Is Engine Cleaner Necessary?
2 Answers
Engine cleaner is very necessary. Engine cleaner, also known as engine cleaning oil, is used to clean the engine, as the name suggests. It can remove harmful substances such as sludge, carbon deposits, and gum inside the engine, keeping the engine interior clean. This enhances oil fluidity, reduces component wear, and extends the engine's service life. More details are as follows: 1. The engine operates in a high-temperature environment for a long time, and due to issues like fuel quality, it may produce some carbon deposits and impurities. Although engine oil has a certain cleaning effect, it is not very effective and cannot remove carbon deposits. 2. Additionally, over time, engine oil will inevitably produce some sludge, which is difficult to clean. If there is a large amount of carbon deposits or many impurities inside the engine, it will affect the fluidity of the oil and accelerate engine wear. Engine cleaner can, to some extent, remove carbon deposits, making it quite necessary.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I always pay attention to engine maintenance. Engine cleaners aren't absolutely necessary, but in my experience, they can be a big help. For example, my old car with over a hundred thousand kilometers on it tended to accumulate carbon deposits and sludge in the engine, causing shaky starts and higher fuel consumption. After using a cleaner, acceleration became smoother, and the power boost was noticeable. However, it depends on driving habits: if you often drive short distances or in heavy traffic, carbon builds up faster, so regular cleaning is beneficial. But if it's a new car or you don't drive much, don't overdo it. Remember to choose the right brand and follow the instructions—don't cheap out on no-name products, as they might clog the fuel injectors. Nowadays, a cleaning costs just around a hundred bucks, which is much cheaper than a major engine overhaul—it's a worthwhile investment. The best practice is to add a cleaner during oil changes as a preventive measure, rather than waiting until problems get serious.