Replacing an oxygen sensor is one of the most frequently completed auto repairs. The oxygen sensor plays a key role in the operation of your car. It helps to balance the air-to-fuel ratio and provides your car with good engine performance. If your oxygen sensor starts to fail, you may get fewer miles per gallon and your engine performance may suffer. As such, you want to replace a failing oxygen sensor as soon as possible. Knowing what the signs are that your oxygen sensor may be going bad can help you know when a replacement may be needed.

Your Car is Starting to Stall or Idle Rough   

One of the signs that you may notice if you need to have the oxygen sensor in your vehicle replaced is that your car will start to idle rough. As you sit at lights, you may feel your car shaking, a term that is referred to as idling rough. It may feel like your car is going to stall, or your car may even stall. This is more likely to happen when you give your car a bit of gas coming off of a stop sign or stop light. 

You Notice the Scent of Rotten Eggs When Driving Your Car

Another sign that the oxygen sensor in your car is going bad is a sulfur-like scent. If you are driving and you smell the scent of rotten eggs or sulfur, this is a key indication that your oxygen sensor may be failing and that you are in need of an auto repair. 

You Are Getting Fewer Miles Per Gallon

There are a number of reasons why your car may be getting fewer miles per gallon. However, if you notice that you are getting fewer miles per gallon in conjunction with your car idling harder, there is a good chance that auto repair is needed to replace a failing oxygen sensor. 

Your Car's Check Engine Light Illuminates

Lastly, if your oxygen sensor does stop working, your car's check engine light may turn on. In addition to this, your car will fail a smog test if you attempt to have one done when the oxygen sensor is nearing or at the end of its lifespan. 

If you notice one or more signs listed above, the oxygen sensor in your vehicle may be going bad. It is recommended that you bring your car to your preferred auto repair service in a timely manner to have the existing oxygen sensor tested to determine if it should be replaced. While you can continue to drive with a failing oxygen sensor, it is not recommended that you do so for a prolonged period of time.

Contact an auto repair shop today to learn more.