How to Deal with Carbon Deposits in a Car?
3 Answers
Here are the methods to handle carbon deposits in a car: 1. Engine disassembly and cleaning is the most effective way to remove carbon deposits, but the entire process requires a significant amount of time and effort. The engine needs to be disassembled, and cleaning agents, ultrasonic methods, etc., are used to completely and thoroughly remove carbon deposits from the components. 2. Using a drip cleaning method, where a bottle-shaped tool is hung above the engine. The cleaning agent is poured into the bottle-shaped tool and then introduced into the engine through a conduit to achieve the purpose of cleaning carbon deposits. 3. Machine cleaning, where the cleaning agent is injected into a machine, pressurized, and introduced into the combustion chamber, allowing the cleaning agent to react with and dissolve the carbon deposits. The waste liquid is then extracted. This method has relatively good effects for some severe carbon deposits and does not require engine disassembly. However, the engine oil needs to be replaced after cleaning.
I've experienced carbon buildup issues several times, mainly due to incomplete fuel combustion leaving residue in the engine. The most common symptoms are difficulty starting, weak acceleration, and increased fuel consumption. There are several ways to deal with it: First, add fuel system cleaner - it's inexpensive and can remove mild carbon deposits when added to the fuel tank before highway driving. Second, maintain high RPMs during regular long-distance drives, such as driving at 120 km/h continuously for half an hour on the highway, using the engine's high temperature to flush out deposits. Third, for severe cases, visit a professional repair shop for an intravenous cleaning or throttle body disassembly cleaning, which costs a few hundred yuan but provides the most thorough solution. For prevention, avoid cheap, low-quality gasoline and use premium 95 octane or higher fuel. Don't delay air filter replacement beyond 10,000 km. Developing these habits can basically prevent major issues. The key to saving money and hassle lies in regular maintenance - don't wait until problems arise to take action.
Last time my old car had severe carbon buildup, idling was so rough it almost stalled. For a quick fix, you can use fuel additives, like those big brands available online—just add them to the fuel tank and drive about 100 kilometers to see results. Another old-school trick is to keep the engine under high load, like driving in a low gear at high RPM for about ten minutes. For a permanent solution, it’s best to go to a professional shop for disassembly and cleaning—don’t mess with it yourself to avoid damaging the engine. For prevention, here’s what I’ve learned: use high-grade fuel from reputable gas stations, avoid frequent short trips (which can cause cold-engine carbon buildup), and check the air filter every 5,000 kilometers. Ignoring carbon buildup leads to higher fuel consumption and potential cylinder damage—address it early for peace of mind. Safety first!