What is the primary purpose of OBD II in modern vehicles?

The primary purpose of OBD II, or On-Board Diagnostics II, in modern vehicles is to monitor emissions output. This system is designed to ensure that vehicles comply with environmental regulations by continuously checking the performance of the emission control systems. It detects any malfunctions that could lead to increased emissions and alerts the driver by triggering a check engine light or storing trouble codes that can be retrieved by technicians for diagnosis.

The focus on emissions monitoring helps to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles, as it aids in identifying and diagnosing issues that could worsen air quality. This capability is a critical component of vehicle health management and regulation compliance, aligning with broader efforts to improve air quality and public health.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of OBD II. Monitoring driver behavior, controlling vehicle speed, and enhancing audio systems fall outside the scope of OBD II’s responsibilities, which are focused strictly on engine performance and emissions monitoring.