BlueDriver vs FIXD: Which one is Better?
Bluetooth enabled OBD-II scanners are the most recent developments in Maintenance Management Software. If you have ever had the check engine light come up and wondered whether you should call the mechanic right away, then you need an OBD-II scanner to perform a diagnosis of your vehicle.
The BlueDriver and FIXD OBD-II scanners are prime examples of car health scanners that give diagnostic reports on the status of your carâs systems. These tools offer you a choice of display on top of having your mobile phone as a display method as well.
You can check out a demo or free trial of each product to get an idea of what we are talking about and to at least get a chance to use them.
So, are you looking for an honest comparison review of BlueDriver versus FIXD? Then you came to the right place.
We understand that no one wants to spend money on something they donât understand so hereâs our breakdown.
BlueDriver is a product by Lemur Vehicle Monitors. This is a company that specializes in offering real-time vehicle monitoring systems. Lemur Vehicle Monitor revolutionized how field techs and fleet service managers view scan tools.
The modern vehicle has over 100 tiny microprocessors, and BlueDriver boasts that their app can read them all. At the same time, it can also provide diagnostic tools desperately needed by todayâs service fleet vehicles and technicians.
BlueDriver Features
BlueDriver OBD-II uses the latest Bluetooth technology. You need to download the BlueDriver mobile application and connect it with the scanner via Bluetooth.
The scanner then provides an enhanced diagnostic feature that can cover plenty of vehicle systems including but not limited to, climate control, ABS systems, and SRS airbags.
The BlueDriver team are always on top of their game with constant updates that widen the vehicle systems coverage.
The Identifix database is the price estimator feature for BlueDriver with price fixes sourced from professionals around the globe. Identifix database entails over 30 million potential fixes, and for that, it is one of the largest databases in the world.
This feature serves as an advantage to first-time car users as you can estimate the price of your repairs before you take your vehicle to your mechanic with Identifix being a reliable source and all.
BlueDriver is definitely a great pick for DIYers and car enthusiasts.
More features
- Licensed and certified for Android and Apple devices
- Flexible service scheduling and calendar management
- Powered by the latest Bluetooth technology
- Enhanced diagnostic features on all GM vehicles
- Compatible with all OBD II protocols
- User-friendly
- Good tech support
- Easy to save, export and share your reports
- Offers full functionality
- Diagnoses more vehicle systems than any other scanner
- Excellent interface
- Offers live data that helps in monitoring your vehicle
- Works on a diverse range of vehicles
- Easy to connect with Bluetooth
- Gives accurate reports and fixes all thanks to Identifix
- Doesnât work well with older vehicle models
- May not connect to all iOS devices, iPad Pro and iOS 11x
- Doesnât support ABS and transmission for all cars
- The company offers vague instructions for setting up the device
What Are the Customers Saying?
BlueDriver is so much more than just a code reader. Its additional features offer a complete, dependable solution for vehicle systems diagnostics.
On command, the BlueDriver scans for codes and reads them all while flashing the modules on your phoneâs screen as it searches.
It is fast and thorough and also includes a ârepair reportâ database which interprets what a code means and offers the most appropriate fixes for the problem.
It really comes as a big help to mechanics or car newbies that havenât had to deal with some of these modern vehicles especially when they see a code thatâs not familiar. Also, the app is quite simple to download, and the scanner is easy to use.
FIXD Automotive Inc. is an automotive specialist company that was filed as a Delaware Corporation on September 18, 2014, with its headquarters in Atlanta.
Despite being new in the industry, it has set its marks in the automotive industry by helping drivers understand and maintain their vehicles. Their main objective of this company is to take the guessing out of your check engine light.
The driver is then given a detailed report on the extent of the problem, the definition of what is wrong, the aftercome of continued driving and the estimated cost of repair.
The app then offers the user the opportunity to plan for a service at the repair shop or to find specific parts needed to get the job done.
FIXD Notable Features
FIXD scanner is built with the latest Bluetooth technology and is ready to power app once you download the FIXD app on your phone. Your phoneâs display will then determine the display of the scanner.
After a thorough scan, it gives you the potential consequences of the issue and defines how each issue had an impact on your car. That helps you determine how fast you want your repairs done.
Pretty convenient for mechanics monitoring several vehicles at a garage right?
If you thought that all that was impressive, then you will be blown away by the price estimator feature. FIXD applications give a price estimate on each repair. Thatâs a great way of planning a budget before you get to the mechanic.
This scanner is intended for use by small businesses, large enterprises, and medium businesses. However, the information it provides you with makes it the perfect tool from first-time drivers to car experts.
You also get information displayed as live data in the form of graphs, charts, gauges or 0 to 60 mode.
More features
- Maintenance alerts of scheduled vehicle maintenance service
- iOS and Android compatible
- Freeze frame/snapshot feature
- Live data display
- Compatible with all OBD II protocols
- Small and easy to use
- Help get rid of the engine warning light
- Helps the user to keep a regular maintenance schedule
- Helps save money on unexpected repairs
- Works with both Android and iOS apps
- Very economical device
- Has limited functionality as it canât detect SRS or ABS systems
- FIXD has poor customer support
- The soft tip on the scanner makes it hard to remove
What Are the Customers Saying?
FIXD helps you understand what it means when that check engine light comes on and to detect other problems in the battery, tire tread or wipers.
You also get additional resources like instructional videos to help you learn how to fix the problem.
For the forgetful types, FIXD reminds you when to schedule your vehicle maintenance service with an alert system. It is pretty convenient to do damage control on our vehicle just from a mobile app.
However, it poses a safety issue as it may disable the passenger seat airbag in some vehicles if connected while driving.
BlueDriver v. FIXD: Which One Is Better?
The bottom line is that if you are a hands-on driver, the FIXD health monitor is what you need as it works very well once compatible. FIXD prides itself in some robust features that most users would find appealing. Btw, you can find more in-depth FIXD Reviews and Tips here.
It is also suitable for beginners for it is set to display reports in plain English which is easy for a beginner to understand. The fact that it can scan up to 5 vehicles at a time is also a bonus.
Professionals also find the BlueDriver to be simple enough for a DIYer to understand and has the requisite tools to handle the toughest automotive diagnostic jobs.
Car Diagnostic Scan Tools FAQ and Buying Guide
Contents:
What is FIXD?
FIXD integrates a car sensor and an app to diagnose problems with your vehicle and saves you the cost of late repairs. It plugs into your carâs OBD sensor and then pairs with your smartphone.
It then translates error codes into understandable terms with no confusing technical jargon. Once plugged in, you will understand exactly why the Check Engine light is on, get maintenance and automatic oil change reminders and instantly see the degree of the carâs problems.
Do you leave FIXD plugged in all the time?
You can leave the sensor plugged in at all times. It uses little power when communication with the app is cut off.
However, if you plan on leaving your car sitting idle for more than 2 weeks, it is better to unplug the sensor to preserve your vehicleâs energy.
FIXD devices need not be charged as they rely on the vehicleâs energy. Even though the sensor is always on low-energy mode, it would drain your battery if left on for a long time when the car is sitting idle.
Can FIXD be used on multiple cars?
Yes. FIXD can connect with up to 5 cars at a go.
How do I install FIXD?
To install FIXD, you have to download its Android or iOS app on your smartphone and then register the information requested by the app. FYI, the app requires you to create an account and have a password to use it.
When done, plug in the sensor to your vehicles OBD sensor and link the sensor to your phone. If you canât locate the OBD-II port, have your mechanic assist you or Google where the port is located on the model of your vehicle.
What is a BlueDriver?
BlueDriver is an OBD-II adaptor that uses Bluetooth to link with your smartphone.
It is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and is focused on the vehicleâs diagnosis.
It is only compatible with its BlueDriver app. BlueDriver maintains a database of over 6 million fixes that are verified by certified auto mechanics.
So when you get an error code, you will have access to repair reports, and its additional professional-grade features give you more information on the problem and its solution.
BlueDriver performs enhanced diagnosis like SRS, ABS, and transmission for supported models. BlueDriver is also constantly going through software updates, so this product will keep on growing with time.
What apps work with BlueDriver?
Unlike other scanners, BlueDriver doesnât work with other third-party apps.
You will get an OBD communication failure report if you try to.
It is only compatible with its own BlueDriver app that is available at App Store for iOS and Play Store for Android. The app is not available for Windows.
Can you leave BlueDriver plugged in?
Yes, you can. If you try to use the BlueDriver app when the car is off, and the device is plugged in, it wonât work.
That means that the device doesnât use the car battery when the car is sitting idle, so itâs safe to leave it on.
Will BlueDriver work with my vehicle?
BlueDriver is compatible with all passenger cars and light trucks sold in the United States and Canada and has the model year of 1996 or newer.
Final Take
You may have come up with your score on which is better between BlueDriver and FIXD based on what we had to offer. However, you should keep in mind that you should consider how the application of each device matches your most critical issues as opposed to going for the one with the most robust features.
Before spending money on any of them, think of what specific features you need, how useful those features are to your vehicleâs needs and how much they cost. That should be your ultimate buying guide. The ultimate decider of the best car health scanner is after all the end user.
But whichever you choose, you will get value for your money as both are excellent scanners and will meet most of your needs.
Iâm looking to buy a used car
Can I use blue driver on different cars or is it limited to checking the first car it is hooked up too. If bluedriver is limited to the first car it is attached to what diagnostic tool would you recommend for an all sensors. Thank you
I purchased 2 for the fixd devices when they first came out. They do indeed tell you what the light means but unless you pay for extra help and they dont give you enough information to actually search some of the problems that the fixd device finds. I found this kind of like a bait and switch. I suppose you need to pay for stuff but i would think this would allow you to repair your problem rather than have to pay more for info.
Donât be a CHEAP-SKATE!!! The FIXD is a TOY when compared with the BLueDriver.
If you are cursed and driving a 2013 Ford Escape(d) or a 2009-12 VW Tiguan, a 2006-2016 Chevy Eqinox or a 2012-2019 BMW X3/X5 the BlueDriver will save your life and/or your wallet!!! Go to CarComplaints site and read peopleâs horror stories.
These are ok info, but as Michael said you didnât mention, is the extra cost that you In counter, the veg info on using it on multiple vehicle, such as do you have to pay extra per vehicle is it subscription per yr/ Mon, or per diagnostic , I really did understand does it (them) give you a drivability / performance diagnostic for instance the tps has a weak signal ECT⊠These are just some basic questions / answers you should incorporate in your review
It is impossible that, quote âThe modern vehicle has over 100 tiny microprocessors, and BlueDriver boasts that their app can read them all.â.
Okay itâs not impossible for them to boast that, but to do it? No. Many of those microprocessors donât communicate with anything and those that do, mostly communicate with higher level processors and THOSE are what Bluedriver âreadsâ, typically around 3 per vehicle or less on older vehicles.