When to Replace O2 Sensors in Your Car or Truck

What is an O2 sensor? In the simplest form, it is a sensor that measures oxygen. In a more complex form it accomplishes much more than this. Its role is to provide the engine computer in your car or truck with accurate measurements of the levels of oxygen in the exhaust. Accurate data is important, as this data is used to determine the perfect oxygen to fuel for your vehicle's engine. Without accurate data, a failing O2 sensor can have a negative impact on your vehicle's overall performance.

So this begs the question of when to replace an O2 sensor in your car or truck. Should you wait until the check engine light turns on, or should you take preventative measures and change the part before it completely fails. How you handle this situation is probably going to reflect your personality. If you are a procrastinator, you will more than likely just wait until the part fails and the check engine light comes on. If you tend to fix things ahead of time to save yourself future grief, you will more than likely replace the part before it fails.

Although both options are feasible, taking preventative measures should win out in the end. Most car manufacturers suggest replacing your vehicle's O2 sensor between 60,000 and 90,000 miles in order to keep your vehicle's engine operating at optimal performance. This is because a failing O2 sensor will give inaccurate readings to your engine's computer, which will create an improper air to fuel mixture. 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 it it. It also leads to excess wear and tear as your vehicle's exhaust system is forced to work under harder circumstances. Also, your vehicle will release higher levels of pollutants into the environment as a result of an improper mixture.

Replacing an O2 sensor is considered a simple automotive repair job for intermediate mechanics. If you aren't certain on how to change an O2 sensor, just bring your vehicle to your nearest mechanic and they will be able to replace it for you. Now that you know some of the negative side effects of a failing O2 sensor, you can make your own informed decision on when to replace the O2 sensor in your car or truck.

Jordan Mulligan works in the Aftermarket Auto Parts Industry for Prime Choice Auto Parts. Prime Choice prides itself as a manufacturer and distributor of high quality aftermarket auto parts. For More Info: When to Replace O2 Sensors.