How Often Should Carbon Deposits in Cars Be Cleaned?
3 Answers
Car carbon deposit cleaning intervals vary depending on different situations: 1. For cars driven in urban areas, clean every 20,000 kilometers; 2. For cars frequently driven on highways, cleaning every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers is sufficient. The methods for cleaning carbon deposits in cars are: 1. Remove the intake pipe to expose the throttle body; 2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery and turn off the ignition switch; 3. Straighten the throttle plate and spray a small amount of carburetor cleaner into the throttle body; 4. Wipe clean with a polyester cloth or high-quality non-woven fabric. The effects of carbon deposits on cars: They can cause poor engine performance, leading to difficulties in starting, unstable idling, poor acceleration, backfiring when accelerating suddenly, excessive exhaust emissions, increased fuel consumption, and other abnormal phenomena.
As a parent who frequently drives to pick up and drop off kids, I believe the frequency of carbon deposit cleaning in cars mainly depends on driving habits. I usually drive in the suburbs with less traffic congestion, so carbon buildup isn't a big issue. Generally, it's sufficient to check every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers or every two to three years. If you notice the car shaking at idle, slow starts, or a sudden increase in fuel consumption, it's time for cleaning. Avoid prolonged low-speed driving or idling at traffic lights, as these can easily lead to carbon deposits. Occasionally driving on the highway to let the engine run at high speeds can help flush out carbon deposits. Using high-quality fuel additives can also mitigate the problem, but don't rely on them too heavily. Overall, mention it during regular maintenance, and the mechanic will advise based on the situation. Cleaning too frequently is just a waste of money.
I drive long distances frequently, covering tens of thousands of kilometers a year, so carbon deposits don't accumulate as quickly because high-speed driving improves the engine's thermal efficiency. Based on experience, the cleaning frequency can generally be checked around every 20,000 kilometers, no need to rush. However, if you often encounter city traffic jams with frequent starts and stops, carbon buildup happens much faster. I recommend paying attention to changes in power while driving, such as sluggish acceleration or a stronger exhaust smell, as these could be signs of carbon deposits. Additionally, using high-quality gasoline can mitigate the problem; avoid cheap fuel with more impurities that accelerate carbon buildup. During daily driving, periodically rev the engine and avoid lingering in low-speed zones too often, as this benefits maintenance. Don't delay cleaning when it's needed, or it could harm the engine's lifespan.
