Can Fuel Additives Remove Carbon Deposits?
2 Answers
Fuel additives can remove carbon deposits. Fuel additives contain multiple cleaning groups that can dissolve and absorb carbon deposits wherever gasoline flows, thus cleaning carbon deposits on injectors, intake valves, pistons, and other parts. The cause of carbon deposits is that unburned gasoline in the cylinder evaporates, leaving behind gum and wax that deposit on the cylinder walls and valves. If not cleaned in time, these deposits accumulate and thicken, hardening into carbon deposits after repeated heating. Methods to remove carbon deposits are as follows: 1. For mild carbon deposits, use a no-disassembly cleaning method by adding a special cleaning fluid. 2. For severe carbon deposits, the cylinder head must be removed to clean the valves and cylinder walls.
I haven’t been driving for long, but I’ve used fuel additives to clean carbon deposits. Last month, I added a bottle of a certain brand to the fuel tank, and after driving for a week, I noticed the engine sound became quieter, and the throttle felt more responsive—probably because it dissolved some carbon buildup. While additives can help with cleaning, their effectiveness depends on the type and quality of the product; high-quality cleaners can penetrate and break down accumulated deposits. However, don’t expect them to completely solve the problem—severe engine carbon buildup still requires professional cleaning or part replacement. It’s crucial to avoid low-quality fuel and maintain regular upkeep. For beginners, I’d recommend trying brands with many user reviews first to avoid wasting money and damaging the car.