How to Clean Carbon Deposits from Your Car by Yourself
3 Answers
The methods to clean carbon deposits from your car by yourself are: 1. Remove the engine cover, take off the throttle body, and clean it with carburetor cleaner, then wipe it dry with a cloth and reinstall it; 2. Open the oil cap, pour in the entire can of cleaner, close the oil cap, start the engine and let it idle for ten minutes before turning it off; 3. Pour the intake system cleaner into the storage tank of a dedicated cleaning device, connect it to the intake system, and start the engine to use vacuum to draw the cleaner into the intake tract for cleaning purposes. Ways to identify carbon deposits in your car are: 1. Check the fuel consumption—if it continues to rise, it indicates carbon deposits have formed on the engine; 2. Based on mileage—the higher the car's mileage, the more carbon deposits accumulate; 3. Switch to higher-grade gasoline—if there is an improvement in power, it means there is significant carbon buildup in the engine.
I often clean carbon deposits myself, finding it simple and cost-effective. Carbon buildup is mainly caused by fuel quality and incomplete combustion from low-speed driving. First, buy a bottle of fuel additive and pour it into the fuel tank, then drive at high speed for about half an hour to let it clean. For a more thorough job, remove the throttle body and spray it with carburetor cleaner, avoiding electronic components. Remember to wear gloves and a mask—safety first. Regularly check the air filter, as carbon deposits can clog it and affect airflow. Prevent buildup by driving at high speeds more often; it reduces fuel consumption and boosts performance. These tips save money on mechanic visits.
As a relatively new driver, I would choose the safest method for cleaning carbon deposits. Carbon buildup can cause engine shaking and slow acceleration. Simply add fuel system cleaner bought from the supermarket to the gas tank - it's effortless, then check the results after highway driving. Don't attempt to disassemble parts for cleaning as it's risky and may damage the car. Most importantly, check your vehicle's manual for recommended additive types. Avoid prolonged idling during normal driving, and regular oil changes also help reduce carbon deposits. Simple maintenance is sufficient; leave complex issues to professional mechanics.
