If you like to work on your own vehicles instead of taking them to a mechanic, you need to have knowledge about basic auto parts. We aren't professionals either but we do know enough to make minor repairs on our vehicles. We've learned what we know by talking to mechanics and reading books on auto repair.
We've written this auto parts blog to give you basic information about various car parts and how they work. We'll also tell you the signs to look for when a part is going bad. We think that you'll find our blog helpful and informative whenever you need to fix your vehicle.
3 Things You Should Know About Your Car's O2 Sensors
One of the most common reasons for the appearance of your car's dreaded check engine light is a faulty oxygen (or O2) sensor. These sensors play a critical role in your car's emissions system and engine management program. A faulty sensor usually provides inaccurate or nonsensical data, allowing your car's computer to notice the problem and record an error code.
While O2 sensors are a common failure point, many misconceptions about these essential devices exist. These misunderstandings can lead to excessive fuel usage, unnecessary repairs, or even damage to more expensive components. Even if your car doesn't yet need a new O2 sensor, it's a good idea to learn these three facts about these undersung components.
1. Your O2 Sensor Layout Depend On Your Car's Exhaust Design
Have you ever wondered about the practical impact of the dual exhaust systems found on many modern vehicles? If your car has a genuine dual exhaust setup, it will require a catalytic converter for each exhaust pipe. These catalytic converters are necessary to reduce the harmful pollutants produced by all internal combustion engines.
However, oxygen sensors and catalytic converters share a close link. You'll have both an upstream and downstream sensor for each catalytic converter on your car. In other words, if your car has two exhaust pipes, it will have four O2 sensors: one before each catalytic converter and one after each catalytic converter.
2. O2 Sensors Impact Performance
It's a common misconception that oxygen sensors are a purely emissions-related component and don't impact your vehicle's overall performance or health. In reality, O2 sensors are crucial for maintaining your engine's air-to-fuel ratio. Modern cars wholly depend on computer control for proper combustion, and your oxygen sensors provide critical data to the computer control system.
A faulty upstream sensor will provide bad data to the ECU (electronic control unit), ruining your car's ability to maintain the proper ratio of air and fuel. As a result, a failing O2 sensor may cause your car to lose power, burn more gas, or run poorly. Running with a rich fuel mixture for too long can also damage other, far more expensive components, such as your car's catalytic converters.
3. O2 Sensors Don't Require Routine Replacement
O2 sensors typically fail due to age or damage from more serious engine problems, such as oil blow-by or head gasket failures. However, predicting when an O2 sensor will fail in a healthy engine can be tricky. While older sensors often fail at relatively predictable intervals, modern cars have far more reliable and long-lasting sensors.
If you don't want to spend money unnecessarily, there's no need to replace your O2 sensors for preventative or routine maintenance. Still, it's important not to ignore your car's check engine light once it appears. Your car's O2 sensors are essential for performance, efficiency, and reliability, so you'll need to replace them as soon as your car's computer warns you of trouble.
Visit a local auto parts shop to learn more.