For automotive professionals and enthusiasts alike, the functionality of a scan tool is paramount. The defining feature that separates a standard code reader from a professional-grade diagnostic tool is bidirectional capability – the ability to send commands to and receive data from vehicle control modules. This crucial function is what makes the Zurich ZR Pro Professional OBD-II Scanner a standout choice, as attested by Blair Brylawski, owner-operator of Revit Auto, a mobile automotive fleet management company in the Washington D.C. area. Brylawski and his team have been utilizing the ZR Pro for months, experiencing firsthand its professional quality and time-saving diagnostic prowess.
Brylawski highlights the impressive packaging and durability of the ZR Pro, noting, “The packaging was really, really good. Even to this day… the foam insert is in really good shape. We put the tool back into [the] carrying case. Since we travel, this does not live in a toolbox, it lives in one of our service vans.” This robust design ensures the scanner withstands the rigors of daily professional use, whether in a shop or on the go.
The Zurich ZR Pro package is comprehensive, including a spare stylus, a practical addition for busy technicians who might misplace one. The included quick-start manual is another user-friendly feature, designed for rapid setup. Brylawski confirms this ease of use, stating, “You can get up and going in about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you need to download.” This quick setup is crucial for professionals who need to get to work without delay.
Upon initial setup, the ZR Pro offers a vast software library, allowing users to customize the tool with the specific vehicle software they need. Brylawski advises focusing on essential downloads to optimize tool speed, “We just download what we work on, what we need. That saves us space to focus on our main bread-and-butter, which is American trucks and vans, as well as Mercedes Sprinters and such.” This customizable software selection makes the Zurich ZR Pro versatile for a range of automotive repair businesses.
Revit Auto provides a wide array of general automotive repairs, including diagnostics for other repair shops, where the Zurich ZR Pro proves invaluable. Their diagnostic process begins with the ZR Pro’s VIN search function. “plugging in the ZR-PRO and performing a VIN search, or VIN-to-code… This will pull the vehicle’s information and allow the technicians to confirm such information, a process Brylawski claims has never failed him with the ZR-PRO.” This reliable VIN identification streamlines the diagnostic process, ensuring accurate vehicle information from the outset. Following the VIN search, the health report feature initiates a comprehensive scan of all modules for readiness monitors. This automated process allows technicians to perform other essential tasks simultaneously, such as vehicle inspections.
The health report feature is a favorite of Brylawski, enabling his team to quickly pinpoint and address vehicle issues. Another significant advantage for Revit Auto is the Android platform integration. This allows seamless integration with G Suite, facilitating easy sharing of reports and diagnostic data with team members and clients. Unlike many scanners that only offer printing capabilities, the ZR Pro can directly email PDF reports. Brylawski emphasizes the benefits for Android users, “If you’re an Android user, this tool is super easy to integrate into your day-to-day operations… If my employee has a code he is not familiar with, or wants to share some live data, he can turn the page he is looking at into a PDF pretty fast, send it to me, and I will get that instantaneously.” This instant communication is particularly crucial for mobile operations like Revit Auto, where technicians may be geographically dispersed.
Brylawski elaborates on the communication benefits, “Since I’m mobile, having clear communication is nearly impossible. Me and my employees can be separated by hours of driving time… So, for our office admin to be able to receive data that can be forwarded to the client to help sell a service or repair, there is no better way to do that than an email right now.” Real-time email sharing of reports enhances both shop efficiency and customer service by providing immediate diagnostic information.
While overwhelmingly positive, Brylawski shared one instance where the ZR Pro initially misidentified an engine. However, the issue was swiftly resolved by Zurich’s support team. “He reached out to the company and was put in contact with their support team. An update for the tool was released four days later and the issue had been resolved. “I haven’t had any issues since then,” Brylawski says.” This responsiveness and prompt software update demonstrate strong customer support and commitment to product improvement.
Bidirectional functionality, seamless email connectivity, and essential service functions like VIN search and health reports solidify the Zurich ZR Pro Professional OBD-II Scanner as a top-tier tool. Brylawski concludes with a strong endorsement, “It has been a staple in one of our service trucks. Its been an awesome tool – I’ll never get rid of it.” For automotive professionals seeking a reliable, feature-rich, and user-friendly scan tool, the Zurich ZR Pro Professional OBD-II Scanner is a highly recommended investment.