What Is the Purpose of a Fault Reader?

Technological advancement sweeps across industries, shaping truck design, manufacture and maintenance. Dealers, owners and operators who use truck and bus parts now turn to advanced diagnostic equipment like fault readers for efficiency. 

Is it important to own a fault reader?

Although a fault reader may not be a crucial piece for a toolbox, it is an essential device for a vehicle owner. A vehicle owner with little or no experience in American truck parts and mechanics can use the device to diagnose mechanical problems in minutes. 

It becomes easy to stay updated on the aftermarket parts of trucks and the overall condition of the truck. It also gives you peace of mind knowing you can easily tell the reason for a malfunction in your truck quickly and accurately. 

With such information, it is easy to know when to call a mechanic and the information to share. It will save time and money and omit the costs of the diagnostics charged by mechanics, hence alleviating the question: what is the purpose of a fault reader?

Diagnostic tests usually take slightly over an hour. Any complicated issue noted that requires further diagnosis takes more than 2 hours. 

The advanced test could require the removal of the truck and trailer parts for access and testing, depending on the assortment or severity of the issues. An owner or operator with some experience in mechanics can fix some of the issues themselves. 

Code readers vs scan tools

Fault readers are either basic or advanced, whereas code readers are basic in their use and output. Scan tools are heavy-duty and more advanced than code readers.

Code readers

A basic code reader scans and displays fault codes by only reading and clearing codes. Truck code readers cost significantly less and are more user-friendly than scan tools. 

However, they do not generate accurate and detailed data. With such, you cannot pinpoint the exact location, root and nature of a problem. 

Even if they serve well enough for basic code scanning, the lack of concise diagnostic reports can lead to expensive mistakes from replacing the wrong truck and trailer parts. 

Code readers do not give diagnostic updates after a repair job. Without freeze-frame data, it is hard to confirm if the repairs fixed the problem or if a truck needs further maintenance. 

Such inefficiency risks a vehicle’s health by compromising the functionality of aftermarket parts for trucks. They are ideal for an everyday vehicle user.

Heavy-duty or advanced truck scan tools 

Like a truck code reader, a scan tool reads and clears fault codes, but it also highlights OEM-specific codes- pending and generic. The freeze-frame data it provides gives the exact nature and location of a problem. 

Any other data like diagnostic and readiness-monitor status helps track the problem’s cause. It eases monitoring a vehicle’s supporting parts comprising the aftermarket parts for European trucks.

Scan tools are high-end solutions because the most advanced types require connection to expensive and special diagnostic laptops. They remain a preserve for professional mechanics, managers, and owners of large fleets using American and European truck parts.

The mid-range scan tools can connect to tablets and smartphones, so owner-operators of small fleets prefer them for their affordability.

Final take

Undoubtedly, standard or advanced fault readers are crucial in maintaining and monitoring vehicles and aftermarket truck parts. In addition, they support the optimum performance of a vehicle’s critical systems.