Genuine Bosch Mass Air Sensor 0280218396

An air flow sensor in a car measures the amount of air that enters the engine. The sensor works by using a hot wire or a heated thermistor to measure the amount of air that enters the engine. The sensor is located in the air intake of the engine and measures the mass of the air and sends the data to the car's computer. The computer then uses this data to calculate the right fuel-to-air mixture for the engine to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. The air flow sensor also plays a crucial role in reducing emissions by helping the engine to burn fuel more efficiently. If the air flow sensor is malfunctioning, the car may experience a variety of performance issues, such as misfiring, hesitation, and reduced fuel economy.

There are two types of air flow sensors used in cars, a hot-wire air flow sensor and a vane air flow sensor. The hot-wire air flow sensor works by using a hot wire that is heated by an electric current. The amount of current required to maintain the wire's temperature is directly proportional to the amount of air flowing past the wire. The vane air flow sensor works by using a small vane that is moved by the incoming air. The amount of air flowing past the vane determines how much the vane moves. The movement of the vane is then used by the car's computer to determine the mass of the air and calculate the fuel-to-air ratio. Both types of air flow sensors are designed to improve the overall performance and fuel efficiency of a car, making them a crucial component of any modern engine.