Professional athletes and military personnel use sensor technology during strenuous exercise. The sensors let them monitor their oxygen consumption and assess their cardiovascular fitness. As automotive manufacturers continue to work to optimize performance and efficiency on the road – your vehicle now contains like themed technology. Every new car on the road comes equipped with oxygen sensors as part of the vehicle’s emissions control system.
Oxygen and Your Engine
As you may know, most engines operate through the process of combustion – otherwise known as burning. Key components of combustion include fuel and oxygen. Your vehicle’s engine operates in the same way. But not just any mix of oxygen and fuel will do. Depending on the amount of hydrogen and carbon in your vehicle’s fuel, there is an optimal ratio of fuel to oxygen.
Lean vs Rich Mixture
If your car’s O2 sensor detects a low air to fuel mixture, your engine has too little fuel. This is also known as a lean mixture and can result in poor performance or worse – engine damage. On the other hand, a rich air to fuel mixture means there is too much fuel in the mix. Rich mixtures result in an excess of fuel following combustion and this unburned fuel creates emissions. Oxygen sensors detect this delicate balance in an effort to minimize detonation and keep your car’s engine running at peak performance.
ACDelco O2 Sensors
Just as every person is different, every vehicle has unique needs and requirements. Using an oxygen sensor that is anything less than an exact match can create emissions issues and a wiring fire. ACDelco’s sensors are specifically calibrated for each specific engine application. Trust ACDelco’s O2 sensors to keep your vehicle’s engine running healthy and strong.
For more information on ACDelco O2 sensors and other products visit ACDelcoCanada.com.