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What Are the Applications of OBD?

OBD is commonly used across a wide range of vehicle types as an easy way to diagnose vehicle problems.
However, the applications of OBD have expanded to cover more specific areas of vehicle monitoring and
maintenance, especially over the past few years. Some more specific applications of OBD include:
Driver behavior monitoring: Automotive-related industries have increasingly used OBD systems as a way to
monitor driver behavior. For example, some auto insurance companies offer reduced premiums for drivers that
use vehicle data loggers to prove that they exhibit safe driving practices. Additionally, companies may install
similar data loggers in their fleet or delivery vehicles to keep an eye on their drivers’ behavior in real time, which
can help reduce their liability in the event of an accident or traffic infringement.
Emissions testing: OBD-II testing is now a common method of testing vehicles for emissions in parts of the U.S.
that require it. As part of the OBD-II standard, these systems closely monitor emissions, so inspectors can simply
use a scan tool to check for emissions-related trouble codes to ensure that the vehicle is compliant.
Supplementary instrumentation: Vehicle enthusiasts and professional drivers often use OBD systems to keep
an eye on metrics that are not normally displayed in standard vehicles. These metrics may be displayed on
custom installations in the vehicle or broadcast to the drivers’ phone.
Commercial vehicle telematics: Commercial vehicle companies commonly use what is referred to as Generic
OBD II to gather information about their fleet. This includes fleet tracking, fuel efficiency monitoring, driver behavior
monitoring, remote diagnostics, and more.
What are the applications of OBD?
How OBD Relates to Commercial Vehicles
Possibly the most extensive use of OBD has been in the commercial vehicle industry, as careful vehicle
maintenance is a key aspect of this industry. Commercial vehicle companies have broadly implemented the use
of advanced scan tools for OBD2 systems, particularly for the following benefits that OBD-II provides:
Fast diagnosis: With standardized connectors and DTCs, as well as a detailed DTC system through SAE J1939,
commercial vehicle problems can be identified in a matter of minutes. By connecting a diagnostic software or scan
tool to the connector port, technicians can pull valuable diagnostic information that can be used to identify and
solve problems before they become expensive repairs.
Accurate information: With the OBD system, information is collected through the use of sensors rather than
by human technicians. This increases the accuracy of the information pulled, reducing the chances that a critical
system error may be missed.
Variety of metrics: OBD systems can be used to collect a wide range of metrics beyond those relating to vehicle
maintenance. OBD systems can track driver behavior to ensure that drivers are following legal requirements as
well as company protocols. Systems can also be used to broadcast metrics over a secure line, allowing central
control to monitor drivers and their vehicles from a remote location with ease.
Improved compliance: As of 2010, the standards set by the EPA and the Clean Air Act also apply to heavy-duty
engines used in trucks over 14,000 pounds. Vehicles operating in certain states need to be inspected regularly
to ensure that they comply with these standards. OBD systems monitor emissions to ensure that vehicles meet
minimum requirements at all times. They also alert users when emissions exceed acceptable limits so that the
issue can be addressed and fixed before an inspection.
Reduced costs: Between faster, more accurate diagnoses, expanded monitoring capabilities and improved
vehicle compliance, OBD systems have helped commercial vehicle companies to reduce costs.
How OBD relates to commercial vehicles
Takeaways
While the above benefits of OBD2 are impressive, commercial vehicle companies can gain even more benefits
when they use OBD systems to their fullest potential.

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CITS : Automotive - Mechanic Diesel - Lesson 98 - 103