With the rising cost of fuel today, most vehicle owners are doing everything they can to improve their fuel efficiency. You may not be aware of it, but your Chevy Silverado oxygen sensor has quite an impact on your miles per gallon. The Silverado oxygen sensor is part of a network of sensors that monitors the oxygen content of the exhaust leaving your cylinders.

Why is this important? To generate power, your engine uses a mixture of fuel and oxygen, which is ignited in your combustion cylinders. The optimal oxygen-to-fuel ratio for your engine is 14.7 parts oxygen to one part fuel, and your oxygen sensor enables your vehicle to maintain this ratio by sending measurements to your onboard computer hundreds of times per minute.

Though there are other sensors in the network, the Chevy Silverado oxygen sensor is the only one located near your exhaust manifold, in the direct path of the exhaust. When there are problems with your oxygen sensor, your vehicle relies on estimates from the other sensors and will inject too much fuel, just to make sure there is enough.

A faulty Silverado oxygen sensor can be caused by contamination from antifreeze, gasket sealant, engine oil, or fuel additives, or it may simply wear out over time through normal use. You should replace your Chevy Silverado oxygen sensor at least every 100,000 miles, and it is a good idea to install a new oxygen sensor whenever you have exhaust work done as well.You’ll find a full line of Silverado oxygen sensors in our online catalogue, where you can take advantage of our fast, reliable shipping and great low prices.