How Oxygen Sensors Monitor Your Engine's Health

How Oxygen Sensors Monitor Your Engine's Health

Most car owners will do everything they can to keep their vehicles in good shape and performance.

One way to do this is by regularly monitoring your engine health with the help of oxygen sensors.

This article will help you understand what an oxygen sensor is and how it works, signs your oxygen sensor is faulty, and provide tips on taking care of your oxygen sensors.

What is an Oxygen Sensor?

An oxygen sensor measures and monitors the oxygen levels in the car's exhaust system.

The oxygen sensor then transmits this information to the car's computer, which adjusts the air-to-fuel mixture accordingly.

Knowing the fuel-to-air ratio is important because it affects the engine's efficiency.

Signs your oxygen sensor is faulty.

A few signs may indicate that your oxygen sensor is faulty and needs a checkup.

Check Engine lights on

The Check Engine Light illuminates if you have a bad or failing oxygen sensor. Although this light could indicate other issues, it's worth getting your oxygen sensor checked out in an auto repair shop.

Rough Engine idling and stalling

A faulty oxygen sensor can cause engine performance problems such as slagging and rough driving with stalls.

Rotten eggs smell

The sulfur smell in your car's engine is a sign of damage to the car's emission system or a catalytic converter problem.

Bad Gas Mileage

Have you been going to the gas stations more frequently than usual?

A failing oxygen sensor allows too much fuel injection in the engine leading to decreased fuel efficiency and, as a result, poor gas mileage.

How to replace and maintain your Oxygen Sensors

Oxygen sensors are designed to work efficiently for about 60,000 to 90,000 miles and require replacement often.

Using the correct type of gasoline won't necessarily improve your oxygen sensor's lifespan, but it will help prevent deposits from forming on the sensor.

It's best to consult an experienced auto repair shop if you experience any problems with your oxygen sensors and have them replaced immediately.

If you need oxygen sensor repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle into our auto repair shop today!