How Often Should Carbon Deposits Be Cleaned?
2 Answers
Carbon deposits should be cleaned every 20,000 to 40,000 kilometers. Excessive carbon buildup can reduce the engine's lifespan. Methods for handling carbon deposits include: 1. Cleaning the throttle body—remove the engine cover, detach the throttle body, clean it with carburetor cleaner, dry it with a cotton cloth, and reinstall it; 2. Cleaning internal engine carbon deposits—add an engine internal cleaner into the oil filler port, let the engine idle for 10 minutes, then replace the oil and oil filter; 3. Cleaning the fuel system, injectors, combustion chamber, spark plugs, throttle valve, intake tract, and intake manifold. The effects of carbon deposits on a vehicle: reduced engine power, severe cases may cause engine knocking, acceleration noise, damage to pistons and crankshafts, and even cylinder scuffing.
Carbon buildup in cars depends on the specific situation. My 8-year-old car needs attention every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers, especially when the engine idles roughly and lacks power during acceleration—that's when it's time to consider cleaning. I usually use fuel additives; adding a bottle during a highway drive and running continuously for about 100 kilometers can clear a significant amount. For severe cases, you might need to disassemble and clean the throttle body, which tends to clog easily—costing a few hundred yuan per cleaning. Of course, fuel quality matters too; using fuel from reputable gas stations can extend the cleaning interval. Regular maintenance is more important than fixing problems after they occur, as it significantly impacts the car's lifespan.
