How does mass air flow sensor work?

A mass air flow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to optimize the fuel-to-air ratio for combustion. It typically uses a heated wire or film that cools as air flows over it; the degree of cooling correlates to the mass of air passing through. The sensor sends this data to the engine control unit (ECU), which adjusts fuel injection accordingly for efficient engine performance. Proper functioning of the MAF sensor is crucial for engine efficiency, emissions control, and overall performance.