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Group 1 Chevrolet Northwest can help you identify the broken O2 sensor indicators.
With all the different sensors a car uses daily, perhaps one of the more vital ones is the oxygen sensor, which is needed for a car to perform at its top-notch capability. With all of the exhaust fumes any car produces, your vehicle will need to watch the oxygen levels in the exhaust gases. The oxygen sensor plays a crucial role in tracking a car’s O2 amount to ensure the engine is correctly burning its gas. A good-working oxygen sensor will be an important component of a consistent running vehicle. Still, a poor O2 sensor can most likely lead to poor gas economy, a bad odor in your car, and a poorly performing engine. Here we’ll discuss symptoms to look for when driving your car that can be easy-to-see signs of a failed oxygen sensor.
READ MORE: Chevrolet Warning Light Guide
If you’re ever riding on the road and smell something rotten out of your vehicle, this can be a quick sign that the O2 sensor is going bad. If you ever begin to keep track of some changes like poor powertrain performance, misfires, or loud noises, this could be a clear result of the oxygen sensor probably having issues. One of the most devastating things that could be can be caused by a failed oxygen sensor is a catalytic converter failing without warning, which could place a big hole in your wallet.
Similar to many different parts of a car, oxygen sensors can break down over time and start to fail. But if you don’t pay close attention, a failed oxygen sensor can lead to huge issues all over your vehicle. A build-up of contaminated oil ash or coolant can lead to an O2 sensor failing, so your selection of oil or gasoline is superbly essential. Due to its placement in a vehicle, it’s better that you bring your vehicle to our professional mechanics to have it looked at or hooked up with an OEM oxygen sensor replacement.
We advise against driving with a failed O2 sensor as your engine isn’t running on the right fuel mixture. Though it may seem fine in the beginning, if your powertrain is over-using its fuel and running rich it could start to clog the catalytic converter. Considering the possible cost to get new O2 sensors is less than buying a brand-new catalytic converter, it’s worth making this investment now. Also, if your car is more than 15 years old or has more than 60,000 miles on the dash you may want to consider getting new O2 sensors for lower pollution and optimal performance.
Group 1 Chevrolet Northwest is an ideal place to get vehicle service in the San Antonio area. We happily service all vehicle makes and models. One of our factory-trained technicians will inspect your car or truck to determine if there are any needed repairs and will suggest the best resolution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your car, truck, SUV, or van service online or in person today.
