How Often Should the Automotive Fuel System Be Cleaned?

[LePaisley]

Fuel systems typically require cleaning every 20,000 kilometers. Gasoline inevitably contains certain impurities that can form carbon deposits in the combustion chamber during the burning process. Excessive carbon buildup can negatively impact combustion efficiency. Below are the maintenance and cleaning procedures for fuel systems: 1. Regularly add fuel system cleaner, opting for high-quality products. Generally, cleaning should be performed every 10,000-20,000 kilometers. The cleaner effectively removes carbon deposits, sediments, and gum from the combustion chamber, intake valves, fuel injectors, and fuel lines while driving. Maintaining a clean fuel system helps break down moisture in the fuel and reduces harmful emissions. 2. Use specialized equipment for cleaning, such as the no-disassembly method that involves adding cleaning fluid through a supply device, commonly referred to as an "IV drip." This method offers the advantage of performing cleaning while the engine is running, providing protection and effectively avoiding potential damage caused by disassembly. Most 4S dealerships adopt this approach.

[DiDawson]

I drive quite frequently, so I usually clean the fuel system every 20,000 kilometers or so. Actually, it mainly depends on how you use the car. If you often drive in the city with frequent stops and starts, carbon deposits can easily build up in the fuel system, so cleaning it more often is better. During my last maintenance, the mechanic said the fuel system is like the blood vessels of a car—too much carbon buildup affects the atomization effect of the fuel injectors, and you'll noticeably feel the car struggling to accelerate. Besides mileage, I also pay attention to changes in fuel consumption. If the car suddenly burns an extra liter of fuel per 100 kilometers, it's likely time to clean the fuel system. I recommend using genuine cleaning agents; those cheap products from roadside shops can damage the engine.

[McCassidy]

Cleaning the fuel system is something you really can't take lightly. From my experience, for the first three years of a new car, you can clean it every 30,000 kilometers, but after that, it should be done every 20,000 kilometers. Focus on three key areas: the fuel injectors, fuel rail, and valve chamber. Once, my car was hesitating during acceleration, and after inspection, I found that the fuel injector was half clogged with carbon deposits. After cleaning, the engine noise was significantly reduced, and the power came on with just a light press of the accelerator. I recommend using a borescope during maintenance to check the extent of carbon buildup—don't just guess. Nowadays, fuel additives sold at gas stations can help delay carbon buildup, but they can't replace a thorough cleaning.

[LaStephen]

The manual recommends cleaning at 40,000 km, but my practice is to inspect annually. The key factor is driving conditions: vehicles frequently used for short trips are more prone to fuel system deposits, especially in cold climates where poor fuel atomization can lead to clogged injectors within 3,000-5,000 km. Last time I opened the engine cover, the intake valve carbon buildup was as thick as rice crust. After cleaning, the most noticeable improvements were quicker cold starts and reduced exhaust odor. Always insist on shops using ultrasonic cleaning equipment—it delivers longer-lasting results than chemical flushes.