How Often Should a Car Engine Be Cleaned?

[LandonMarie]

Car engines should be cleaned every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, and do not require too frequent cleaning. This is because most of the lubricants used in modern passenger cars come with self-cleaning functions, which can ensure that the engine does not produce sludge or only a minimal amount within a certain mileage. Generally, engine carbon cleaning is only necessary when the engine exhibits adverse reactions caused by carbon buildup, such as idle shaking. An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, applicable both as a power-generating device and as the entire machine including the power unit. Types of engines include internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, electric motors, etc.

[LaJosephine]

I've been driving for ten years, and engine cleaning shouldn't just be based on time. If you mostly drive in the city, cleaning the intake system every 30,000 kilometers is quite appropriate. A while ago, my car suddenly had increased fuel consumption and idled roughly—the technician said carbon buildup was clogging the fuel injectors. After cleaning, the throttle response immediately improved. Friends who frequently drive on highways can extend the interval to 50,000 kilometers, but if you often take short trips and notice a gasoline smell in the exhaust, it's best to get it checked early. Cleaning the engine requires removing the throttle body, so it's best to go to a shop with an endoscope to clearly see the carbon buildup. It's also important to have the technician check the fuel system during every maintenance service.

[IslaRose]

When I first bought my car, I was also confused about the cleaning frequency. Now I understand that it depends on driving habits. Friends who often drive on construction sites need to clean every 20,000 kilometers, as dusty areas can easily clog the air filter. My neighbor's turbocharged car lost acceleration power due to carbon buildup, costing nearly 5,000 yuan in repairs. I recommend aligning it with your oil change cycle—cars using full synthetic oil can clean every 40,000 kilometers. You can regularly add quality fuel additives like Chevron TCP. Avoid using high-pressure water jets on the engine bay, as precision components can get damaged. After cleaning, a highway run helps improve effectiveness.

[Noelle]

Engine cleaning is divided into internal and external. For external cleaning, you can do it when you see oil sludge. It's simple to buy engine bay cleaner, spray it, and wipe it off. Internal cleaning involves carbon deposits in the fuel system, and the key is to observe combustion efficiency. Direct injection engines may have severe carbon deposits at 20,000 kilometers, while port fuel injection engines can last up to 40,000 kilometers. The most obvious symptoms are difficulty in cold starts and sluggish acceleration. Last time I went for maintenance, the spark plugs were all black when removed. After cleaning, fuel consumption dropped by 0.8 liters. Nowadays, many shops offer hydrogen-oxygen carbon removal, which is more convenient as it doesn't require disassembling parts. Remember to change the engine oil after cleaning.