How Often Should Carbon Deposits in the Engine Be Cleaned?
2 Answers
4S shops usually recommend car owners to perform maintenance every 10,000 kilometers. However, owners can adjust this based on their driving conditions. If the car is frequently driven on highways, the cleaning interval can be extended to 30,000-40,000 kilometers. For other owners, cleaning every 20,000-30,000 kilometers is advisable. Below are the methods for cleaning carbon deposits in the engine: 1. Intravenous drip cleaning. A bottle-shaped tool is hung above the engine, and a cleaning agent is poured into it. The agent is then introduced into the engine through a tube to clean the carbon deposits. If the engine has severe carbon buildup, this method may clog or damage the catalytic converter system. 2. Machine cleaning. The cleaning agent is injected into a machine, which then pressurizes and sprays it into the combustion chamber. The agent reacts with and dissolves the carbon deposits, and the waste liquid is then extracted. This method is effective for severe carbon buildup and does not require disassembling the engine, but it is more expensive, and an oil change is required afterward. 3. Engine disassembly cleaning. This is the most effective method, where the entire engine is disassembled, and cleaning agents or ultrasonic methods are used to completely and thoroughly remove carbon deposits from the components. However, this method requires significant time and effort, making it the most expensive option.
Looking back on my twenty years of driving experience, there's no fixed rule for cleaning carbon deposits from the engine. For cars driven mostly in the city with frequent starts and stops, you might need to pay attention every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. If the car hesitates during startup, shakes violently when accelerating, or suddenly consumes more fuel, it's likely due to carbon buildup. My neighbor delayed cleaning for too long and ended up spending tens of thousands on engine repairs. I recommend getting a professional inspection every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers for new cars. Using high-quality fuel, adding additives, and occasionally revving the engine hard on the highway can help prevent buildup. Don't wait for small issues to become big problems—it'll hurt both your car and your wallet.
