Is Engine Cleaner Necessary to Use?
3 Answers
Whether it is necessary to use engine cleaner depends on the specific situation. Here are detailed explanations regarding the use of engine cleaners: 1. Heavy carbon deposits or sludge: Engines operating under high temperatures for extended periods may accumulate carbon deposits and impurities due to fuel-related issues. While engine oil has some cleaning properties, its effectiveness is limited and cannot remove carbon deposits. Over time, engine oil can also produce sludge, which is difficult to clean. If there are heavy carbon deposits or many impurities inside the engine, it can affect the oil's flow and accelerate engine wear. Engine cleaners can help remove carbon deposits to some extent. 2. Vehicles that have never used cleaners or older vehicles: For cars that have never used engine cleaners and have high mileage or are older, it is not recommended to use them. If there is a significant amount of sludge inside the engine, using a cleaner might lead to oil passage blockages. Regular vehicle maintenance and periodic oil checks are more practical approaches.
Regarding whether engine cleaners are necessary, I'd like to share my personal experience. As a car owner, my old vehicle suffered from severe carbon buildup due to frequent short-distance driving. After using a cleaner, I noticed significant improvements in idle stability and fuel consumption. These cleaners primarily remove sludge and carbon deposits, which when accumulated over time can lead to reduced engine power and black smoke issues. If your vehicle is used frequently, often driven in congested areas, or is over five years old, regular use of cleaners as preventive maintenance can be quite beneficial. I recommend using a reliable branded product every 20,000 kilometers before an oil change to extend engine lifespan. However, don't over-rely on them - combining this with regular maintenance and occasional highway driving to naturally purge carbon deposits provides more comprehensive care. After all, a well-maintained car means safer and more worry-free driving. Always choose environmentally certified products to avoid component corrosion.
I don't think engine cleaners are absolutely necessary. In my daily driving, I've used cleaners a few times but the effect wasn't noticeable - they seem more like supplementary maintenance products. Modern car engines have advanced technology, and carbon buildup is much less of an issue than before, unless your car frequently idles, makes short trips, or uses low-quality gasoline. Don't blindly purchase them just because of sales pitches - it might be a waste of money; poor-quality cleaners could even pose risks like clogging fuel injectors or contaminating engine oil. Saving this money for regular oil filter changes and high-speed driving to clean the engine would be more effective. Simple methods like occasional long-distance highway driving can naturally remove some carbon deposits. Developing good driving habits and maintaining good engine performance are most crucial. Cleaners can be optional supplements, but they're not essential.
