Oxygen Sensors – Knowing What They Are And When They Need Replacement

When you look at your car or truck, do take a moment to admire and appreciate the complex systems and machines that are responsible to keep it running smoothly and effectively – just like you want it to! There are many small and intricate parts of this overall system that are instrumental in extracting the utility you are able to get from a vehicle. One such important cog in the overall machinery of a car is the oxygen sensor.

 You might feel bemused with the idea that an oxygen sensor might be required to keep a car or truck running. It sounds more like something you will require in a medical situation. But trust me when I say that this small piece of equipment is instrumental in keeping the vehicles engine healthy and running. Allow me to explain..

The role of the sensor is to provide the engine computer in your car or truck with accurate measurements of the levels of oxygen in the exhaust. Providing the right mixture oxygen and fuel to the vehicle’s engine is important as it will determine its overall performance and will also have an effect on the system’s fuel economy. This is why it is important to have a properly functioning oxygen sensor installed in your car at all times.

Now the issue arises about knowing when this sensor might need your attention or worse, replacement. Should you wait until the check engine light turns on, or should you take preventative measures and change the part before it completely fails. People choose either of the two options but in my opinion, taking preventative measures is a better way to approach the situation.

Most car manufacturers suggest replacing your vehicle's oxygen sensor between 60,000 and 90,000 miles in order to keep your vehicle's engine operating at optimal performance. This is because when an oxygen sensor begins to fail, it might provide inaccurate readings to your car’s engine system and cause inaccuracies in the fuel mixture being fed into the system. Having a fuel to air mixture that doesn't meet your vehicle requirements will lead to excess fuel consumption, as it will create a mixture that has too little or too much oxygen in it. This also creates a situation where your vehicle’s engine and exhaust will have to endure excessive wear and tear in order to keep up with the harsh circumstances that inaccurate air-to-fuel ratios will subject it to. The gases released from your car’s exhaust will also include more pollutants as the fuel will not be burned properly by the engine. And finally, if these malfunctions keep occurring for an extended period of time, the engine might seize completely which will cause immense damage to the overall system and be a huge cost on your pocket.

Oxygen sensors are an important piece of equipment in your overall vehicle machinery and it needs to be maintained and monitored to get better performance from your vehicle. You can visit Econox.ch to know more.

About The Author

Nathan Statham is an expert in oxygen sensing equipment and related devices who also likes to spread awareness in the masses about them through the articles and blogs he writes. He recommends Econox.ch as the best name to trust for high quality oxygen sensors online.