Top 10 Best Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner : Reviews & Buying Guide

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It’s not always simple to purchase a Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner. Being dazed is easy when you see hundreds of variations are available in the market for the same Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner by different manufacturers. According to the performance, quality, longevity and overall user experience, they are so similar that you may get hard to make your final buying decision. On that situation, only one thing can assist to find out the best Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner and make a winning deal for you.

There are few very essential topics which you must count before buying a Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner, and that is what we are going to discuss about in the below. It’s a proper review guideline for you that will include the advantages and disadvantages of your preferred product, as well as its sustainability, affordability, functionalities, and practical benefits. There will also be a solid comparison of a few related products. Now you can easily choose the best one for you. Let’s take a look inside.

Last update on 2024-03-27 at 05:59 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Top 10 Best Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner Review In 2022

In this section, we attempted to identify the top ten Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner from thousands of products. This list will make you feel confident in your ability to obtain your chosen Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner in a matter of minutes. We prioritized their utility, performance, durability, look, cost, and previous user experiences. We are confident that this list of the top 10 Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner will help you find the one that best fits your needs.

Bestseller No. 1
ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool-Black
  • CEL Doctor: The ANCEL AD310 is one of the best-selling OBD II scanners on the market and is recommended by Scotty Kilmer, a YouTuber and auto mechanic. It can easily determine the cause of the check engine light coming on, quickly read and clear diagnostic trouble codes, read live data & hard memory data, view freeze frame, I/M monitor readiness and collect vehicle information. Instead of taking car to mechanic shop, you can use it to check the trouble code and show code definition by yourself.
  • Sturdy and Compact: Equipped with a 2.5 foot cable made of very thick, flexible insulation. It is important to have a sturdy scanner as it can easily fall to the ground when working in a car. The AD310 OBD2 scanner is a well-constructed device with a sleek design. It weighs 12 ounces and measures 8.9 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches. Thanks to its compact design and light weight, transporting the device is not a problem. The buttons are clearly labelled and the screen is large and displays results clearly.
  • Accurate Fast and Easy to Use: The AD310 scanner can help you or your mechanic understand if your car is in good condition, provides exceptionally accurate and fast results, reads and clears engine trouble codes in seconds. If you want to find out the cause of the check engine light, this device will let you know immediately and fix the problem right away without any car knowledge. No need for batteries or a charger, get power directly from the OBDII Data Link Connector in your vehicle.
  • OBDII Protocols and Car Compatibility: Many cheap scan tools do not really support all OBD2 protocols. This is not the case with the AD310 scanner as it can support all OBDII protocols such as KWP2000, J1850 VPW, ISO9141, J1850 PWM and CAN. This device also has extensive vehicle compatibility with 1996 US-based, 2000 EU-based and Asian cars, light trucks, SUVs, as well as newer OBD2 and CAN vehicles both domestic and foreign. Check compatibility with your vehicle model before purchasing.
  • Home Necessity and Worthy to Own: This is an excellent code reader to travel or home with as it weighs less and it is compact in design. You can easily slide it in your backpack as you head to the garage, or put it on the dashboard, this will be a great fit for you. The AD310 is not only portable, but also accurate and fast in performance. Moreover, it covers various car brands and is suitable for people who just need a code reader to check their car.
SaleBestseller No. 2
MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner Code Reader Engine Fault Scanner CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars Since 1996, Yellow
  • Multi-Functions - Practical Multi-Functions OBD2 code reader features built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library, which help you to determine the cause of the engine light, read code, erase code, view freeze frame, I/M ready, vehicle information, data flow, real-time curve, get vehicle speed information, calculate load value, engine coolant temperature, get engine speed.
  • Wide Capability - Supports 9 protocols compatible with most 1996 US-Based, 2000 EU-Based and Asian cars, and newer OBD II & CAN domestic or import vehicles. Supports 6 languages - English,German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Italian.
  • LCD Display - Designed with a clear display LCD screen (128 x 64 pixels) - white backlight and contrast adjustment. No need any battery or charger, OBD reader gets the power directly from your vehicle through the OBDII Data Link Connector.
  • Compact Design - Car diagnostic scanner is equipped with a 2.5 feet long cable and made of a very thick flexible insulator.There are 6 buttons on OBD2 Scanner:scroll up/down,enter/exit and buttons that quick query VIN vehicle number& the DTC fault code.
  • ABS / Airbag codes NOT Supported - It is able to read and clear check engine information which is part of OBDII system, but it cannot work with non-OBDII systems, including ABS / Airbag / Oil Service Light, etc.
Bestseller No. 3
MOTOPOWER MP69035 OBD2 Scanner Universal Car Engine Fault Code Reader, CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for All OBD II Protocol Cars
  • 👍【Professional Level Diagnosis】- As a professional car scanner, the MP69035 has all the OBD2 functions you need, which includes Read & Clear codes, Turn off engine light or MIL, View live data stream, Read I/M Readiness, View freeze frame, Retrieve vehicle‘s VIN data, Test Battery Voltage, O2 sensor test, Onboard monitoring mode check and more to explore.
  • 📋【More than 35,901 DTC Lookup】- Compared with the classic models which usually only have 3,000-10,000 DTCs, the MP69035 car code reader has a big improvement which includes built-in more than 35,901 DTCs. With the totally updated operation system, the obd scanner has better compatibiity. It can read more hidden codes and manufacturer controlled codes with ease.
  • ✅【Extensive Vehicle Compatibility】- The MP69035 obd scanner can support all OBDII protocols such as KWP2000, J1850 VPW, ISO9141, J1850 PWM and CAN. This device has extensive vehicle compatibility with 1996 US-based, 2003 EU-based and 2008 Asian-based cars, light trucks, SUVs, as well as newer OBD2 and CAN vehicles both domestic and foreign. Not compatible with new energy vehicles or hybrid vehicles. Check compatibility with your vehicle model before purchasing.
  • 📈【Full Display Of Real-Time Vehicle Data】Compared to other cheap code readers,our code readers & scan tools can display real-time vehicle sensor data in both text and graphical formats, allowing you to visualize them more intuitively, such as calculating load values, engine coolant temperature, engine speed, vehicle speed, air flow sensors and more. In addition, you can view freeze frame data and compare it with real-time data and fault codes to better understand what is happening with your vehicle.
  • 👆【One-click I/M Readiness & DTC】We have set up a I/M key and a DTC key on the keyboard, which allows you to quickly obtain readiness status and trouble codes to check if your vehicle can pass the smog test or any engine fault codes.
SaleBestseller No. 4
FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Live Data Professional Mechanic OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader Tool for Check Engine Light
  • [Vehicle CEL Doctor] The NT301 obd2 scanner enables you to read DTCs, access to e-missions readiness status, turn off CEL(check engine light) or MIL, reset monitor, read live data and retrieve VIN of your vehicle.
  • [Accuracy & Streams] Live data graphing and logging. Accurately read error codes for most Worldwide cars, SUVs, light trucks and 12V diesels equipped with Obd2. Graphing live vehicle sensors data allows you to focus on any suspicious data and trend.
  • [Worthy to Own] Recommended by most professional mechanics on Youtube. Codes analysis and Printer compatible. Unique PATENTED design, 2.8" color screen, F-ree Lifetime Update and 1-year seller assurance with EXCLUSIVE tech and service team.
  • [S-mog Check Helper] Read/Erase and I/M readiness hotkeys make it easy to use the car computer reader right out of the package. Red-Yellow-Green Leds and build-in speaker indicate the readiness status for confident e-missions test.
  • [Home Necessity] Open to global customers. No battery required, NT301 obd scanner is charged directly from the 16pin DLC in your vehicle. It is recommended as a necessity in your toolbox and great choice for Home and Autoshop Mechanics.
SaleBestseller No. 5
Autel OBD2 Scanner MS309 Universal Car Engine Fault Code Reader, Check Engine Light and Emission Monitor Status, OBDII CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool
  • 🔥【On-Screen DTC Definition, Save Time & Easy To Use】Autel MS309 OBD2 code reader with UPGRADED CHIP to retrive and clear generic(P0, P2, P3 and U0), manufacturer-specific(P1, P3 and U1) and pending codes, and display DTCs(Diagnostic Trouble Codes) meanings under the codes based on the built-in database(more than 3000 codes). Don't need to spend much time to search meanings on the internet. This advanced plug-and-play MS309 scanner saves you time - a must-have obd2 scanner for each car owner.
  • 🔥【Retrieve Freeze Frame Data &Vehicle info】The more specific the information available, the clearer the problem. The OBD2 scanner MS309 can retrieve freeze frame data, including important engine parameters like RPM, fuel pressure, fuel trim, engine coolant temperature, etc. Also it can retrieve Vehicle Information such as VIN number, Calibration ID(s), Calibration Verification Nos. (CVNs), etc, which is useful to check whether the ECU matches when you are buying a used car.
  • 🔥【Read Codes & Clear Codes】Knowing the codes in advance will brace you for the repair cost estimate so that you won't be fooled and get overcharged by the repair shop.This Autel MaxiScan MS309 obd2 scanner scans OBD2-compliant vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in seconds to pinpoint emission-related issues. The little guy can do many basic but necessary works: read/clear codes, view DTC definition, turn off check engine light, check I/M Readiness status, retrieve freeze frame data and vehicle info.
  • 🔥【Turn Off Check Engine Light】When your car detects an emission related problem, Check Engine Light will be turned on. Do you want to spend hundreds of dollars to turn off this light every time, maybe it's just a gas cap that's not tightened or needs to change bad parts like spark plugs and ignition coils? With Autel MS309 scan tool, you can read code to quickly find out why the check engine light is on and reset it.
  • 🔥【Ready For Annual Smog Check】If the OBD II Readiness Monitors on your car are not “Ready”, your car may fail the smog check. MS309 OBD2 scanner can retrieve I/M Readiness status to check the monitors like misfire monitor, fuel system monitor, comprehensive components monitor, catalyst monitor, O2 sensors, EVAP, etc, to help your car ready pass the annual smog check. That way you won't waste time and money on a failed smoke check.
Bestseller No. 6
Zmoon OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool, Vehicle Check Engine Code Readers with Reset & I/M Readiness & More, Car OBDII/EOBD Diagnostic Scan Tool for All Vehicles After 1996
  • 🔍Car Diagnostic Scanner with Full OBD/EOBD Function — ✅Read codes and clear codes, ✅10000+ error codes available for query, ✅viewe freeze frame, ✅I/M readiness and historical I/M Data, ✅live data stream and live curve (car speed, battery voltage etc. ), ✅car information reading, ✅oxygen sensor test, ✅EVAP test, ✅calculate load value, ✅engine coolant temperature, ✅get engine speed. It has all the OBD functions you need.
  • 📱2.8'' HD Color Screen — Compared with traditional OBD scanners, Zmoon 2.8'' HD color check engine code reader displays more and richer content, which will not cause eye fatigue after long-term use. And the body design is very suitable for one-handed holding.
  • 🚗Compatible with Most Vehicles & 7 Languages Available — OBDII/EOBD car scanner diagnostic for all American cars after 1996, European cars after 2002, Asian cars after 2008. Supports English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian and Dutch.
  • 🔌Plug and play: Directly powered by the car, even beginners can quickly master and use the car code scanner proficiently. No need to download APP, it is more accurate and stable than the wireless bluetooth code reader! And there are 3 statu lights on the device to remind you if your car is faulty, which is very friendly to beginners.
  • 📧Worry-Free After-Sales Service: Zmoon OBD car scanner diagnostic tool has 30 days return policy and extended 3 years warranty! 7*24 hours customer service, if you have any dissatisfaction or questions, you can send us a message in the background, we will reply quickly within 24 hours.
SaleBestseller No. 7
BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android
  • [Pro OBD2 Scanner] - BlueDriver is the easiest way to scan and understand your vehicle like a professional mechanic. Read and clear your car’s trouble codes and check engine light.
  • [Read & Clear All The Codes] - BlueDriver's enhanced vehicle diagnostics gives you access to information normally available only to mechanics on their OBD2 scan tools. Now you can read and clear ABS, Airbag, SRS, TPMS codes, and many more.
  • [Get The Right Fix] - Much more than a car code reader, BlueDriver is a diagnostic tool. Get unlimited specific repair reports containing possible causes, reported fixes, and more for virtually every vehicle make and model.
  • [Wireless & Bluetooth Enabled] - Say goodbye to wires. BlueDriver connects with Bluetooth via your phone/tablet to a sensor that plugs into your car's OBDII port. Get all of the capabilities of an expensive code reader & scan tool without any annoying wires.
  • [User-Friendly App and Repair Videos] - BlueDriver gives you more ways to scan and fix your vehicle. Our iOS & Android app connects you to a large database of repair videos with step-by-step directions of repairs.
SaleBestseller No. 8
ANCEL AD410 Enhanced OBD II Vehicle Code Reader Automotive OBD2 Scanner Auto Check Engine Light Scan Tool (Black/Yellow)
  • WIDE COMPATIBILITY - Recommended by YouTube star Scotty Kilmer on his channel. Works on most vehicles sold in the U.S. with a model year of 1996 or newer; Supports all OBDII protocols: KWP2000, ISO9141, J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM and CAN (Controller Area Network); Displays in English, German, French, Spanish, Finnish, Dutch, Russian and Portuguese; Requires no battery or charger as the unit is powered directly from the OBDII Data Link Connector in the vehicle.
  • CRITICAL FUNCTIONALITY - Quickly reads and clears stored emissions-related codes, pending codes, and displays code definitions. Turns off the MIL (check engine light), helps reset the monitor before you take the car to smog, and lets you know what's going on before you take the car in for repairs.
  • ENHANCED OBDII DIAGNOSTICS - Supports O2 sensor and EVAP (evaporative control) system test. The AD410 code scanner can be used to initiate a leak test of a vehicle's EVAP system by monitoring the integrity of the fuel tank system. The O2 sensor test is used to monitor and adjust the air/fuel mixture, which can identify and correct problems related to fuel efficiency and vehicle emissions.
  • QVGA DISPLAY & NEW UI - The AD410 code reader is a greatly improved upgrade from simpler diagnostic tools. It features a 2. 4" TFT true color display (262K) LCD for clear viewing of test results. With the clear design UI, users can easily access setup, OBDII diagnostics, I/M readiness and DTC search and check. No need to read the manual to know what to do, even for a beginner.
  • DIAGNOSTIC REPORTS & UPDATE - The Review & Print option allows you to save or print diagnostic reports as needed. The ANCEL brand offers lifetime free software updates for this unit to fix the latest bugs or add new parameters. Simply download the software from the ANCEL website and then follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Bestseller No. 9
A-Premium AD100 Universal OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool, Car Code Reader OBDII/EOBD/CAN Scan Tool, Check Engine Light/Read Clear Fault Codes/Smog Check/Live Data Stream/Battery Test, For Car Since 1996
  • 🙂[Compact But Powerful]: A-premium AD100 is a powerful multi-functional check engine code reader, it brings together a variety of mainstream functions in one, can easily and efficiently check the cause of the check engine light on, but also can accurately read the fault code, and after you fix the problem, clear the fault code, let your car back to health. If you don't understand the fault code, that's OK! the car code reader has a built-in DTC library, with 100000 DTC data for you to look up
  • 🙂[Versatile Assistant]: This obd2 scanner also has many practical features that can help you effectively diagnose the specific cause of car failure, such as: view freeze frame, read data stream, show real-time curve (fuel system, engine speed, coolant temperature, load value ...) , view car information, O2 sensor test, EVPA system test and etc. with these functions, you can quickly know whether the car is in a state of health, saving you precious time and much cost (pay to garages lol lol !!!)
  • 🙂[Useful I/M Readiness Test]: Still worried about your car passing sm-og check? And you don't want to spend a lot of diagnostic money taking your car to local garages to checked it out. Don't worry, AD100 code readers & scan tools built-in I/M monitor readiness function allows you to accurately read and obtain data (MIL, fuel system, misfire, catalyst...), and with this data, you can know if your car meets the check standards
  • 🙂[Simple But Useful - Battery Test]: This car diagnostic scanner has a battery test function, just sit in the driver's seat, you can check the real-time voltage of the 12V battery, and confirm whether the current battery age is serious. With it, you don't have to open the hood, and use battery voltage tester to check, so that you are more convenient. In the market, battery testing is only installed on more advanced scanner, but our team built it into the AD100 so that anyone can experience it
  • 🙂[Easy to Use]: The fixd car diagnostic tool has a 1.77-inch display and a 3.3-foot-long cable that allows you to see details in dim environment.The car scanner has an advanced 32bit cpu, which can easily deal with daily operation. The body shell is made of strong plastic, which will not be damaged if accidentally dropped to the ground, while ensuring the normal operation of the obd scanner.The appearance and buttons are all humanized, and the grip and operation are very comfortable
SaleBestseller No. 10
BLCKTEC 420 Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool - Vehicle Code Reader for Car - Clears Check Engine Light - Comes with Premium OBD App On IOS & Android - Works For All Cars 1996 & Newer
  • FIND THE PROBLEM - Get all the functions you need to determine the cause of your check engine light and fix it. Read code, erase code, view freeze frame, I/M readiness, vehicle information, live data, code severity, battery/alternator test and more.
  • GET THE FIX - Get more than just the code. When paired with our app, you'll get real-world fixes verified by our vast network of ASE Certified Technicians for your specific make, model, and engine diagnostic data. Diagnose the issue, get the fix, and buy the right parts needed for repair.
  • COMES WITH PREMIUM APP - View Upcoming Maintenance, Technical Service Bulletins (straight from the manufacturers), Dealer and Safety Recalls, Vehicle History Report, Predicted Repairs, RepairPal (trusted network of verified workshops that can provide fixes) and more. Available on both iOS and Android.
  • UNMATCHED VEHICLE COMPATIBILITY - Our car scanner is compatible with 1996 and newer OBD2 compliant vehicles (foreign or domestic) and supports 3 languages - English, Spanish, & French. To verify your vehicle compatibility, visit our FAQ section below.
  • USA DESIGNED & SUPPORTED - We are a Southern California based company and take pride by offering products that are designed and supported by ASE Certified Technicians right here in sunny California. Have questions? Need help? Never hesitate to reach out, our friendly automotive techs are ready to help.

Last update on 2024-03-27 at 05:59 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API




Here Are Some Tips For Choosing Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner

As a human being, this is quite impossible to know everything well. You can know about some more thing but you cann’t be a jack of all trades. In that scenario, reading a thorough buying guide can prevent us from making a costly mistake after buying a Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner due to a lack of knowledge.

You do not have to be an expert on that specific product in order to purchase it. Just emphasize on few important things which we are going to discuss in the below. Taking these simple considerations into account may make your shopping experience more pleasant and straightforward. Let’s get started.

Identify what you wants

The first thing you need to discover that what your needs or requirement. If you aren’t aware of your demands, there’s a big chance you’ll buy the wrong things at the wrong time and waste a lot of money. So, first of all and probably most important, we suggest that you take time to consider your necessities for a Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner. You can make a short list about your needs. This simple task will lead you to simplify your purchasing process. Then you will be able to know your prioroties which is the most important thing.

Budget vs. Cost

Budget is that one issue which you can’t ignore before you decide to purchase anything else. Any amount of price can be set for your desired product. Different expences like manufacturing, raw material purchasing, logistics and other operational costs and most importantly compny’s brand value as well are the key factors of pricing. The higher quality you demand, the higher amount of money you may have to spend for that. This is the reason, budget really matters for. And it is true as a universal truth for the Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner too.

You may heard this popular sayings, “Cut your coat, according to your cloth”. So, find your desired products as per your wishlist first. Analyze the features and prices carefully.Compare them well and choose the best one. The biggest question may come to your mind at this point which is your pocket is ready to spent such amount of money to buy this Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner or not. If yes, then go for it. If your pocket refuges to do so, then think about the second best option that you got.

Choose the Right Brand

Because of our emotional links, we are frequently predisposed towards certain companies. But not everytime this practice results get good. Besides all we agree that we have to rely on renoened brands. Because having enough cash in your pocket makes making decisions half as easy. But remember, not every brand is good for everything. As a result, you must tread cautiously when deciding whether or not you have picked the appropriate brand for your specific product.

People are divided into two groups. One is dependent on a particular brand, while the other is unconcerned. What he requires is the right product for the amount he is paying. As we don’t have any idea about your typo.But there are few tips which may come adjuvant for both of you at the time of choosing the right brand for the right product.


  • Make certain you are familiar with the brand.

  • What people are saying about this brand.

  • Analysis the reviews of any specific products of that brand.

  • Contrast the features with those of competitors.

  • Are you satisfied with the features?


Check the features section

Whether you buy it online or offline, the first thing you should check is while buying is the features of Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner. This little effort will assist you to get a clear picture about the product. It will make you understand, that product does match with your requirements or not.

The features part also helps us in analysis the differences between ourselves and others. Then, based on the features, you can compare it to similar products. One will have a better understanding of quality as a result of this work, making it easier to move forward with our final decision.

Benefits and Drawbacks must be considered.

Every item has its own set of advantages and pitfalls. It is our duties to carefully examine them out first before buying them. So, keep yourself cool and figure out the negatives you expected from that Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner. Perhaps another manufacturer created the ideal one for you. Just don’t be too lazy to compare your options with theirs before making your final decision.

The section of Pros and Cons can be found on the majority of websites. That section should be read with caution. If you have any further questions, simply contact them via email or phone to seek their assistance.

Quality & Durability

Color, Style, Performance, Materials, and, most importantly, Durability are all components of quality. Before making a purchase, you must consider the facts about ensuring quality. When you make this your own, you will demand the quality first. Does this Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner worthy or not against your investment? The answer of this question can be found by its quality.

Know About Warranty and Return Policies

Every producers produces products. Good quality products are being maintained by some of them. They make creative advertise also to attract buyers like you and me. Still, everything is okay. But one thing remains yet to think about and that is After Sales Service. For many, it’s really a big deal and it is quite able to make a big difference.

Warranty, gurantee and return policies are so vital that not checking them will be a great mistake. Antyhing can be occured even after buying the best quality product by spending a huge amount of money. Not a single thing will last forever in this universe. Still the expence you will do for the Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner, don’t you think that you deserve a minimum return of value from that? So, be careful about checking policies. Sometimes, there may be some hidden issues which they won’t make you clear with words. At that time, simply ask their delegate about thier policies again and have patience until you get the whole thing unequivocally.

Checking FAQ & Customer Reviews make your task easy

Cheking customer reviews and FAQ answers can save your precous time greatly. FAQs are few common questions that were asked frequently by mass people like you and they have been answered as well. In the mean time, you can get a clear picture of the product according to the experience of the real users of it through the customer reviews.

So, checking out these two things, you will get the idea of both. You may find there such informations which might not come in your mind to ask if you didn’t go through. Then you will be able to decide strongly buying this Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner will be worthy or not.

Finally

The final suggesion is you must consider about the value that the Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner providing you is justified enough with the price you are being asked to pay for it. Do you think it is worthy to pay so? Does your demands be fullfilled with that? That’s the thing that should get the most importance we guess.

We hope this article will help you to recognize and buy the best Universal Car Diagnostic Scanner in the market and so that you enjoyed it as well. If you think it’s a good guideline for you, then all of our efforts will get success. End of the day, we measure our happiness with your satisfaction.

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