As the name suggests, oxygen sensors are used to monitor the level of oxygen in the engine of the car. An oxygen sensor is fitted on the exhaust pipes of almost every car that was made after 1980. It is mounted between the catalytic converter and exhaust manifold. This sensor monitors the presence of oxygen in the emissions from the car and sends signals to the car’s management computer about it.
This sensor is one of the least known, yet most important parts of the car. Most O2 sensors use a zirconium ceramic bulb as the sensing element. The bulb is coated with platinum on both sides. The internal part of this bulb is vented through the body of the sensor and the external part bears the hot gases coming out of the exhaust pipe.
After sensing the amount of oxygen in the emissions, the sensor generates a voltage which is used by the car’s computer to detect the imbalance in the fuel/oil ratio in the engine. As we all know, gasoline engines run on a mixture of oxygen and fuel. In order to work efficiently, the ration between oxygen and fuel should be 14:7. Any imbalance in this ratio can not only damage the car, but also create a lot of air pollution.
Thus, we can say that having a good and perfectly working O2 sensor in our car can help us fight pollution and global warming. Let’s see the ways in which oxygen sensors help curb pollution:
- Increased Mileage: Oxygen sensor help increase the mileage of the car by using the fuel more efficiently. Sometimes, the oxygen level in our car decreases and as a result, it starts to burn more fuel. But by monitoring this level, oxygen sensors can signal the car’s computer to rebalance the fuel/oxygen ratio in the engine. This way, you use the gas efficiently. The efficient usage means that we use less of earth’s non-renewable resources.
- Lesser Emissions: If the amount of oxygen in the engine is not in compliance with the perfect determined ratio, then the emissions from the car increase. Gases like Nitrogen-oxide, carbon dioxide and monoxide are some of the most harmful gases for our environment. An engine without a working oxygen sensor can emit all these gases in the environment, in great quantities. Thus, oxygen sensors curb pollution to a great extent.
Besides environment, air fuel ratio sensor also helps you save money. More mileage and efficient usage of fuel naturally results in more savings. You save hundreds of dollars on your monthly bills because of the oxygen sensors in your car. Don’t believe us? Then, ask any expert mechanic to give you an estimate on how much will your car’s mileage will be if you remove the oxygen sensor. The answer will shock.
It is a fact that cars cause pollution. But there are some parts which help decrease this pollution to certain extent. It is your moral and social duty to maintain those parts in perfect condition.