How Many Kilometers Should a New Car Drive Before Carbon Deposit Cleaning?
5 Answers
1. Carbon deposits in cars are generally cleaned every 10,000 kilometers. The following are the impacts of not cleaning the engine for a long time: 1. Increased fuel consumption: A large amount of sludge will adhere to the cylinder wall, directly hindering the smooth movement of the piston. The high temperature in the engine cannot be dissipated through oil circulation, leading to a decrease in engine power and a sharp increase in fuel consumption. 2. Engine damage: Due to the presence of sludge, the lubrication effect is reduced. Sludge is difficult to dilute with oil, and the movement of the cylinder will exacerbate mechanical friction, increasing the load on the crankshaft and causing serious damage to the engine. 3. Oil deterioration: If sludge is not cleaned for a long time, it will accumulate more and more. After noticing a decrease in engine power, even replacing the oil will not solve the problem of space compression, and it will cause the new oil to deteriorate.
Having driven for over a decade, I believe new cars shouldn’t rush into carbon deposit cleaning. In the first 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers, it’s practically the 'honeymoon phase'—the engine runs incredibly smooth, with minimal carbon buildup. The real time to consider cleaning is around 50,000 kilometers, especially if driven frequently or often stuck in traffic. For new cars, regular oil changes and air filter replacements are far more crucial; these prevent carbon buildup. Occasionally revving the engine on highways can also burn off early-stage deposits. Cleaning too soon is not just a waste of money but may even harm the engine—always check a reliable repair shop’s diagnostic report before acting. Driving habits matter too; avoid crawling at low speeds constantly. The maintenance manual provides clear recommendations—just follow them.
My opinion on cleaning carbon deposits in new cars is: don't do it too early! For new cars with less than 30,000-40,000 kilometers, the amount of carbon buildup in the engine is negligible, and it's completely unnecessary to spend money on it. Under normal driving conditions, 50,000 kilometers is the turning point when carbon deposits start to accumulate. The key is to pay attention to driving habits—drive more on highways, avoid prolonged idling, and choose high-quality gasoline. During maintenance, checking the condition of the spark plugs can reveal early signs of carbon buildup. If you do a lot of city commuting, it might be good to check around 40,000 kilometers, but don't panic. A car is a tool, and maintaining it cost-effectively and hassle-free is the right approach.
I was also curious about this when I first bought my new car. Later, the mechanic told me that there's absolutely no need to clean carbon deposits for the first 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers. The engine of a new car is exquisitely designed, and those little carbon deposits pose no threat. It's recommended to wait until after 50,000 kilometers before checking. As you drive longer, pay attention to oil quality and driving conditions—high-speed driving can help a bit. Don't mess around unnecessarily; it's not worth wasting money on a new car. The manual has guidance, just flip through it.
I have a new car at home, and I don't think it's necessary to clean the carbon deposits too frequently. With low mileage on a new car, there's very little carbon buildup, so it's fine to consider it only after three or four years or when reaching 50,000 kilometers. The car runs perfectly fine as it is, and forcing a cleanup seems unnecessary; it's more cost-effective to save that money for maintaining other components. Driving habits are quite crucial—avoid prolonged low-speed driving or traffic congestion to help reduce carbon deposit formation. Refer to the manual for maintenance intervals, and don't be fooled by the repair shops; a single cleaning session can be quite costly.
