BlueDriver Review and Essential Information

If you’re on the lookout for the best OBD-II scan tools, you’re bound to stumble across a BlueDriver review or two. It tends to place high on most lists and seems to have a good reputation and general specifications.

What can it do for you as an RV owner or enthusiast? In short, it can help you predict and troubleshoot common errors, but maybe not in the traditional way you’re thinking. Is there anything worse than having your vacation ruined by a failing vehicle and having to fork out for costly repairs and maintenance?

One example of something worse is buying a used vehicle and discovering too late that it’s in bad condition or doesn’t work. An OBD-II diagnostics device like the BlueDriver can possibly save you from both of these problems and many more. But that’s not necessarily the best use of this device for RV travelers.

Can I Use BlueDriver in My RV?

The short answer is yes. Here’s a video of a woman doing just that:

But there’s a big but attached to that. The bad news for RV lovers is BlueDriver is limited in the models is works with when it comes to your chosen RV line. It might work in your RV, and you can check and see if it does, but if it doesn’t, we’ve still got a great use for BlueDriver for you.

If you’re a big RV traveler, you most likely don’t drive your RV around town. You probably bring a car along with you to diddy bop from place to place once you get settled. How terrible would it be if that car were to breakdown or have a problem?

Pretty bad, right? So, if BlueDriver doesn’t work in your RV, see if it works in the vehicle you’re bringing with you! That way, you’ve got a reliable vehicle and you get a heads up if there’s a problem you need to address.

How You Benefit from a Good OBD-II Scan Tool

Onboard diagnostics, or OBD for short, is a system that tracks information about a vehicle’s engine and other components. Sensors pick up data about performance and possible issues, and the system consolidates everything into a single signal that you can access through a cable slot.

OBD standardization makes life easier for consumers and mechanics, since you no longer have to deal with many different systems. OBD-II is an updated protocol that’s been the standard since 1996. It’s mandatory for all vehicles on the American market.

Within OBD-II, there are five main sub-protocols. They are:

• ISO 15765-4/SAE J2480 (CAN-BUS)
• SAE J1850 VPW
• SAE J1850 PWM
• ISO9141-2
• ISO14230-4 (KWP2000)

Different brands and makes have different variations of these protocols, but CAN is the standard these days, and all vehicles from after 2007 implement it. It’s worth noting for a BlueDriver review that this device reads all the protocols above. You can get the information you need before it’s too late, and without the help of a mechanic.

With a tool like this, you can save time and money. Beyond avoiding accidents and vehicle damage, you can inspect your car’s fuel efficiency and overall performance stats. And you can predict whether you’ll pass emission tests and such. These factors contribute a lot to the costs of owning a vehicle.

Since every car made after 1996 has an OBD-II port and offers useful information, a diagnostics tool is a great thing to have. You’ll find the socket on the driver side, usually under or beside the steering wheel. All you need to do is plug the scanner in and pair it with your device, and you’re good to go.

Our BlueDriver Review

The BlueDriver by Lemur is among the most popular OBD-II scanners, and it’s one of the better options. One of the reasons for this is its dual compatibility with Android and iOS. Bluetooth scanners tend to lack iOS compatibility, and that gives the BlueDriver a significant leg up on most of the competition. Let’s see what this little thing has to offer.

Features

As a full-system diagnostics scan tool, the BlueDriver lets you check and clear codes about transmission, ABS, airbag, and “check engine” warnings. Not many OBD-II scanners have official licenses with Android and Apple, but BlueDriver does. You can expect solid performance on virtually any smartphone or tablet. You can scan almost any vehicle built after 1996. It’ll give you enhanced data on most of them.

The code database contains information on 30 million fixes to various problems. You can get real-time data on engine stats and various sensor readings. Furthermore, the BlueDriver can even tell you whether you’ll pass emission tests. To use the BlueDriver scan tool, you need its free smart device app.

Through this app, you can clear the “check engine” light and test various components including ABS misfiring and catalyst heating. You can also view maintenance schedules and technical information right on your phone. Chances are that you’ve read an old BlueDriver review with inaccurate information. Let’s clear up the biggest misunderstanding that currently circulates on the web.

These days, the app doesn’t require payments to unlock all features. It’s a full-featured app that works well on both iOS and Android. One important caveat for a BlueDriver review is that this scanner doesn’t work that well with laptops. Nor will it let you reprogram a FOB, but then again, that’s a pretty rare feature with few uses.

How it works

A common problem with many OBD scanners is that people experience connectivity issues. This isn’t the case with the BlueDriver. You can expect fast connectivity without random disconnects and pairing failures. The app lets you customize how it presents the data in graphs and other formats. So, you can always view the data in a way that’s easy for you to understand.

What’s more, you can choose your favorite or most needed readings and functions for quick access from the dashboard. Speed, RPM, fuel pressure, and other essential stats can be right at your fingertips. You can store all data in a log file as well. This can help you see changes over time, and it’ll make it easier for mechanics to fix your car as quickly and cheaply as possible.

Image by LinkedIn Sales Navigator via Pexels.

As for compatibility, the BlueDriver works with most American vehicles made since 1996. It’s also compatible with European ones from 2001 and after, although it’s 2004 for diesel vehicles. Regarding brands, it doesn’t have any preferences or restrictions. However, the data available differs between makes and models. If a code doesn’t show up, you should look here.

Buyers give the BlueDriver an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Positive BlueDriver review writers mention universal compatibility, detailed information, and fast update rates. The most common cause for negative BlueDriver review comments is that it won’t give you much detail on some vehicles, especially diesel trucks.

How the BlueDriver Stands Up to Competition

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay 

Nowadays, there are many OBD-II diagnostics tools, and they differ significantly. Therefore, a simple BlueDriver review may not make you much wiser. We figure that looking at some alternatives can help you understand how the BlueDriver holds up. The three we’ll look at are the OBDEleven Pro, the OBDLink LX, and the BAFX Products Wi-Fi OBDII.

How we reviewed

Understanding gadgets like these can be tricky for the uninitiated, especially with all the shady budget brands that promise a lot but never deliver. Therefore, we look at what real customers have to say about the products. Drawing from sources such as Amazon customer reviews, we get a much clearer picture of each product’s quality. That’s behind our BlueDriver review and these comparisons.

OBDEleven Pro

The OBDEleven Pro is a very popular OBD scan tool with a good reputation and an appealing price. It has certain advantages that can be relevant for a BlueDriver review, but it’s not as versatile as other products. Most importantly, it’s only for vehicles made by the VAG group. The abbreviation refers to Volkswagen and its subsidiaries.

Features

This is another full-system scan tool that can reveal and reset most system codes. It offers a wide variety of professional diagnostics functions, primarily for Audi and Volkswagen. You can view live data and calculate maintenance needs with it. The things you can detect and clear include oil pressure, EPB release, and new battery registration.

However, there’s much more. All of these examples are ones you can access via the dedicated One-Click App. It’s easy to do things with the app, and you can add additional convenience or more advanced features based on what you need. For example, you can erase faults and get throttle body alignment and other professional functions.

These extras cost credits. You get 11 credits with a new OBDEleven, and you can buy additional credits in groups of 10. There’s also a code library with definitions and fixes for common error codes. You can view the programming history, too.

How it works

Starting with connectivity, there are significant pros and cons. On the plus side, it has a strong enough Bluetooth signal for you to do your diagnostics up to around 30 feet from your vehicle. However, the app relies on internet access and can’t do anything if you’re disconnected.

Next, there’s the compatibility situation. You can only use the OBDEleven with Android devices, not iOS or Windows. Otherwise, it’s a formidable OBD-II scanner, especially if you drive a Volkswagen or Audi. Upgrading and adding functions doesn’t cost much, and it’s reliable.

Users give it 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Happy buyers say it’s dependable and advanced, yet easy to use. Unhappy ones complain about the lack of iOS compatibility and having to pay for many functions.

OBDLink LX

The OBDLink LX is another popular all-in-one diagnostics dongle, which makes it a worthy mention for every BlueDriver review. It’s a bit cheaper, so let’s look at why that is.

Features

Generally speaking, the OBDLink LX is a lot like the BlueDriver. It works with practically all vehicles, it can pull and reset a lot of data, and it’s fast and accurate. There’s also live performance tracking and a trip computer. You can customize the interfaces and log information with ease.

Regarding software, there’s a dedicated Android app and an OBD license in case you use Windows. These high-quality tools give you detailed information and a plethora of functions, and there are no additional costs for upgrades. It’s also compatible with third-party software.

How it works

In all the fundamental aspects, the OBDLink LX performs equally to the BlueDriver, although it has fewer features. However, you can sometimes tell that it’s a cheaper unit, and the connectivity isn’t as good. One clear downside is that you can’t use it with Apple devices.

Buyers give it 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Positive remarks highlight the versatility and reasonable price. As for negatives, some users experience occasional connectivity issues. Next to a BlueDriver review, it doesn’t look quite as hot, but it’s a formidable diagnostics tool nonetheless.

BAFX Products WiFi OBDII Diagnostic Interface

A good BlueDriver review should present a cheaper option too. If you only need the most basic functions, the BAFX Products BlueTooth OBDII is a worthy contestant. It’s one of the most inexpensive OBD scan tools you can take seriously.

Features

In short, this is like a simpler version. It’s not as refined, and it has fewer features. However, it works with almost all cars and light trucks, and it can do all the basic stuff. Note that it uses Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth. This makes it a bit more conditional, but it also means great compatibility with iOS devices.

BAFX doesn’t provide any software. Instead, you can use a variety of third-party apps. There are both free and paid options. Popular examples include DashCommand and Torque.

How it works

This is a fairly basic utility, but you can use it to draw the essential codes from most modern vehicles. It has a better build than the cheap generic options, and it doesn’t share their connectivity problems.

In the context of a BlueDriver review, convenience is a significant comparison. You’ll need to pick out a suitable app from the many options available, and the best ones will cost a bit. Plus, you need to stay connected to Wi-Fi to use it. It’s worth investing in a good Wi-Fi booster for your car if you want to use a scan tool like this.

It gets an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Many buyers highlight the simplicity and versatility. However, some find that it doesn’t stay fully functional for very long.

Should You Buy a BlueDriver OBD-II Scan Tool?

There are good reasons for the BlueDriver’s popularity. It works for both iOS and Android users, and it gives you enhanced diagnostics on a wide variety of vehicles. You can read and reset codes that most OBD-II scan tools wouldn’t help you access. Also, it has a big library of error codes and suggested fixes, making it easier to address things yourself.

Therefore, a BlueDriver is a smart choice for practically anyone who needs a diagnostics tool. That concludes our BlueDriver review. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below or contact us.

Featured image by Skitterphoto via Pexels.

Last update on 2023-05-06 at 08:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API