People learn at a very young age that everyone has five senses – hearing, seeing, touching, smelling, and tasting. Just as much as people need these senses in order to function well, todays vehicles were also installed with sensors in the engine. These sensors must be regularly checked and maintained in proper condition as only through this will owners and their vehicles maximize fuel economy and ensure a smooth running operation.

Bryan Gregory of Advance Auto Parts (AAP), director of consumer education said, “Pay attention to your check engine light and your vehicle’s sensors or you could pay the price.”

He added that, “Sensors monitor air-fuel mixture, engine temperature, air-flow, wheel speed and more, so essentially they are telling your vehicle’s computer what to do. If your sensors fail, your engine may experience poor mileage and performance, and in severe cases you engine may fail altogether.”

Usually, a ‘check engine’ light will illuminate to let owners know that there is a problem. Any advance auto parts store will scan the OBD or On-Board Diagnostic port of the vehicle at no charge and print out the fault code to help the owner determine what the next steps will be.

These sensors are usually the most difficult part of the process of replacement. For instance for oxygen sensors, the replacement process could be simplified by using a specially designed O2 sensor socket that accommodates the sensor writing. A Haynes Repair Manual specific to the vehicle could prove to be really helpful in the replacement of this part.