For owners of a classic like the 1996 Chevrolet Work Truck, finding the right OBD scanner is crucial for vehicle maintenance and diagnostics. You might be wondering about the availability of the latest updates for your OBD2 scanner, especially when you see newer models advertised with support for the latest vehicles. At obd2scanner.store, we believe in providing accurate and reliable information, which sometimes means taking the time to do things correctly.
The Importance of Legitimate OEM Data in OBD2 Scanners
Unlike some OBD scanner companies that may rush updates to market, we prioritize obtaining our data through legitimate channels as an authentic data licenser of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) data. This commitment to ethical practices is paramount in ensuring the reliability and safety of your scan tool. You might see other brands boasting about having the newest vehicle updates, but it’s important to understand how they acquire this information. Often, these companies do not obtain their data legally or lawfully.
The process for OEMs to release data for scan tools is staged. Initially, manufacturers prioritize their own dealership-level scan tools, which can cost upwards of $20,000. These updates are released in anticipation of new vehicle models. Subsequently, and sometimes months or even years later, they release the necessary information for aftermarket companies like Innova to support these vehicles.
The Risks of Unethical OBD Scanner Updates
Some less scrupulous scanner businesses resort to unethical methods to quickly offer updates. This often involves hacking into OEM scanners and illegally copying proprietary diagnostic software. They then integrate this stolen data into their own products, selling these updates to consumers, often through subscription models. This shortcut allows them to appear ahead of the curve with update availability.
However, choosing these “unethical scanners” comes with significant risks. One major concern is the potential for your scanner to become unusable (“bricked”) at any time. Vehicle manufacturers actively protect their software, and using illegally obtained data can lead to compatibility issues and even legal repercussions for the scanner companies involved. A quick search on Google for “scan tools sued by ford” will reveal the legal battles these unethical practices can lead to. These lawsuits often involve claims of illegally accessing and copying proprietary diagnostic software.
Innova’s Commitment to Ethical and Thorough Updates
In contrast to these risky practices, Innova has built a reputation over decades as a trusted and ethical provider of OBD2 scan tools. Despite being a leading scan tool provider in the USA, Innova has never faced a lawsuit from a vehicle manufacturer. This track record speaks volumes about our commitment to legal and ethical data sourcing.
As an aftermarket supplier, Innova adheres to the timelines set by vehicle manufacturers for data release. Once this information becomes available for the aftermarket, our dedicated team of nearly 100 engineers and field testers begins the complex process of analyzing, engineering, and verifying thousands of features and functions for each new vehicle. This meticulous process ensures that our updates are accurate, comprehensive, and reliable for vehicles like your 1996 Chevrolet Work Truck and newer models when they are supported.
To simplify the update process for our users, Innova provides a single, comprehensive update each year that covers all makes and models. This approach, while requiring significant engineering effort and time, guarantees a high-quality update experience. It is also why, unlike many scanners with extensive features, Innova provides these crucial updates to you for free.
We understand that waiting for updates can be frustrating. However, at Innova and obd2scanner.store, we firmly believe that providing legal, ethical, and thoroughly tested updates is the best way to serve our customers, ensuring your 1996 Chevrolet Work Truck and other vehicles are diagnosed accurately and reliably. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we continue to work diligently to bring you the best possible OBD scanning solutions.
