How often should carbon deposits be cleaned in a car?
2 Answers
Generally, carbon deposits in a car should be cleaned every 10,000 kilometers. Below are the effects of not cleaning the engine for a long time: 1. Increased fuel consumption: A large amount of sludge will adhere to the cylinder walls, directly hindering the smooth movement of the pistons. 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, and the sludge is difficult to dilute with oil. The mechanical friction intensifies during cylinder movement, increasing the load on the crankshaft rotation and causing severe damage to the engine. 3. Oil degradation: If sludge is not cleaned for a long time, it will accumulate more and more. Even after replacing the oil when perceiving a decrease in engine power, the issue of space compression cannot be resolved, and the new oil will also degrade.
Cleaning carbon deposits really depends on how the car is used. I come across many cars in my daily work and have noticed that those frequently stuck in city traffic need more frequent cleaning, around every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. Short-distance driving is particularly prone to causing carbon buildup, especially during cold winter starts when the engine shuts off immediately and gasoline doesn't burn completely. Once, I encountered a car with only 20,000 kilometers on it, but the throttle valve was so clogged with carbon deposits it looked like cotton, and the idle was as shaky as sitting on a massage chair. I recommend regular inspections—don't just rely on mileage. If you notice a sudden increase in fuel consumption or a lack of power during acceleration, address it promptly. There are several cleaning methods; the most common is using an IV drip cleaning system. For severe cases, disassembly and manual cleaning may be necessary. Using fuel additives can only delay the issue but won't completely solve it.
