How Often Should Engine Carbon Deposits Be Cleaned?
3 Answers
It is recommended to clean the fuel injectors and intake passages every 20,000 kilometers, and the engine carbon deposits should be cleaned every 2 years or 40,000 kilometers. Failure to address carbon deposits promptly can lead to: clogging inside the engine, reduced power output, and increased fuel consumption due to decreased efficiency. Additional information: 1. Carbon deposits are typically formed by factors such as sudden braking during driving or the quality of gasoline used. 2. To minimize carbon buildup, it is advisable to use higher-quality gasoline with better cleaning properties, as lower-quality gasoline tends to accelerate carbon deposit formation.
As a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, I typically perform carbon deposit cleaning every 40,000 kilometers. When the car frequently operates in congested urban areas with prolonged low-speed engine running, carbon buildup forms faster, leading to sluggish acceleration and increased fuel consumption. I regularly check the vehicle's vibration at idle; if abnormal shaking or signs of black smoke are detected, I proactively visit a professional repair shop for cleaning. Common cleaning methods include fuel additives or specialized equipment, costing around a few hundred yuan, but this saves significantly on future repair costs. During routine maintenance, I also recommend driving at high speeds periodically to flush out some carbon deposits, which can extend the cleaning intervals. The key is to adjust based on driving habits—those who frequently drive on highways can delay the cleaning slightly.
I schedule an engine carbon deposit cleaning every 30,000 kilometers due to my aggressive driving style. Carbon buildup can slow down engine response, cause noticeable acceleration hesitation, and affect overall performance. I've tried using high-quality fuel additives, adding one bottle per month for prevention, but sometimes the effects are limited. If driving conditions are poor, such as frequently traveling on dusty rural roads, the cleaning frequency may need to be higher. Occasionally, I also do DIY checks using diagnostic tools to read fault codes and determine if cleaning is necessary, avoiding over-maintenance. After cleaning, the car can recover to about 80% of its original condition, with a noticeable power boost and some fuel consumption reduction.
