The NEXPEAK NX501: Caring for your car the right way

Most people don’t think they need a car scanner. After all, that’s what mechanics are for, right? However, more consumers have realized the importance of maintaining their vehicles.

But how do we do that? We can try and learn. We can take a class, observe our mechanic, or purchase the NEXPEAK NX501car scan tool.

The NEXPEAK NX501 is a device that allows users to run tests on their vehicles. It can also be used to request data and read codes. It is basically used to see if your car in in good working order.

Here’s why I choose the NEXPEAK NX501 over other car scanners:

It’s compact and sturdy

The NEXPEAK NX501 is nicely packaged. It includes a carrying case, cables, and an instruction manual. It’s nicely shaped that it fits ergonomically into your hand.

What I like about it is that it feels solid. It’s not too heavy, but I have the impression that it won’t break easily. The silicone casing feels nice too.

It has a nice array of functions

The menu of the NEXPEAK NX501 is simple. However, this does not mean that it has limited functions. It is actually amazing how many functions this small device has.

One of the most popular functions is determining the cause of the pesky check engine light. The NEXPEAK NX501 pinpoints the cause and allows you to assess how serious it actually is. I also appreciate the live sensor data and all graphs, but I confess I’m not entirely sure what they mean.

Data storage

This is a particularly handy function, especially when you can’t readily hook your device to a computer. The freeze screen allows you to save test results to show to your mechanic later on.

It has good support

The 3-year warranty is very good compared to the 1-year warranty other brands offer. In addition, it offers updates. All you have to do is hook your device to a computer and avail of the free update online.

Product	NEXPEAK NX501 OBD2 Scanner	FOXWELL NT301 Car Obd2 Code Scanner	Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 Scanner
Price	$65.99	$69.99	$34.88
Compatibility	This device can work with most car models after 1996	This device works with US (1996 onwards), EU (2001 onwards), Asian cars and other newer models	On Amazon, it says that this device is compatible with all car models
Functions	This can read and erase engine codes, as well as show exactly why the check engine light keeps blinking. It also shows live sensor data, graphs, and other information that is useful to mechanics. It also helps you monitor the status of your battery.	It can read and erase codes. It also has built in library for the codes. It can turn off MIL and check the status of your battery.	It can turn off MIL and correctly determine the cause of such. It also offers a test for emission readiness and a one-click system to check for I/M Readiness.
Pros	I like how the code definitions appear after they are read. That makes it easier for me to understand rather than look it up. Also, it reads really fast! Apparently, it is able to diagnose 2-3 times faster than other models	Code definitions appear after the readings are displayed.	This is one of the cheapest scanners available. It is easy and simple to use.
Cons	The downside to this is that if you need updates, this cannot be updated on a Mac system. Good thing I was able to use my husband’s computer and it worked fine. Further, this device only supports 12V vehicles.	This device cannot read air bag codes and it is a bit difficult to discern the codes. You sometimes have to look them up.	This device will not show live readings or allow actuator tests. In addition, it does not read airbag as well as ABS codes as it claims in the listing. It also does not work on all vehicles as advertised
Others	3-year warranty and a free lifetime update service	On Amazon, it says that warranty is provided for parts. However it does not mention the specific duration.	1 year warranty, free lifetime update

Compatibility

The OBDII system was enforced in the United States in 1996. Since then, all cars and light trucks need to adhere to this system.

The NEXPEAK NX501 works well with US cars (from 1996 onwards), EU cars (from 2003 onwards), as well as most Asian cars. It works with both gas-based and diesel based vehicles.

Pros

Easy to use interface

The NEXPEAK NX501 has a large, colored screen. The graphics are friendly and the text easy to understand. The buttons are just the right size and make a satisfying sound when you press them.

To use, you simply connect the large cable to the device (not the USB). Make sure to screw it in securely. Then you can start your car and start running tests.

Easy to understand results

The NEXPEAK NX501 does not just give you codes to decipher. The code definitions appear automatically after the results. This way you don’t have to scramble for the manual and look for meanings.

Saves time and money

This is an invaluable tool in understanding the status of your car’s overall health. By pinpointing exactly what your car’s problem is, it breaks down the barriers between you and your mechanic. It saves time, and thus, the amount of money you spend on labor.

Good speed

According to reviews, the NEXPEAK NX501 is 2-3 times faster than other models. Actually, the scanning doesn’t take very long. However, sometimes my friend’s scanners take a bit longer to run diagnostics. And probably as a consequence, their device sometimes hangs.

This is why I feel very satisfied to get the results of the tests from the NEXPEAK NX501 almost right away.

Reasonably priced

Its price is one of the most satisfying things about the NEXPEAK NX501. It’s not the cheapest model on the market. However, it provides great value for money.

Cons

I am very happy with my NEXPEAK NX501. However, when I needed to install updates, I had a problem. The software could not be updated on a Mac computer.

In this case, I was glad for my husband’s help. I used his computer (Windows OS) to install the updates needed for the device.

It is also important to note that this device only works on vehicles with 12V batteries.

Who can use the NEXPEAK NX501?

From online reviews, the consensus was that this can be used by almost anyone. I’ve read glowing reviews from seasoned mechanics. But I am comforted by reviews done by newbies like me.

Perhaps that was what encouraged me to purchase this---the fact that most of the users weren’t professionals. This meant the NEXPEAK NX501 was a device I could actually manipulate and understand. This was good because why invest in something you won’t be able to use?

The Bottom Line

Our society depends heavily upon horizontal transport. So we should learn to be responsible and take care of our vehicles. A large part of this is maintenance and this is where the convenience of having a car scanner comes in.

Having a car scanner such as the NEXPEAK NX501 saves you a ton of money, time, and frustration. This is a crucial aspect in car maintenance. Especially when your livelihood depends upon your car.

On the whole, I am very glad that I decided to invest in a car scanner. And I’m glad I chose NEXPEAK NX501.