How to Determine Carbon Buildup?

[SanDonovan]

Methods to determine carbon buildup: 1. Difficulty starting the engine multiple times when cold, but normal when warm; 2. Unstable engine idle, with fluctuating RPMs; 3. Feeling of sluggishness and lack of power while driving, especially noticeable during overtaking, with slow acceleration response, significantly different from when the car was new; 4. Pungent exhaust fumes, exceeding emission standards; 5. Noticeable increase in fuel consumption compared to before. Carbon buildup refers to the incomplete combustion of fuel in the engine, which forms hydrochloric acid and resin-like gums under high temperature and oxygen catalysis, adhering to the surfaces of components. These are further concentrated into complex mixtures like asphaltenes and coke under high temperatures. Carbon buildup is highly harmful to the engine, so timely prevention and removal are necessary.