FAQ: What is OBD?

OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics. OBD-II (OBD two) is the latest industry standard, which was introduced on 1996 vehicle models. It provides monitoring of nearly all engine controls, and also some other parts of the vehicle (chassis, body, etc.).

The most useful part of OBD to most drivers is the ability to read information from the vehicle. You can read trouble codes, and even monitor real-time statistics such as RPM, vehicle speed, etc. There are a variety of different devices on the market ranging from basic code scanners to advanced displays that calculate MPG as you drive. Check out the Links section of this site for more information on available products.

For information on what an OBD code is, go to this FAQ article.