Carista OBD2 Diagnostic & Customisation Tool Review
We’re no strangers to OBD2 products here at notaguru.co.uk but this is our first look at the Carista; one of the leading brands in OBD2-based tools.
Carista is all-in-one OBD2 Bluetooth scanner and mobile app package for car diagnostics, customisations, service tools, and live data. It combined user-friendly hardware and software together to make life very easy for the end user.
How does Carista work?
The small hardware element simply plugs into your cars OBD2 port (often in the footwell on the drivers side in many cars but a quick Google should help you find yours) which unlocks a direct Bluetooth connection between the brains of your car and the Carista app on your phone. I downloaded the Carista app for my iPhone from the App Store but you’ll also find it available for Android on the Google Play Store and the Huawei equivalent.
This tiny piece of hardware plugs into your vehicle’s OBD2 port before conmnecting to your phone via Bluetooth - it could not be simpler.
Why would you need Carista?
The Carista package can not only save the car owner time and money but reduce the need for dealership visits, it can also help unlock a treasure trove of new features or help you to simply customise some aspects of the car for which there or no factory menu items. You can check compatibility and functionality of your vehicle by visiting https://caristaapp.com/vehicles
If and when something goes wrong with your car, knowing the issue before contacting a mechanic can save you a hefty diagnostic charge and the inconvenience of a dealership visit, it can also mean that you can, at times, clear a simple fault and continue your journey instead of being stranded in a layby waiting for help to arrive. It’s ideal for those without technical knowledge or professional dealership-grade diagnostic tools who want to have more control over their car.
Carista can also be a very useful tool when buying a used car as, with many compatible vehicles, it will give you a glimpse into their past, perhaps showing you how many times the airbags have been deployed or when it was actually last serviced.
Conclusion
Carista makes seemingly impossible tasks extremely simple with a very easy-to-use hardware and software combination.
The hardware and software seem to be well-priced and offer great value for money, just one dealership diagnostic charge would cover the cost alone and it could be the difference between waiting by the roadside for a recovery truck and actually clearing a fault yourself and making your way home.
In short, Carista can save you time, save you money, keep you safe and help you customise the features available in your car. This little device and its partner app certainly get a big thumbs up from us and it’s well worth considering picking one of these up for any car owner with a compatible vehicle. Highly Recommended.
If you’re interested in seeing Carista in action, take a look at our video below…
Carista OBD2 Review : DefinitelyNotAGuru YouTube Channel
Full Product Overview :
Basic Diagnostics(free feature): Carista helps you to decode the meaning of the most common fault code: the ‘’Check engine’’ one and other engine or transmission related lights and get rid easily of them.
Manufacturer-specific Diagnostics (requires in-app subscription): Scan all car ECUs including ABS, airbags, instrument cluster, etc., and reset manufacturer-specific fault codes.
Customisations (requires in-app subscription): Enabling hidden car features might cost hundreds at the dealership. Not anymore! Carista gives the chance to enable lots of features from a phone at the fraction of the cost of what a dealer might charge. You can adjust the behavior of your lights, mirrors, navigation, display, parking sensors, windows and much more.
Service tools (requires in-app subscription): Explore a wide range of service DIY tools: Battery registration, DPF regeneration, Service light reset, Electronic parking brake (EPB) service, TPMS registration and more.
Live data (requires in-app subscription): Control parameters in real time related to car battery, engine, engine turbo, transmission, A/C system, DPF, ABS wheel speed and many more. Pinpoint any potential issues before they do major vehicle damage.
*Carista is available for certain VW, Audi, SEAT, Skoda, BMW, Mini, Nissan, Toyota, Lexus, Infiniti and Scion models. Features depend on each model and brand so it’s important to check your vehicle before you purchase by visiting: https://caristaapp.com/vehicles
Additional info & instructions :
Carista app is available for iOS, Android and Huawei devices
Carista OBD2 comes with 2-year warranty and 1-month free app trial of all paid features included in the 12-month subscription plan. In order not to get charged, please cancel the trial before it ends. After the trial has expired, you have 3 subscription plans to choose from in order to continue using Carista app.
Subscription plans:
● 12-Month subscription — £46.99
● 3-Month subscription — £19.99
● 1-Month subscription — £9.99
Carista is compatible with third-party apps: https://caristaapp.com/supported-apps
Instructions how to connect to Carista OBD2 scanner
Turn your phone’s Bluetooth ON
Make sure that the Carista app has permission to use Bluetooth
Plug the adapter firmly into the OBD port usually located on the driver’s side under the dashboard
Turn the ignition fully ON
Open Carista app, and click “Connect”
When Carista app asks you what kind of adapter you’re using: select “Carista’’