5 Things You Should Know About Oxygen Sensors in Cars 1- What is an oxygen sensor and what does it do? An oxygen sensor is a small device that measures the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust gases that come out of your car’s engine. The oxygen sensor sends this information to the engine control unit (ECU), which is the computer that controls your car’s engine. The ECU uses this information to adjust the air-fuel ratio, which is the amount of air and fuel that is mixed and burned in the engine. The air-fuel ratio affects how well your engine runs and how much power it produces. There are two types of oxygen sensors: narrow-band and wide-band. Narrow-band oxygen sensors can only tell if the air-fuel ratio is too rich (too much fuel) or too lean (too much air). Wide-band oxygen sensors can measure the exact amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases and provide more accurate feedback to the ECU. 2- Why are oxygen sensors important for my car? Oxygen sensors are important for your car because they help your engine run more efficiently and reduce harmful emissions. By adjusting the air-fuel ratio, the oxygen sensors ensure that your engine burns the right amount of fuel and air for the best performance. This also helps your car save gas and money. Oxygen sensors also help your car comply with environmental regulations and reduce air pollution. By measuring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases, the oxygen sensors can tell if your car is emitting too much carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, or hydrocarbons. These are the main pollutants that cause smog and acid rain. If your car has a catalytic converter, which is a device that converts these pollutants into less harmful substances, the oxygen sensors can help it work better and last longer. 3- How long do oxygen sensors typically last? Oxygen sensors typically last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on various factors. Some of these factors include your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, the condition of your engine, and the climate you live in. For example, if you drive mostly on highways, use high-quality fuel, maintain your engine regularly, and live in a mild climate, your oxygen sensors may last longer than if you drive mostly in stop-and-go traffic, use low-quality fuel, neglect your engine, and live in a harsh climate. To keep your oxygen sensors in good shape, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and replacement. You can find these recommendations in your car’s owner’s manual or online. Replacing your oxygen sensors on time can prevent many problems and save you money in the long run. 4- What are the symptoms of a bad oxygen sensor? A bad oxygen sensor can cause many symptoms that can affect your car’s performance and safety. Some of the most common symptoms of a faulty oxygen sensor are: Check Engine Light: This is the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your car’s engine. If your oxygen sensor is malfunctioning, it may trigger the check engine light to come on. You should not ignore this warning and take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. Decreased Fuel Efficiency: If your oxygen sensor is sending incorrect information to the ECU, it may cause your engine to burn more fuel than necessary. This will result in lower gas mileage and higher fuel costs. Rough Idling or Engine Misfires: If your oxygen sensor is causing your engine to run too rich or too lean, it may cause your engine to idle roughly or misfire. This means that your engine is not running smoothly and may make noises or vibrations. This can damage your engine and other parts of your car. Black Smoke from the Exhaust: If your oxygen sensor is causing your engine to run too rich, it may cause your engine to produce more unburned fuel. This will result in black smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe. This is not only bad for the environment, but also for your car’s health. - @beninstv