Your oxygen sensors control the amount of oxygen that goes into your engine. The oxygen sensor is a really important component that helps to control your engine's performance. Luckily, your vehicle will provide you with signs that your oxygen sensor is not working properly.

1. Rough Engine Sound

First, when the oxygen sensor isn't working properly, it isn't sending the right amount of oxygen to your engine, which means your engine is not getting what it needs to run efficiently. Second, when your engine isn't getting the correct amount of oxygen, it can impact your engine's combustion intervals and timing, resulting in your engine running rough when it is idling. This can also result in the engine not accelerating as it should or even stalling. Of course, there are other issues that can impact the performance of your engine as well, which is why you want to have a professional diagnose it.

2. Poor Gas Mileage

Second, when your engine is not getting the right amount of oxygen, it can impact the effectiveness of your engine. Your engine will not run as efficiently as it should if it's not getting enough oxygen, or it is getting too much; that means your engine is running either too rich or too lean in regard to the oxygen that is coming your way.

It is also important to note that your oxygen sensor can become less effective over time. As such, your gas mileage may not decrease all at once. However, you will notice a gradual decrease in the efficiency of your vehicle.

3. Check Engine Light

Third, one of the many reasons your check engine light may come on is a bad oxygen sensor. To know that, you will need to have a mechanic check and read the codes generated by your check engine light. The code will let you know if it is the oxygen sensor or another issue that is causing the check engine light to come on. Therefore, when the check engine light comes on, it is important to get it checked out right away.

4. Failed Emission Test

Fourth, if you had to take your vehicle through an emission test, and it failed, one of the primary causes of failing an emission test is a bad oxygen sensor. So you are going to want to get things checked out.

5. Bad Smell

Finally, when your oxygen sensor fails, it can cause a bad smell in your vehicle. You may notice a smell of rotten eggs, or you may notice a smell of carbon monoxide.

If your vehicle's engine isn't running smoothly, your gas mileage is decreasing, the check engine light is on, or you notice a bad smell, these are all a sign that your oxygen sensor is failing and needs to be replaced. For more information, contact an auto repair service.