How many kilometers does it take to remove carbon deposits with dry ice?
3 Answers
Generally, a vehicle's 50,000-kilometer cycle is the period for cleaning the engine cylinders and removing carbon deposits from the engine. Causes of carbon deposits in car engines: Mainly because after starting the car, when the engine is working, some of the fuel does not burn completely, similar to the principle of burning firewood when cooking at home during childhood. Effects of carbon deposits in car engines: In severe cases, it can cause engine knocking, abnormal acceleration noises, and damage to pistons and crankshafts. Carbon deposits accumulate layer by layer, becoming thicker and thicker, leading to a vicious cycle. In extreme cases, it can block half of the intake valve, eventually causing the engine to burn oil and requiring major repairs.
After driving for so many years, I think there's no fixed mileage for dry ice decarbonization. It's generally recommended to consider it every 50,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Excessive carbon buildup in the engine can affect fuel consumption and power. In cities with heavy traffic or areas with poor fuel quality, you might need to check as early as 40,000 kilometers. I usually combine it with my maintenance cycle—for example, taking a quick look at carbon buildup when changing the oil. Prevention always saves money and hassle; don't wait until a warning light comes on or a problem arises before rushing to fix it. Regular decarbonization can make the car more fuel-efficient and run smoother, especially for older cars or those frequently driven short distances—early treatment is always better. Remember, driving habits also play a key role: gentle acceleration and fewer sudden brakes can slow down carbon buildup.
From a practical standpoint, dry ice decarbonization should generally be considered around every 60,000 kilometers. Carbon deposits clogging the engine can cause unstable idling, sluggish acceleration, and may even damage critical components. The cost isn't high, but the benefits are significant: it can improve performance and save some fuel costs. I recommend deciding based on actual vehicle usage—for cars that frequently travel long distances or mainly operate on highways, it can be postponed to 80,000 kilometers; for those constantly stuck in city traffic or using low-quality fuel, advancing it to 50,000 kilometers is safer. The maintenance manual can serve as a reference, but don't blindly trust it as it may not always be accurate. Also, pay attention to other minor issues, such as sudden increases in fuel consumption or idling vibrations, as these are signals that action is needed.
