How to Clean Carbon Deposits from Car Spark Plugs?

[TuckerLee]

Car spark plug carbon deposit cleaning method: Place the removed spark plug in a plastic or paper cup, directly spray spark plug carbon deposit cleaner into the cup and soak for 5 to 8 minutes. This safely removes carbon deposits from the spark plug without damaging the metal parts of the spark plug, is safe and non-corrosive, improves engine ignition performance, and ensures normal engine operation. The reasons for carbon deposits on car spark plugs are: 1. The air-fuel mixture is too rich or contains excessive lubricating oil; 2. Frequent engine starts or prolonged starting periods; 3. Excessive lubricating oil in the crankcase; 4. Excessive wear of piston rings; 5. Delayed ignition timing.

[ReeseMarie]

Last time I tried cleaning the carbon deposits from my car's spark plugs myself, and it was quite interesting. First, let the engine cool down to avoid burning your hands, then carefully unscrew the spark plugs with a spark plug wrench—make sure not to drop them into the holes. Use a small brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub off the black carbon layer on the surface. For stubborn deposits, soak them in gasoline or a specialized cleaning solution for about ten minutes before brushing. After cleaning, ensure they are completely dry before reinstalling, and tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque—too loose or too tight can affect ignition. After cleaning, the ignition became noticeably more stable, and fuel consumption dropped a bit. Regularly using high-quality fuel and occasionally adding cleaning additives can prevent carbon buildup. Check the spark plugs every 20,000 kilometers and clean them promptly to avoid major issues later. Before starting, watch tutorial videos—safety first, don’t force it.

[KhloeMarie]

As a cautious car owner, I recommend taking spark plug carbon deposit issues to a professional repair shop for more reliable handling. Excessive carbon buildup can lead to poor ignition, causing engine shaking or sluggish acceleration. Attempting DIY cleaning might risk breaking the spark plug's ceramic insulator and damaging the engine if excessive force is applied. Authorized service centers have professional equipment like ultrasonic cleaners or sandblasting devices that can thoroughly remove carbon deposits without damaging components. They can also simultaneously inspect the ignition coils and fuel injectors to prevent related issues. Spending around a hundred bucks brings peace of mind and immediate performance improvement after cleaning. For prevention, avoid prolonged idling, regularly replace air filters to maintain clean air intake, and use full synthetic oil to reduce carbon buildup. Safety always comes first - don't tinker with things you don't understand.

[LaylaLynn]

For spark plug carbon deposit cleaning, I often use fuel additives, which is simple, quick, and effortless. Just pour a bottle of specialized cleaner into the fuel tank and take a long drive to let it burn with the fuel and remove the carbon deposits. It works well for minor carbon layers. If you really need to remove them for cleaning, spray some chemical cleaning spray, wait a few minutes, and then gently brush off the carbon with a soft brush. Choose products that are mild and avoid using highly corrosive liquids to prevent damaging the spark plug electrodes. After cleaning and reinstalling, the car will respond more sensitively. Remember to check every 20,000 kilometers. Use additives to prevent carbon buildup when it’s minor to avoid worsening the problem and affecting engine lifespan. It’s time-saving, effortless, and effective.