What is OBD for vehicle inspection?
2 Answers
Vehicle inspection OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) is a system that monitors the operating status of a vehicle and provides timely feedback on abnormalities, primarily focusing on the engine condition and exhaust emissions. Below are the relevant details about annual inspection: 1. Conditions: Vehicles whose condition does not match the records in the driving license or archives, or whose license plates or driving licenses are damaged, incomplete, illegible, or self-made. 2. Precautions: The vehicle's exterior must not be modified. The tint of glass sunshade or anti-explosion film should not be too dark (items inside the vehicle should be visible from one meter away; mainly applies to vans and trucks, but not to passenger cars with fewer than 5 seats). Vans and trucks must have enlarged rear license plates, and the number of spring leafs must not be increased or decreased. The number of seats in vans must not be altered, and a fire extinguisher is required. The cargo compartment of box trucks must not be modified (no side doors, no roof openings, and no tailgates can be added). The size of tires must not be altered, and the tread patterns of tires on the same axle must be consistent. Vehicles with unresolved traffic violations or those impounded by the court are not eligible for annual inspection.
My years of driving experience tell me that the OBD inspection is essentially the onboard diagnostic system port used during annual vehicle inspections. It's that small port near the engine hood where you plug in a scanner to read fault codes and emission data, helping determine if the vehicle meets standards. For instance, if emissions exceed limits or there's an engine issue, the OBD immediately shows red warning codes, causing the vehicle to fail inspection until repairs are made. This system became standard in vehicles post-1990s. I regularly connect my phone app to check OBD codes as preventive maintenance, avoiding last-minute inspection failures and wasted time. While it sounds technical, the process is simple—just plug in a tool and read the data—nothing complicated. It actually saves money and hassle while reducing accident risks. If too many codes appear, promptly visit a professional repair shop to prevent engine damage.
