Blog

If you don’t own a Volkswagen (VW), you might think that the only VW out there is the classic Beetle, one of their most well-known cars. But VW also makes the Jetta, Passat, Golf, Atlas, and other makes. Additionally, VW is the owner of elite brands such as Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Audi, and Porsche. It is the third largest automobile manufacturer in the world. Even though this company has persevered since 1938, the cars they manufacture still require maintenance and repairs just like every other car.  A primary component of the exhaust system, the oxygen (O2) sensor, is one of those parts which needs to be replaced periodically.

What is the O2 sensor?

The O2 sensor measures the amount of oxygen at various points in the exhaust system. Most cars have at least 2 O2 sensors, but some cars have as many as 8 O2 sensors. The O2 sensor sends information to other parts of the car that can then adjust the timing of the fuel ignition in the combustion process, for example. The sensor has the ability to indirectly set the amount of fuel used during the idling process. Hence, this small part plays a very large role in how your car runs.

How do you know if the O2 sensor is failing?

When the O2 sensor is failing, it might sporadically lose its ability to properly read the O2 level in the exhaust or at other various points in the exhaust system. This can cause misinformation to be sent to other components of the car, which might be where you see some of these symptoms. Below is a list of issues you might experience if the O2 sensor is failing.

Check Engine Light is On

The check engine light is the universal indicator that something is wrong with your vehicle. A differential diagnosis is the best way to determine why the check engine light is on. Sometimes, it might be a warning that you need an oil change. Other times, it might be the O2 sensor.

Engine is Running Rough

If your engine is running rough, meaning that feels like it is jumping or about to stall out, it could be the O2 sensor. This can happen when the O2 sensor sends misinformation to the fuel ignition process, causing the fuel to ignite early or late. This can also happen when the engine is idling.

Excess Fuel Usage

If your car starts using more fuel than is normal, it might be due to the O2 sensor. If the O2 sensor is sending signals to ignite fuel more frequently, you will be using more fuel to run your car. You might also find that more fuel is being released with the exhaust, and that will cause fuel efficiency to decrease as well.

When It’s Not The O2 Sensor

The issues listed above can also be symptoms of other problems. It might be easier to replace the O2 sensor than to fix the timing of when fuel is ignited. However, this is why it is so important to have a trusted automobile service specialist that can appropriately assess your vehicle and diagnose the problem.

When Should You Replace Your O2 Sensor

There are several schools of thought regarding when you should replace your O2 sensor. One thought is that the lifespan of an O2 sensor is about 50,000-60,000 miles. That school of thought also states that the O2 sensor will last longer if the car is properly maintained; hence, the suggested time to replace the O2 sensor is between 60,000-90,000 miles. Another school of thought is that the O2 sensor will likely last the lifetime of the vehicle, and therefore, the only time to replace the sensor is when or if it goes bad.

Trust Glenwood Foreign Car Can Replace Your O2 Sensor

Glenwood Foreign Car first opened for business in 1977. Since then, we have built our reputation by providing quality services at reasonable prices. Volkswagen and other European and German automobile owners have come to count on us as experts in the foreign automobile industry. We are proud to serve our neighbors from Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, Morrisville, and the surrounding communities. Please stop by or give us a call with your questions. We look forward to earning your business and more importantly, your trust.