BlueDrive – Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool Reviews
I love cars, and I love my Chevrolet Avalanche. Last year, I paid nearly $200 for a top quality Actron CP9580A Scan Tool. It has worked perfectly for me until now. My brother knows my enthusiasm for car repair, and this Christmas he bought me a BlueDriver – Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool.
I opened the package, and there it was — a tiny device with a compact design. I have been using it for nearly three months, so it’s a good time to write a review about it.
All the reviews I have written until now were about conventional scanners produced by major manufacturers such as Actron, Innova and Autel. This time I decided to analyze the BlueDriver using the Bluetooth technology to connect directly to my smartphone.
To meet the ever-increasing demand for faster and more accurate car diagnostics, the team at Lemur Vehicle Monitors has produced the BlueDriver OBD-II Scan Tool. This scanner is capable of providing Live and Freeze engine data, analyzing error readings, turning off check engine lights, and conducting tests such as the Smog Test.
BlueDriver is a professional OBD2 scanner incorporating Bluetooth technology to connect to Apple, Android, iPhone, and iPad devices. Connecting the OBD2 Scanner to my smartphone has opened a whole new window in car diagnosis for me.
BlueDriver OBD-II Scan Tool is capable of providing Live and Freeze engine data, analyzing the error readings, turning off check engine lights and conducting tests such as the Smog Test
The BlueDriver is focused on diagnosis and repair, so it does not give you advice on things like fuel economy or driving. It does give you accurate, in-depth data readings on your car’s systems and the solutions to any problems it finds.
There are a wide range of scanners on the market at all levels. However, there are two mainstream types: Conventional scanners and scanners with the wireless capability to connect to your smartphone. Each has advantages and disadvantages. This review will assess the features of the BlueDriver Scan Tool and compare two of the best professional scanners in each category.
Problems the BlueDriver solves:
What problems does a BlueDriver scanner solve in comparison to conventional scan tools? You might think transmitting data wirelessly with BlueDriver using Bluetooth technology could be somewhat unstable and lead to more problems, so standing by your car to read data using a conventional scanner wired to your engine is best.
You may have a point, and the BlueDriver does have incompatibility issues — however, in my assessment this is not a major factor. The advantages of the wireless connection far outweigh the disadvantages. First, connecting the wiring every time you want to read data is time-consuming. With the BlueDriver, it’s easy.
You just plug it in and read you data on your smartphone. Another helpful feature: Downloading the app is free of charge and the connection is made easily after your smartphone is paired. The pairing will not take more than 5 seconds.
Bottom Line: The BlueDriver saves you money and time. After using my Actron Scan Tool for years, the BlueDriver was really a time-saver. I just plugged it in, and in a matter of seconds I had the data on my
Pros:
Like all other scanners, the BlueDriver has all the standard features that a professional OBD2 scannershould, such as Freeze and Live data, and ABS and transmission readings. However, there are some features you should consider as real advantages of this device, such as:
Bottom line: The BlueDriver has all the capabilities of a conventional scan tool plus the special features of your smartphone, such as free app updates, compactness, portability, saving data, and graphing of live data.
During the three months I have had my BlueDriver plugged into my car virtually 24 hours a day, the repair report feature is the top pick for me.
Cons:
BlueDriver vs. Actron CP9580A Scanner
The ActronCP9580A has worked just fine for me, however, receiving a BlueDriver as a Christmas present gave me the opportunity to compare these two devices side by side. Both Actron CP9580A and the BlueDriver are professional Scan Tools that provide basic and advanced readings.
Common features include: Using Advance code definition database, ABS data reading, Freeze Frame and Live data reading.
So which scanner would be the better one to invest your money in? Should you pay nearly twice as much to purchase a top-quality Actron Enhanced Scan Tool or purchase the BlueDriver with all the benefits of connectivity to a smartphone?
Bottom Line: Actron CP9580A Enhanced is an outstanding Scan Tool, providing basic and advanced data readings in an easy to use and clear display format. However, its price is much higher than similar high quality scanners. >> READ FULL REVIEW OF ACTRON CP9580A SCAN TOOL.
On the other hand, the BlueDriver, despite the drawbacks mentioned, costs half the price. It gives you the same readings, in addition to the convenience of accessing the data on your smartphone — which can’t be matched by any conventional scan tool.
Conclusion
Considering all the Pros and Cons of the BlueDriver, is it worth investing in? BlueDriver provides you with data readings and analysis, using Bluetooth wireless technology, directly on your smartphone.
Some of the data readings are very advanced and might not be of any use for a beginner. However, it does let you store the data to send for further analysis by experts. Up against all the obvious advantages of Bluetooth technology are the drawbacks I have covered in this review.
The main problem is the instability of Bluetooth connectivity and the flaws in the app provided by the manufacturer. Of course, apps are updated regularly. There is a good chance the problems will be solved in the new version, including incompatibility with Widows phones.
Final verdict: For this price, the BlueDriver is a Scan Tool suitable for skilled technicians and enthusiastic drivers. It empowers them to have basic and advanced data readings on their Smartphones effortlessly. It has its flaws, but its advantages outweigh them. I do recommend it, but strongly suggest you double-check its compatibility with your car before making your purchase.