99 Buick-O2 Sensor

Hey guys, I am new to the forum and really think its great. It's good way to get knowledge about your car. Anyway, my Service Engine light is on in my 99 Buick Century and the code that was brought up was a bad Oxygen Sensor. I dont have the money to fix immediately so im just wondering if it's ok to drive for a little bit without fixing it? I don't want to do any damage to my car. I appreciate your help and thanks in advance.

You can drive it for a little while but you will see a drastic reduction in fuel mileage. It could also damage the cat if you introduce too much unburned fuel into the system. I would replace it as soon as the money is available.

It's worth the time to check the EGR valve and see if it isn't clogged. A car that new seems a little premature to have the O2 sensor go without help. Many times if it goes the EGR valve isn't working properly causing the O2 sensor to fail prematurely. Sometimes cleaning the EGR valve will kill the O2 code if the sensor is still good. I can't say for sure that the ERG valve is plugged but many times when tyou take it to a garage, even the dealerships, they will simply replace the O2 sensor and neglect the real problem. I have seen this first hand many times. It seems that the techs rely too much one what the computer says and less the chain reaction theory.