The 10 Most Important Sensors in Your Car in 2023

If you’re like most people, you probably hit the road without giving a second thought to the complex dance happening beneath the hood of your car. But here at Straight Away Towing Service, cars—inside and out—are our business. We’ve seen first-hand how a little knowledge can go a long way in preventing breakdowns and keeping your car running smoothly. That’s why we’re pulling back the curtain on the unsung heroes of your vehicle: the sensors.

These nifty little devices are the lookouts of your car. They’re continually checking up on different systems and sending that information back to your car’s computer. Whether it’s managing your engine’s performance or keeping your brakes doing their job right, sensors play a crucial role.

So, what do these sensors do exactly, and how can you keep them happy? Buckle up, because we’re about to take a deep dive into the top 10 sensors in your car in 2023.

1. Oxygen Sensors

So first up, we’ve got the oxygen sensors. They hang out in the exhaust pipe and keep an eye on the level of unburned oxygen in your exhaust. This info helps your car strike the right balance of air and fuel. If your Check Engine light suddenly decides to make an appearance, it could be down to a faulty oxygen sensor. Yes, you could replace it yourself if you’re handy with car repairs, or leave it to the pros.

2. Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF)

Next, meet the Mass Airflow Sensor or MAF. It lives in the air intake and measures the amount of air coming into the engine. This data helps your car deliver the right amount of fuel. If your engine starts acting up or stalls just after start-up, the MAF might be throwing a tantrum. Regular cleaning can help keep it happy.

3. Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

Now let’s talk about the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. It usually hangs out near the thermostat housing and keeps tabs on the temperature of your engine coolant. If this sensor calls it quits, your engine can’t tell what temperature the coolant is to regulate it, thus making it likely your car will overheat.

Again, regular diagnostic checkup, when you do you oil change can head off any issues and so your car can keep your engine nice and cool.

4. Throttle Position Sensor

The Throttle Position Sensor is usually found on the butterfly spindle/shaft of the throttle body. It loves to monitor the throttle position, which is vital for managing fuel injection and ignition timing. If your car starts struggling with acceleration, it might be this sensor causing trouble. Sadly, when this sensor starts acting up, it usually needs to be replaced.

Want to learn about “>EVERY single sensor in you car or truck?  Check this out…

5. Crankshaft Position Sensor

The Crankshaft Position Sensor is a bit of a homebody, preferring to stay close to the engine’s crankshaft. It monitors the position and speed of the crankshaft, which is crucial for fuel injection and ignition timing. If this sensor starts to fail, your engine could stall or refuse to start. Regular servicing can help catch any issues early.

6. Camshaft Position Sensor

The Camshaft Position Sensor, usually found near the camshaft, works hand in hand with the crankshaft sensor to make sure the fuel injectors work at the right time. Regular check-ups can help keep this sensor in tip-top shape.

7. Fuel Level Sensor

The Fuel Level Sensor, comfortably nestled inside the fuel tank, keeps track of the amount of fuel left and reports back to the fuel gauge on your dashboard. If your fuel gauge starts acting up, this sensor could be the culprit. A top tip to keep it working? Try not to let your tank get below a quarter full.

8. Knock Sensor

The Knock Sensor, located on the engine block, is a bit of a peacekeeper. It listens out for engine knocking or pinging, and when it hears it, it lets the ECU know so it can adjust the ignition timing to prevent any damage. Regular use of the correct octane fuel can keep this sensor happy.

9. Vehicle Speed Sensor

The Vehicle Speed Sensor, typically located on the transmission, likes to know how fast you’re going. This information is used for fuel delivery and to decide when to shift gears. If your speedometer starts acting funny or your car isn’t shifting gears smoothly, this sensor might be the problem. Regular transmission servicing can help keep this sensor running smoothly.

10. Tire Pressure Sensors

Last but definitely not least, we have the tire pressure sensors. They live inside each tire’s pressure valve and keep track of the tire pressure. If it gets too low, they’ll let you know. Maintaining the correct tire pressure can help these sensors live a long life.

So there you have it, the top 10 sensors in your car in 2023. These little guys do a lot to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. Remember, if you ever find yourself in a pickle and need a tow, give us a call at Straight Away Towing Service in Raleigh, NC, at (919) 234-5400. We’ve been serving this great city for over 20 years, and we’re always here to help you out 24/7!