lambda sensor replacement in Reading, made easy

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How much does a lambda sensor replacement cost in Reading?

The price of a typical lambda sensor replacement in Reading is around £156 - £379. Depending on your car make, model and engine, the price of a lambda sensor replacement on your vehicle can be higher or lower. We computed prices for some of the best-selling cars in Reading in order to give you an idea of how much a lambda sensor replacement costs.
Car modelFixter price range
Lambda sensor replacement for Ford Mondeo£213 - £334
Lambda sensor replacement for Volkswagen Polo£156 - £245
Lambda sensor replacement for Vauxhall Insignia-A£213 - £334
Lambda sensor replacement for BMW X1£241 - £379
Lambda sensor replacement for Audi A4£170 - £268
Lambda sensor replacement for Mercedes CLA Coupe£213 - £334
Lambda sensor replacement for Peugeot 206£156 - £245

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Takes a lot of stress away

I would definitely recommend this company: knowing someone was keeping an eye on everything to make sure I wasn't being overcharged for parts and labour takes a lot of stress out of having the work done. I felt really well looked after. Thank you Fixter.

Kathleen Hodge, West Yorkshire

Excellent service

Excellent service. On time to pick up my car & drop it back. Full service cost £179, main dealer quoted me £700-lots different!

Muhammad, Birmingham

Total game-changer!

Just had my MOT done through Fixter for the first time. It took about 5 minutes of my time in total to book, hand over the key, and get it back when the car was returned. So I was able to carry on looking after my 2 year old. Total game-changer!

Oliver Woodford, London

No need to drive to a garage

Can't get more convenient than someone turning up, taking the car from the house for its MOT and returning it a few hours later. No having to drive to a garage (often miles from anywhere or in the middle of an industrial estate) or hanging around waiting.

Darren, Pontefract

I literally cannot fault them

This is the 3rd time I have used Fixter and I recommend to everyone. It makes getting an MOT super easy for me. Everyone I speak to on the phone is incredibly helpful and polite, and they seem to be the most cost effective. I literally cannot fault them.

Julia M, Bristol

Our expert insights into lambda sensor replacement

What does a lambda sensor do?

In simple terms, a lambda sensor measures the amount of oxygen in your exhaust fumes, to ensure your engine is burning fuel correctly. They are fitted in both petrol and diesel vehicles.

What are the symptoms of a malfunctioning lambda sensor?

Below are the top three symptoms that could indicate you need to replace your lambda sensor:

  • Your engine performance will suffer—often misfiring, cutting out or not starting at all

  • When your engine is idling, or just ticking over, it will feel rough and lumpy compared to normal

  • Fuel consumption is higher than normal

What happens when we do a lambda sensor replacement on your car?

Our certified mechanics will:

  • Read the ECU for possible fault codes related to the lambda sensor.

  • They will inspect the sensor and ancillaries (like the electrical connectors).

  • If necessary, the mechanic will replace the lambda sensor.

  • The mechanic will advise if other components need to be replaced as well.

  • They will check the sensors again.

  • The mechanic will test drive the car, and make any final adjustments.

Daniel, from LondonDaniel, from London

Hey Fixter, what are the signs of a bad lambda sensor?

If your lambda sensor is failing, your engine performance will suffer, often misfiring, cutting out or not starting at all. You may also experience higher fuel consumption and a rough engine idle.

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Our in-house experts will keep you updated, and your card is only charged once all work has been satisfactorily completed and approved by our team. Your driver will then drop the car back when it’s convenient for you.

Want to learn more about lambda sensor replacement in Reading?

Reading

Reading, a vibrant town in the UK, is home to a population of over 200,000. Known for its bustling atmosphere and thriving community, Reading also boasts a thriving car maintenance industry.

After analyzing recent data, we have identified the most popular cars among Reading residents. Topping the list is the Ford Fiesta, a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle that perfectly suits the needs of many Reading drivers. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW 1 Series, and Audi A3.

It is interesting to note that Reading residents prefer compact and economical cars, reflecting the town's urban environment and the need for easy maneuverability in busy streets and limited parking spaces.

Vehicle numbers in Reading

Reading boasts a significant number of registered vehicles, with approximately 150,000 cars on its roads. This high number reflects the town's reliance on private transportation and the demand for reliable car maintenance services.

Postcodes and suburbs in Reading

Reading is divided into various postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique character. Some notable areas include RG1 (Reading Town Centre, Newtown, and Katesgrove), RG2 (Whitley, South Reading, and Green Park), RG6 (Earley, Lower Earley, and Shinfield), and RG30 (Tilehurst, Southcote, and Calcot). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Reading.

Connecting Reading residents with top-notch car maintenance services

As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Reading residents, we understand the importance of providing exceptional services to keep their vehicles running smoothly. Whether it's regular servicing, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Reading's automotive landscape.

With our extensive network of skilled mechanics and garages across the town, we ensure that Reading residents have access to reliable and efficient car maintenance services. Our platform also offers the convenience of online booking and transparent pricing, making it easier than ever for Reading drivers to take care of their beloved vehicles.

At our car maintenance platform, we are committed to keeping Reading's cars in optimal condition, ensuring that residents can navigate the town's streets with confidence and peace of mind.

What does a lambda sensor do?

Lambda sensors measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust fumes emitted from your vehicle, to ensure your engine is burning fuel correctly. Fitted in both petrol and diesel vehicles, they help to reduce the number of harmful emissions, primarily gases such as carbon monoxide, and pollutants, produced by your car.

The sensors are designed to work within government exhaust gas legislation. Due to the role they play in the operation of your car, they are also widely known as oxygen sensors or O2 sensors.

Your lambda sensor converts the amount of oxygen present in your exhaust into an electric signal and sends the signal to the computer that controls your engine operation. The ECU (engine control unit) processes the readings and sends the information back to the engine. The engine then makes compensations of how to mix fuel and air to get the ratio back to where it needs to be.

How often should a lambda sensor need replacing?

Several things can affect your sensor's lifespan, but typically you should replace your lambda sensor every 50k-100k miles. Your sensor should be checked periodically, to ensure its correct operation.

Due to the nature of their operation and their position in an extremely hot and dirty environment, the lambda sensor will wear out over time. In addition, vibrations or damage to connectors and/or wires can also cause failure. Another common cause of premature failure is contamination, which will most likely require a replacement sensor to be fitted.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

A faulty lambda sensor is often flagged up during an MOT test. The current MOT test includes an emissions check, so any unusual emission results will be reported, and an advisory will be given on what work needs to be done.

Remember, it is advisable to check the sensor regularly, to ensure it functions well. It could save your car from failing an MOT, and improve your car’s fuel consumption, saving you money down the line.

What causes a lambda sensor to break?

Due to the nature of their operation and their position in an extremely hot and dirty environment, your lambda sensor will wear out over time. Damage to the heater element of the sensor is the most frequent fault associated with lambda sensors. In addition, vibrations or damage to connectors and/or wires can also cause failure. Another common cause of premature failure is contamination from debris, dust and carbon.

When should a lambda sensor be replaced?

Several things can affect your sensor's lifespan, but typically, it should last anywhere between 50k and 100k miles.

In the past sensors didn’t have a heating element, so required the exhaust temperature to reach a specific heat to operate. Nowadays modern sensors are fitted with a heating element, taking a lot of the pressure off the sensor. These newer sensors have a much longer lifespan.

Your sensor should be checked periodically, to ensure its correct operation.

What are the signs of a bad lambda sensor?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

  • Your engine performance will suffer—often misfiring, cutting out or not starting at all

  • When your engine is idling, or just ticking over, it will feel rough and lumpy compared to normal

  • Fuel consumption is higher than normal

  • Your car has failed an emission test

  • The engine warning light will illuminate on your dashboard

What happens during a lambda sensor replacement?

During the repair our certified mechanics will:

  • Read the ECU for possible fault codes related to the lambda sensor.

  • They will inspect the sensor and ancillaries (like the electrical connectors).

  • If necessary, the mechanic will replace the lambda sensor.

  • The mechanic will advise if other components need to be replaced as well.

  • They will check the sensors again.

  • The mechanic will test drive the car, and make any final adjustments.

What is the average life of a lambda sensor?

Several things can affect the lifespan of your lambda sensor, but typically, it should last anywhere between 50k and 100k miles. The sensor may have to be replaced sooner if it becomes damaged or corroded.

Can you drive with a broken lambda sensor?

Technically you can drive with a faulty lambda sensor, however we don’t recommend it. You'll want to change it as soon as possible, because otherwise, you'll be spending more money on fuel and you risk having to splash out on a new catalytic converter as well.

What happens if you don't change the lambda sensor?

A broken or faulty lambda sensor will lead to the ECU not being able to regulate the fuel / air mixture correctly which can result in the engine running lean or rich. In turn the car will likely have poor fuel consumption, it might also cause the car to fail an emissions test.

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