April 2021

APRIL 2021 AFTERMARKET 27 Right: Oxygen sensor from Walker Products www.aftermarketonline.net oxygen-sensor-safe can kill an oxygen sensor. The second scenario is the gradual deterioration, resulting in a slow sensor that reacts so slowly that it causes a catalytic converter to perform less efficiently. This can lead to premature failure of the catalytic converter. In this case, technicians will hear complaints of decreased fuel economy, approximately 10%- 15% in most cases, excessive exhaust emissions and overall poor drivability. Now, while a customer might notice they are covering fewer miles per fill-up, they might not be aware of other problems as they adjust to vehicle driving conditions and, in the case of emissions, simply cannot observe this. That’s where technicians who perform emissions tests can assist customers by detecting these issues. Technicians can be the hero of this story though, when using the proper equipment. Using a digital volt-ohmmeter (DVO), a technician can detect a dead oxygen sensor. Two other tools – a digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) or scope meter – will be able to diagnose a slow oxygen sensor. Not all sensors are alike How do you know that you’re getting a quality sensor? Walker Products’ robust oxygen sensor programme features the highest quality components to ensure OE fit, form, and function guaranteed. Designed, engineered, and 100% tested in house to ensure unsurpassed quality and sensor longevity for the greatest customer satisfaction. Walker oxygen sensors feature a ceramic body made of stabilised zirconium dioxide and contained in a housing that protects it against mechanical effects and facilitates mounting. A gas-permeable platinum layer comprises the electrodes that coat the surface, and a porous ceramic coating applied to the side exposed to the exhaust gas prevents contamination and erosion of the electrode surfaces by combustion residue and particulates in the exhaust gases. That means when you install Walker oxygen sensors, your customers get improved engine response and performance, lower emissions, better fuel economy and longer sensor life. Selling to customers How do you explain that to your customers? It starts with the basics: an oxygen sensor monitors the oxygen content of the exhaust gas, which is processed by the vehicle’s ECU to evaluate engine efficiency. For quick explanations, service advisors can share four simple benefits customers can receive by replacing their O2 sensors: Improved engine response and performance Lower emissions Improved fuel economy Longer sensor life Essentially, put a little bit of money in now, and drivers could save big down the road. In fact, for the cost of two tanks of fuel, they will be able to stretch their fuel economy and potentially buy less fuel. What a selling point! When a garage offers to check the oxygen sensors at any appropriate service interval, the customer can ward off further damage by having faulty or contaminated sensors replaced. Here is a breakdown of replacement intervals. 30,000 – 50,000 miles; One-wire and two-wire unheated type oxygen sensors: These sensors are early technology units that depend on exhaust heat to become active and are gen-erally more sensitive to the elevated contamination of dirty or unbalanced exhaust, especially the “wide-slot” varieties found on early Chrysler, Ford and General Motors vehicles. 60,000 – 100,000 miles; Heated-type sensors and air fuel ratio sensors: These are the latest high- tech products in this segment. Their engineering advancements and sophistication allow them to operate more efficiently by placing built-in heaters to warm the sensor up on initial start-up. In addition, these sensors are generally found in newer vehicle applications that are more fuel efficient, therefore exposing the sensors to less harmful exhaust gases, all of which adds to the life expectancy of the oxygen sensors themselves. Using these selling tips, installation information and Walker Original Equipment oxygen sensors, your customers get improved engine response and performance, lower emissions, better fuel economy and longer sensor life. That translates to increased trust and potential business for your shop, a win-win. Technicians can be the hero of this story, using the proper equipment ” Follow us at facebook.com/aftermarketmagazine