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The Three W's of Oxygen Sensors
Copyright (c) 2007-2023 Quinton Becker
Unless you are an automobile mechanic or work around car parts, you probably do not know anything about oxygen sensors. Of course, the name itself gives a pretty big clue, but still leaves a lot to the imagination. The fact is, oxygen sensors are very important to the overall function of a vehicle. The following are what could be referred to as the three W's of oxygen sensors:
What is an Oxygen Sensor?
An oxygen sensor is actually a probe that is mounted inside a vehicle's exhaust. This device is used to measure the ratio of air to fuel inside the exhaust after the combustion process. The sensor sends out voltage information to the engine's computer every few seconds so that it can make adjustments as needed. If there is a perfectly balanced mixture of air and fuel, the output voltage will be around 0.45 volts.
If there is less oxygen in the mixture than needed, it is said to be a rich mixture. The oxygen sensor will report a higher voltage reading of 0.8 volts or above. When the sensor reports a reading of 0.3 volts or below, the mixture is considered to be a lean one. Upon receiving a too high or too low voltage reading, the engine's computer will command the mixture to go either lean or rich, causing it to become balanced again.
Why Replace the Oxygen Sensor?
The function of an oxygen sensor is to measure the air/fuel mixture. It is important that this mixture stay as balanced as possible because it affects the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The air/fuel mixtures in today's fuel injected vehicles can go back and forth between rich and lean very quickly. Therefore, it is essential for the oxygen sensor to be able to respond appropriately.
Along with better fuel efficiency, having a fully functioning oxygen sensor is good for the environment. A more balanced air/fuel mixture leads to fewer emissions and helps reduce air pollution. If you care at all about the threat of global warming, this should be as great of an incentive for you as getting better gas mileage.
The oxygen sensor can also harm a vehicle's catalytic converter if it is not working properly or has failed. This cannot only cause a decrease in power and gas mileage, but lead to expensive repairs as well.
When Should the Oxygen Sensor be Replaced?
Because emissions from vehicles play such a big role in air pollution, oxygen sensors have become standard equipment. In most vehicles made after the mid 1990s, there is a dash light or check engine light that alerts drivers when their sensor or sensors may not be functioning properly. When this happens, it is best to have the vehicle checked by a mechanic to ensure which sensor (there can be between 1 and 4 sensors) needs to be replaced. For those who do not have a dash light, an emissions test may be necessary. If your vehicle doesn't seem to be performing like it used to, (not as much power or getting worse gas mileage) a faulty oxygen sensor may be to blame.
Depending on where the sensor is located, the replacement procedure can be easy or it could be quite hard. Do-it-yourself mechanics will most likely need to purchase a special socket with a slit in the side for the oxygen sensor wire. Of course, any professional mechanic can perform this procedure as well. Replacing an oxygen sensor will cost somewhere between $50 and $300 but may be well worth the money because of better fuel efficiency.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what an oxygen sensor is, why it is important, and when it needs to be replaced. Pay attention to dash light warnings or other signals your car may be giving you through its performance or lack thereof. A properly functioning vehicle can save you money in the long run, and just might help save the environment.
It is not always necessary to change auto insurance companies to save money on car insurance. Getting a better price elsewhere often encourages insurance agents to offer additional discounts to existing customers. For Oklahoma drivers, the website http://CheapOklahomaAutoInsurance.com/ can help them with the auto insurance quotes research process. For consumers in other states, try http://maxroo.com/updates/auto-insurance-quotes/ Quinton Becker writes about automotive topics.
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Top-Level Category: Automotive Articles || Related Categories: Technology Articles
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of your tires, and increases the size of your tire footprint -
how much of each tire comes into contact with the pavement. If
you lower your car without installing a camber kit, there are
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Written by: Malcolm Uffelman |
Distributed: 2008-06-09 |
Word Count: 479 |
Page Views: 5430
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.12
More than ever these days we are forced to take responsibility
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| Votes: 68 |
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A ball joint is an important component of your car's suspension,
located on the front end of the vehicle. Ball joints will wear
out over time and cause handling problems as they continue to
deteriorate. It is important that you have these joints
inspected, particularly if you are experiencing handling problems
with your vehicle.
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Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-05-06 |
Word Count: 630 |
Page Views: 19671
| Votes: 51 |
Rating: 2.98
An alternator is one of the most commonly dysfunctional auto
parts. Without a properly functioning alternator, your car will
simply refuse to run. A faulty alternator can leave you stranded,
but luckily, a low-performing alternator often shows warning
signs that indicate its malfunction before it ceases to work.
Being able to recognize these warning signs, and knowing what to
do next, may prevent you from getting caught in an inconvenient
or dangerous situation.
Brake Pads Are An Essential Element of Your Car's Safety Equipment
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-04-20 |
Word Count: 626 |
Page Views: 5705
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 2.33
Brake pads are an integral element of the braking system in a
car. As you use your brakes in everyday driving, you will slowly
wear down, and, eventually, need to replace the brake pads.
Taking good care of your braking system will ensure the safety of
you and your family as you drive.
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Written by: Isaak Carter |
Distributed: 2007-03-14 |
Word Count: 1243 |
Page Views: 4705
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.33
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of higher horsepower (HP), more torque, faster speeds and quicker
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Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-04-29 |
Word Count: 649 |
Page Views: 9412
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.18
It may seem like an odd addition to a passenger car that is until
you stop to realize that most police departments use them on
their cars as well. Brush guards protect cars and trucks from
minor damages that might otherwise be sustained in a low-impact
collision with a vehicle or a tree.
Performance Parts Can Help With Better Horsepower Or Gas Mileage
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-05-25 |
Word Count: 754 |
Page Views: 6065
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 2.15
Performance parts are often better in quality than the factory
replacement parts. The cost difference is generally minimal, and
when you add in the fact that they outperform the factory
replacement parts, it is really no contest.
Low-Riders, Street Racers and Everyday Drivers Should Be Aware of the Camber in a Car's Suspension System
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-05-18 |
Word Count: 721 |
Page Views: 5796
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 2.15
The camber kit in your car's suspension system adjusts the angle
of your tires, and increases the size of your tire footprint -
how much of each tire comes into contact with the pavement. If
you lower your car without installing a camber kit, there are
some major handling problems that will arise. While street racers
and low-rider buffs are the people who could use the camber kit
most often, everyday drivers often consider it to be an
economical safety improvement for their vehicles.
Constant Reminders: Oil Change Stickers
Written by: Malcolm Uffelman |
Distributed: 2008-06-09 |
Word Count: 479 |
Page Views: 5430
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.12
More than ever these days we are forced to take responsibility
for our own welfare. As a symbol that little oil change decal is
always there, every time we get behind the wheel. And it greets
us with an important question: 'Hey is it time for service
yet?'
How a Vehicle's Exhaust System Affects Its Power and Performance
Written by: Quinton Becker |
Distributed: 2010-04-14 |
Word Count: 959 |
Page Views: 5880
| Votes: 18 |
Rating: 2.00
The stock exhaust on many cars is far more restrictive than it
needs to be. Many years ago people seeking improved power and
performance learned that they could achieve both by adding a
larger, less restrictive exhaust system to their vehicle. Not
only do new exhaust systems provide increased power, they can
also generate that sound that many automotive enthusiasts like to
hear from their vehicle.
Oil Change Reminder Stickers
Written by: Malcolm Uffelman |
Distributed: 2008-06-13 |
Word Count: 692 |
Page Views: 4461
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 2.00
On his thirtieth birthday Joe was proud of himself. He was the
owner of the biggest little business in town. Every week the same
ad ran in the local paper: Get your oil changed by a friend.
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