Is Cylinder Carbon Cleaning Necessary When Replacing Spark Plugs?
2 Answers
Replacing spark plugs requires cleaning the carbon deposits inside the cylinders. Spark plugs are critical components of a gasoline engine's ignition system, as they introduce high-voltage electricity into the combustion chamber, creating a spark across the electrode gap to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder. Steps for replacing spark plugs: Open the engine hood and remove the plastic cover of the engine. Detach the high-voltage distributor wires, marking each wire according to its corresponding cylinder position to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. During removal, check for external debris such as leaves or dust and ensure thorough cleaning. Place the new spark plug into the spark plug hole, hand-tighten it a few turns, and then use the socket to fully tighten it. Reinstall the high-voltage distributor wires in the correct firing order and secure the cover. Spark plug replacement intervals: Under normal maintenance conditions, spark plugs should be replaced every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. However, this may vary depending on the brand and engine type, so it's advisable to follow the manufacturer's manual. As a general guideline: platinum spark plugs should be replaced at 40,000 km, standard nickel alloy spark plugs at 20,000 km, and iridium spark plugs between 60,000 to 80,000 km.
When I consider replacing spark plugs, whether I need to clean carbon deposits in the cylinders is a question I often think about. Replacing spark plugs is a routine maintenance task, primarily targeting the ignition system; carbon deposits in the cylinders are combustion residues in the engine and are not directly related to spark plug replacement. Unless the car shows signs of carbon buildup, such as engine shaking, increased fuel consumption, or unstable idling, there's no need to clean it every time. I've been driving for decades and only address carbon deposits when symptoms are obvious, such as using fuel additives or professional cleaning services. Cleaning carbon deposits involves additional costs and time—good additives might cost a few hundred yuan, while physical cleaning is even more expensive. Regular checks for carbon deposits are better; have a mechanic inspect the cylinder condition every few tens of thousands of kilometers to prevent future issues. This way, you can protect the engine without wasting money.
