The one must have tool for every DIY Audi owner

For any of us who like to work on our own cars a huge set of tools is a must. Audi tends to use a wide assortment of fasteners, from standard metric hex to torx to triple square to phillips screws in any possible size. Have a 17mm Allen for an axle bolt? Well you’ll need one. 14mm triple square for certain rear brake caliper carriers? 9mm Allen for front brake carriers? Holy moly. The list goes on and on.

But the single most important tool ANY good DIY Audi owner must have is the VCDS. Known well throughout the Audi and VW worlds generically as VAG-COM, VCDS is a complete diagnostic system of various interface (USB, serial, etc, and for various cars).  And Before you ask, there is only one real VCDS. It is made by Ross Tech in Pennsylvania. Anything else is a knock off, and barely worthy of the trash bin. We’ve been long time users and supporters of Ross Tech, since our very early days with our’96 A4. Back then it was kind of an interesting device, run off of the serial port on our old laptop. We built a special case and everything. Now they offer WiFi versions, USB, and even still serial.

But the real magic is the software behind it. Unlike generic OBDII scanners which can only read and clear basic fault codes, the VCDS can dive deep into the entire car systems, from engine, HVAC, ABS brakes, even the radio could be read for faults via the VCDS. We have many tech articles here on AudiWorld which outline all of the cool things one can do with a VCDS, such as disabling the alarm beep, lowering or raising windows with the key fob, etc. Here is one perfect example on the 2017 Audi A4 of ways to use VCDS to customize your car from the inside.

Dollar for dollar, the VCDS is by far the best tool to have in your collection. Not only will it save on unneeded trips to the dealer, it will help you diagnose and repair your out of warranty car.