How often should the O2 sensor be changed?

[flyguy327]

I have 65K miles and I still have my factory O2 sensor. Should I change it out or wait till I get a cel or some other sign? If i should change it then who makes the best one?

[80sGuy]

It depends on how well you maintain your car, some lasts over 100K and others needed changing under 65K miles. I'd wait for the light.

[Kolyan2k]

change if you get a light or a poor mpg

[flyguy327]

The only problem i have with changing it when the cel light comes on is that I think the sensors performance degrades slowly with time. So my engine is working with erroneous information given by the O2 sensor that only gets worse with time. Unless its more like a light bulb where its working fine one minute and its not the next. Im not sure how an O2 sensor works but im guessing its its failure isnt sudden or absolute but more gradual and over time. I think ill just flippin change it just for peace of mind

[80sGuy]

The only problem i have with changing it when the cel light comes on is that I think the sensors performance degrades slowly with time. So my engine is working with erroneous information given by the O2 sensor that only gets worse with time. Unless its more like a light bulb where its working fine one minute and its not the next. Im not sure how an O2 sensor works but im guessing its its failure isnt sudden or absolute but more gradual and over time. I think ill just flippin change it just for peace of mindKeep in mind that there is at least two (or more) Oxygen Sensors equipped in today's vehicles mfg each designed to probe their own issues. So changing it earlier might or might not resolve your issue if it's got nothing to do with the problem in the first place. The CEL is there for a reason and to give you ample time to diagnose/repair the cause -- so long as you don't 'ride' the light for an extended period of time, you'll be fine.