Air/Fuel Ratio Gauge
An air/fuel ratio gauge is exactly what it sounds like; a gauge that montiors the ratio of fuel to air in an engine. Other names for an air/fuel ratio gauge include air/fuel ratio meter, air/fuel guage, and air/fuel meter. Even though there are several names for this vehicle part, they are all responsible for the same thing. The air/fuel ratio gauge works with the vehicle's oxygen sensor to determine the ratio of air to fuel and determine if changes need to be made.
An air/fuel ratio gauge is used for many reasons. One of the beneficial reasons for the use of an air/fuel ratio gauge is that the gauge can determine if the vehicle's oxygen sensor has malfunctioned. An oxygen sensor that is working properly should be able to adjust quickly to changes in the condition of the engine. However, a damaged oxygen sensor will not respond quickly and can result in reduced fuel efficiency and increased emissions. You may also experience a lack of power in your vehicle when you have a damaged oxygen sensor.
Reducing emissions is another important object of the air/fuel ratio gauge. The mixture of air and fuel in a vehicle must be carefully balanced for the vehicle to operate at maximum efficiency. Using an air/fuel ratio gauge allows the catalytic converter of your car or truck to perform at maximum capacity. Increased fuel efficiency is also a benefit of using an air/fuel ratio gauge. Again, the balance of the air to fuel ratio must be carefully managed in any vehicle. When a vehicle comes from the factory, this balance is usually normal. However, damage to the vehicle may cause the balance to become off-kilter, resulting reduced fuel efficiency. Another benefit of using an air/fuel ratio gauge is that your engine may have more power.
Having an air/fuel ratio gauge can actually save you money and help protect the environment. The increased fuel efficiency mentioned above means that you will have to fill your vehicle's gas tank less often, resulting in less money spent at the gas station. Reduced emissions from your vehicle mean that dangerous particulate emissions and chemicals will be regulated instead of released into the air. This can help contribute to reduced air pollution and greenhouse gases.
There are two major types of air/fuel ratio gauges. One type is the narrow band air-fuel ratio meter. The other type is a wide band air-fuel ratio meter. The type you use will depend on how the gauge is intended to be used. The wide band air/fuel ratio gauge is best used when you are building a high-performance vehicle and need to stay on top of how the air is mixing with the fuel. The narrow band system can be used to check for problems with the car or truck's oxygen sensor or give you an idea of how the air is mixing with the fuel in your vehicle.
Purchasing an air/fuel ratio gauge can be done by visiting an auto parts store or shopping an online car parts site. When you receive your new air/fuel ratio gauge, ensure that it is installed by a qualified professional. Installing the gauge incorrectly can have damaging consequences for your vehicle's performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions regulation.
