How to Maintain the Efficiency of the Sensors Used in Your Car
The sensors in your car control your safety on the road and maximize your efficiency. Without them, parts will break down, it will become unsafe to drive, and you will be struggling to find a ride. We will go over what the main sensors and their functions are, why they are important, how to maintain your sensors, and where to have them repaired when they malfunction.
Main Car Sensors and Functions
There are a few crucial sensors that control almost every important part to keep your car running smoothly. Let’s go over them.
Oxygen sensor
This sensor determines what the right fuel-to-oxygen ratio should be in your engine.
Mass airflow sensor
This determines exactly what your engine needs to combust and ignite properly by measuring the airflow that comes through.
Wheel speed sensor
This sensor adjusts the power and control of your wheels based on the traction you are getting and what the driving conditions are based on the weather.
Coolant sensor
This tells the computer in your car to control several functions, including activating and deactivating the Early Fuel Evaporation system.
Engine speed sensor
This measures how fast the crankshaft is going in the engine.
Fuel temperature sensor
This sensor makes sure that the right amount of fuel is injected, but not too much.
Voltage sensor
This maintains the speed at which your car is moving and keeps it in control.
Vehicle speed sensor
This, of course, measures how fast your car is going by measuring the speed of the wheels.
As you can imagine, when these sensors stop functioning, you are going to have a hard time driving, but why is each one important?
Why Car Sensors Are Important
Car sensors are important because they are what keep your vehicle running smoothly. Each plays its own part into making sure you get to where you are going safe and sound. What happens when some of these sensors stop working?
- Without an oxygen sensor, your fuel efficiency will decrease significantly. This is what’s called “burning rich” because you are burning off too much fuel at once.
- Mass airflow sensors are important because, without one, you will have issues even trying to start your car. Keeping it running will be even more difficult.
- Without wheel sensors, your vehicle will slide precariously on the road instead of helping maintain your traction. You could be seriously injured if this malfunctions.
- The engine speed sensor is vital because, without it, your engine could just suddenly die. This is also extremely dangerous.
- The fuel temperature sensor plays a big part in fuel efficiency as well. It prevents fuel from running too hot and burning off. When your fuel runs out, you damage the other parts of your car and it will eventually break down on the side of the road.
How to Maintain Your Car’s Sensors
Just like every other car part, your sensors can get dirty or corrode over time with regular use. With a little extra attention, you can make them last longer than they would otherwise.
- Get your car regularly inspected and serviced by a qualified auto mechanic. One of these professionals could likely catch a problem before you could, so they can fix you up in no time without you having to pay ridiculous amounts of money.
- Wash your car fairly often. This keeps layers of dirt and grime from building up and blocking your sensors. In newer car models with extra safety features like backup cameras, a blocked sensor could shut off your feed.
- Clean the grille of your car. Sensors that maintain the “cruise control” function are often located there. You do not want to find yourself trying to use it and realize too late that you lost control of your speed.
You can do all the preventative maintenance in the world, but sometimes your sensors just need to be replaced. It is one of the inevitable things in life, so find yourself someone that will give you the best care for your vehicle. Where would you go for that?
Where to Get Your Car’s Sensors Serviced
When you need your car’s sensors repaired and replaced, you need a mechanic qualified for the job. That is why you should come and see us at Munich West, especially if your car is a European model. We have specialized in European vehicle repair for over 40 years! If you are in the Decatur or Atlanta, GA area, stop by and let us prove to you that we can take care of everything and do it right the first time.
