Shawnee Mission Kia can show you what faulty O2 sensor symptoms.
Looking at all the different sensors a car uses on an everyday basis, perhaps one of the most vital sensors is an oxygen sensor, which is required for a car to perform at its very best. With all of the exhaust fumes any vehicle produces, it’s important to have to be aware of the oxygen levels left in the exhaust gases. The oxygen sensor has an important part to play in keeping track of a car’s O2 levels to ensure the engine is efficiently burning its fuel. A well-working oxygen sensor can be an essential component of a consistent running car. Still, a bad O2 sensor will probably lead to bad gasoline economy, bad smells from your vehicle, and affect your engine’s performance ability. Here we’ll go deeper into symptoms to watch for while driving your vehicle that can be telltale signs of a failed oxygen sensor.
Whenever you’re driving on the highway and smell something harsh from your car, this could be a quick sign that your oxygen sensor is failing. If you ever start to pick up on some negative differences like bad engine performance, engine misfires, or loud noises, this can be a clear symptom of your oxygen sensor potentially having problems. A huge problem a failing oxygen sensor could cause is a sudden catalytic converter failure, which could cost a lot of money and may have your car stuck in the shop for a long time.
What Causes An Oxygen Sensor To Go Bad?
Like many different parts of a vehicle, O2 sensors could wear down over time and start to go bad. But if you don’t pay close attention, a bad O2 sensor could begin to show major issues throughout your vehicle. A build-up of contaminated oil ash or coolant can cause an O2 sensor to fail, so a selection of gasoline or oil is super important. If you see any problems similar to the ones listed above, it’s best to visit our trained mechanics, who could get you hooked up with an OEM O2 sensor replacement.
If The Oxygen Sensor Goes Bad, Can I Still Drive My Car?
It’s best that you stray away from using your vehicle with a bad oxygen sensor as the engine isn’t running on the right fuel mixture. While it may perform fine in the beginning, if your engine is running rich and using too much fuel it could end up clogging the catalytic converter. Considering the cost to get new O2 sensors is much less than purchasing a new catalytic converter, it’s better to make this decision earlier. Also, if your vehicle has over 60,000 miles on the road or is over 15 years old you might want to consider replacing your O2 sensors for lower pollution and optimal engine performance.
Schedule Kia Service Near Kansas City
Shawnee Mission Kia is an ideal place to get vehicle service in the Kansas City 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 or SUV service online or in person today.
