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Automotive diagnostic tools are essential for any automotive mechanic. They allow you to quickly and accurately diagnose problems with vehicles, saving you time and money. There are a wide variety of automotive diagnostic tools available on the market, each with its own unique 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 stored in the vehicle's computer when a problem is detected. Scan tools can also be used to reset DTCs and perform other diagnostic tests.
• Code readers are a simpler and less expensive option than scan tools. They can also connect to the vehicle's OBD-II port and read DTCs, but they cannot perform other diagnostic tests.
• Multimeters are not specifically designed for automotive diagnostics, but they can be used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits. This information can be helpful in diagnosing electrical problems with vehicles.

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 have the most features and capabilities, including:

• The ability to read and clear DTCs
• The ability to perform a variety of diagnostic tests
• The ability to access vehicle-specific information
• The ability to update the vehicle's software

Code readers typically have fewer features and capabilities than scan tools, but they can still be used to read and clear DTCs. Multimeters are the least feature-rich of the three types of tools, but they can still be used to diagnose electrical problems.

How to choose the right automotive diagnostic tool

The right automotive diagnostic tool for you will depend on your needs and budget. If you only need to read and clear DTCs, a code reader may be sufficient. However, if you need to perform more extensive diagnostic testing, a scan tool is a better option. If you are working on a variety of vehicles, a scan tool with the ability to access vehicle-specific information is a good choice.

Bulleted list of types of automotive diagnostic tools

• Scan tools
• Code readers
• Multimeters

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