Why Aren't OBD Scanners Integrated into Cars Instead of Selling Them Separately?

It is a common question to wonder why OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) scanners, which can provide crucial vehicle health information, are not integrated into cars instead of being sold as separate accessories. This article explores the reasons behind the current approach and offers insights into the potential benefits and drawbacks of integration.

The Common Obstacles: Lack of User Understanding and Technical Sophistication

The majority of car owners are not trained in vehicle diagnostics. As most people only know the basics of operating their vehicles, such as adding fuel, turning the key, and using the audio system, they might not understand how to interpret the information displayed by an OBD scanner. Consequently, they often prefer to take their cars to professional repair shops for diagnosis and maintenance, where they can trust experts to handle any issues.

Manufacturer's Strategy and Profit Margins

Manufacturers have a strategic interest in keeping OBD access limited to professional repair shops. It is believed that the profit margins on car sales are relatively small compared to those from servicing and spares, and that cars with OBD sockets installed are often not fully functional. In this context, the manufacturers might be concerned about the potential increase in costs if OBD scanners were integrated into cars. This is because such integration would significantly boost the production costs and reduce the resale value of the vehicle during its lifecycle.

History and Current Practice

A specific example would be BMW's response to a query about a 2000-model car. When the owner requested information about the OBD socket installed at the time of manufacturing, BMW casually dismissed the query by suggesting taking the vehicle to an authorized dealer. This response reflects the manufacturer's restrictive attitude towards direct access to OBD information by non-professional users. In many cases, manufacturers are wary of owners or unauthorized users gaining too much information about their vehicles, as it could bypass the need for costly service and repair visits.

The Cost Consideration and Market Versatility

Integrating an OBD scanner into a car would involve significant cost implications. The sticker price of a fully equipped car would escalate, and many car owners would be unwilling to pay for a feature that they might never use frequently. Additionally, factory-integrated scanners would be less versatile than aftermarket devices. Portable and customizable solutions, such as Bluetooth OBD adapters, allow users to modify their usage based on individual needs. For instance, under $50, a user can install a Bluetooth OBD adapter and use their Android device to diagnose their car thoroughly. This flexibility is something that integrated scanners would lack.

Why DIY Diagnostics Can Be Cost-Effective

Given that many consumers are already willing to take their vehicles to repair shops for diagnostics, integrating an OBD scanner into cars might not significantly reduce the number of service visits. Moreover, DIY diagnostics can be more cost-effective for routine checks and troubleshooting. For simple issues, such as checking the oil level or the status of the air conditioning, an OBD scanner or even a basic code reader can provide valuable insights without the need for professional intervention. This could help to reduce the overall cost of vehicle repairs and empower car owners to take better care of their vehicles.

Conclusion

While the idea of integrating OBD scanners into cars might seem appealing, the current approach has its merits. By limiting access to professional repair shops, manufacturers can protect their profit margins and ensure that car owners are directed towards official service centers. At the same time, for those who prefer to handle maintenance themselves, portable and flexible OBD solutions offer a reasonable balance between cost and convenience. Whether OBD integration will become more prevalent in the future remains to be seen, but for now, the status quo seems to be the most practical approach.