Does Replacing the Oxygen Sensor Help with High Fuel Consumption?
2 Answers
There are many reasons for high fuel consumption in a car, and it's not solely due to the oxygen sensor. Simply replacing the oxygen sensor when experiencing high fuel consumption is an unscientific approach. The main causes of high fuel consumption include: 1. Engine carbon deposits: Excessive carbon buildup can affect the throttle's air intake, leading to engine stalling; carbon deposits can also adhere to the intake tract, reducing intake efficiency and worsening the air-fuel mixture. 2. Spark plug damage: Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders, and damaged spark plugs can result in insufficient ignition energy. 3. Oxygen sensor damage: The oxygen sensor, located in the vehicle's exhaust pipe, monitors the oxygen content in the exhaust. It is a relatively durable component, and new cars generally don't require replacement. 4. Delayed replacement of the 'three filters': Not replacing the 'three filters' in time can lead to clogging, causing incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture, increased engine carbon deposits, and consequently higher fuel consumption.
My old car suddenly had a huge increase in fuel consumption, and after checking, it turned out to be the oxygen sensor causing the problem. This thing is responsible for monitoring the oxygen content in the exhaust so the computer can adjust the fuel injection. If it's not accurate, the computer will mess up the fuel injection, wasting gas. But I have to remind you, there are many reasons for high fuel consumption: low tire pressure, a dirty air filter, or worn spark plugs could all be the culprits. The most reliable way is to use a diagnostic tool to read the trouble codes first. If it really is a faulty oxygen sensor, replacing it definitely helps—after I replaced mine, the fuel consumption dropped by more than 1 liter per 100 km. If there’s no trouble code, it’s better to check other possible causes first, which might save you money.
