phone. The FIXD app will automatically detect the sensor. Do not attempt to pair through your phone’s Bluetooth settings directly.
- Sensor Setup: Within the app settings, select “I have a FIXD sensor” and enter the sensor code found on the back of your FIXD device to link it to your account.
- Connect and Monitor: Once paired, the FIXD sensor will flash blue, indicating a successful connection and readiness to transmit vehicle data to your smartphone.
Exploring BlueDriver: Advanced Diagnostics in Your Pocket
BlueDriver is another leading Bluetooth OBDII scan tool, but it caters to a slightly more experienced user base, including DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics. It distinguishes itself with its enhanced diagnostic capabilities and in-depth vehicle information.
Created by Lemur Vehicle Monitors, BlueDriver is recognized for its reliability and comprehensive functionality. It reads and clears codes from a wide range of vehicles, both older and newer models, sold in the US and Canada since 1996. BlueDriver is linked to a database of over 30 million fixes, offering users access to a wealth of repair information. While also using a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone app (iOS and Android compatible), BlueDriver provides more advanced diagnostic features compared to FIXD, including systems like ABS, SRS airbags, and climate control. Its capabilities make it a valuable tool for those who need deeper insights into their vehicle’s systems and potential issues.
Setting Up Your BlueDriver Scanner
The process for using the BlueDriver scanner is also user-friendly:
- Purchase and Connect: Buy the BlueDriver scan tool and plug it into your car’s OBD2 port.
- Power On: Start your car and wait about 10 seconds for the BlueDriver device to power up.
- Download the BlueDriver App: Download the BlueDriver app on your smartphone.
- Scan for Device: Open the app and use the scan feature to find nearby BlueDriver devices.
- Pair and Go: Once your device is paired, it will appear in your app. The scanner will blink ten times upon subsequent car starts to confirm connection.
FIXD and BlueDriver: Common Ground
Despite their differences, FIXD and BlueDriver share several key similarities that make them both attractive OBD2 scanner options.
User-Friendly Design and Operation
Both FIXD and BlueDriver prioritize ease of use. Setting up either device is straightforward, involving plugging in the hardware, downloading the app, and pairing via Bluetooth. The apps are designed to be intuitive, allowing users of all technical levels to navigate and understand vehicle diagnostics. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced DIYer, both scanners offer a user-friendly experience, presenting complex vehicle data in an accessible format. While BlueDriver is favored by professionals due to its depth, its interface remains user-friendly, ensuring that even non-specialists can effectively use its features.
Broad Compatibility and Core Functionality
Both scanners are compatible with OBD2 compliant vehicles and work seamlessly with both iOS and Android smartphones via Bluetooth. Functionally, they both offer essential OBD2 features, including:
- Reading and Resetting Check Engine Light (CEL): Diagnose and clear engine fault codes.
- Live Data Streaming: Monitor real-time vehicle parameters.
- Freeze Frame Data: Capture data snapshots when a fault code is triggered.
- Engine and Transmission Codes: Access codes related to powertrain systems.
These core functionalities ensure that both FIXD and BlueDriver can effectively help users understand their vehicle’s basic health and address common issues.
Key Differences: FIXD vs BlueDriver
While both are competent OBD2 scanners, FIXD and BlueDriver diverge in several key aspects, influencing which tool might be better suited for different users.
Design and Focus
FIXD emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, resulting in a lightweight and compact design. It is tailored towards everyday car owners needing basic diagnostics and maintenance reminders. BlueDriver, on the other hand, focuses on providing more in-depth diagnostic capabilities, appealing to users who require detailed vehicle system analysis. BlueDriver offers a broader range of advanced features, catering to users who want a more comprehensive understanding of their vehicle’s condition.
Feature Set: Depth vs Breadth
BlueDriver boasts a richer feature set, offering enhanced diagnostics that go beyond basic OBD2 functions. Key features unique to BlueDriver include:
- Advanced System Scans: Access to systems like climate control, SRS airbags, and ABS.
- Repair Reports: Generation of detailed diagnostic reports.
- Estimated Repair Costs: Provides cost estimates for identified repairs.
FIXD, while simpler, includes valuable features like:
- Car Monitoring: Continuous vehicle health monitoring.
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Support: Monitoring of tire pressure.
The feature difference highlights the target user: BlueDriver for those needing comprehensive diagnostics, and FIXD for users prioritizing ease of use and general car health monitoring.
Vehicle Management Capacity
A significant difference is the number of vehicles each scanner can manage. FIXD can monitor up to five vehicles simultaneously, making it excellent for families or those managing multiple cars. BlueDriver is designed for single-vehicle use. This multi-vehicle support is a considerable advantage for FIXD users who need to oversee several vehicles without needing multiple scanners.
Price and Value Proposition
Price is a notable differentiator. FIXD is significantly more affordable than BlueDriver. FIXD provides excellent value for users seeking essential diagnostics and ease of use at a lower price point. BlueDriver, while pricier, justifies its cost with its advanced features and professional-grade diagnostic capabilities. The “better value” choice depends on user needs and budget. For basic diagnostics and multiple vehicles, FIXD offers great value. For advanced diagnostics and in-depth analysis, BlueDriver is worth the investment.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice Between FIXD and BlueDriver
Choosing between FIXD and BlueDriver depends largely on your automotive needs and technical inclination.
For the Everyday Car Owner and Multi-Vehicle Households: FIXD is the recommended choice. Its affordability, ease of use, and ability to monitor up to five vehicles make it an excellent tool for general car maintenance and understanding basic vehicle health. It provides essential diagnostic information in a user-friendly manner, making it accessible for those without extensive automotive expertise.
For DIY Enthusiasts and Professional Mechanics: BlueDriver is the superior option. Its advanced diagnostic features, comprehensive system access, and extensive repair database cater to users who need in-depth vehicle analysis and repair guidance. While more expensive, BlueDriver offers professional-grade capabilities in a user-friendly Bluetooth scanner.
Our Verdict: While both are excellent tools, for its balance of features, user-friendliness, and value, FIXD emerges as our preferred OBD2 scanner for most car owners. However, those requiring advanced diagnostics will find BlueDriver to be a worthwhile investment. Ultimately, understanding your specific needs will guide you to the best OBD2 scanner for your car maintenance journey.
