The oxygen sensor in your car resides in your manifold and is employed to detect components of your exhaust (including oxygen!) that help your car monitor its performance. Your oxygen sensor’s readings are transmitted to your engine, in real-time, and helps your car determine its fuel-to-air ratio so as to maximize its performance.

Failing oxygen sensors were the foremost common repair performed by automotive mechanics for the 5th year in a row, with cars older than 10 years constituting most repairs. Understanding once you should repair your oxygen sensor is vital if you drive an older car. Most automotive manufacturers recommend replacing the oxygen sensor in your car every 100,000 km to 150,000 km.

Here are 3 signs of a failing oxygen sensor:

1.Check Engine Light Is On

Normally, if your oxygen sensor is malfunctioning, your check engine light will activate. rather than ignoring your check engine light, get an inspection from a licensed mechanic as soon as possible. If you drive an older car (10+ years, or above 150,000 km) it's very likely that your check engine light is signaling a faulty oxygen sensor.

2.Increased exhaust emissions

Your oxygen sensor determines the optimal air-to-fuel ratio for your engine by monitoring your emissions in real-time. If your oxygen sensor begins to malfunction, then your engine could also be operating at sub-optimal air-to-fuel ratios, which may cause a rise in your exhaust emissions.

3.Bad performance

Your car may misfire or experience hesitation and stalling. Most cars default to the factory air-to-fuel ratio if the oxygen sensor fails, which may cause problems due to non-standard temperature, moisture, or air composition. If your oxygen sensor is failing, then its readings are going to be inaccurate, again, leading to a sub-optimal fuel-to-air composition.

Your car’s performance isn’t the only thing that is harmed by a malfunctioning oxygen sensor - it can do damage to the environment as your car’s emissions will increase drastically. Your oxygen sensor will wear naturally after a certain mileage, so if you see any of the above symptoms, ensure that a licensed technician takes a look at it.

If you’d like a licensed technician to come to you, eccpp can perform oxygen sensor replacements at your work or home, for 70% less than a garage.