Most people learn when they are very young that everyone has five senses: hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and seeing. Similarly, today’s vehicles have sensors in the engine that must be maintained and checked regularly so that the vehicle can get maximum fuel economy, and that everything stays running smoothly.
“Pay attention to your check engine light and your vehicle’s sensors or you could pay the price,” says Bryan Gregory Advance Auto Parts’ (NYSE:AAP) director of consumer education.
“Sensors monitor air-fuel mixture, engine temperature, air-flow, wheel speed and more, so essentially they are telling your vehicle’s computer what to do,” Gregory states. “If your sensors fail, your engine may experience poor mileage and performance, and in severe cases your engine may fail altogether.”
In most cases, a “check engine” light will illuminate to let you know that there is a problem. Any Advance Auto Parts store will scan your OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) port at no charge and print out the fault code to help you determine your next steps.
Access to these sensors is usually the most difficult part of the replacement process. In the case of oxygen sensors, the project can be simplified by using a specially designed O2 sensor socket that accommodates the sensor wiring. A Haynes Repair Manual specific to your vehicle can be very helpful when replacing sensors.
If you would like more tips or hints on how to check/replace these sensors, or perform other do-it-yourself projects on your vehicle, be sure to stop by your local Advance Auto Parts store where our knowledgeable and friendly Team Members will be glad to assist you. Or visit www.AdvanceAutoParts.com, click on Know-How, and learn how to do the job right, the first time watching our “Sensors 101” video clinic.
About Advance Auto Parts
Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts is the second-largest retailer of automotive aftermarket parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, based on store count and sales. As of April 21, 2007, the Company operated 3,150 stores in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The Company serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets.
Advance Auto Parts supports a variety of non-profit organizations at the corporate and local levels and encourages its Team Members to become actively involved in various community-based charitable organizations. Nationally, Advance Auto Parts is a strong supporter of United Way and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Since 1994, Advance Auto Parts has raised more than $12 million for JDRF and is one of that organization’s largest corporate supporters.
Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and on-line shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company’s web site at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.
Contacts:
Shelly Whitaker, APR
Direct:
540-561-8452
Fax: 540-561-6445
Shelly.whitaker@advanceautoparts.com
