Is Engine Cleaner Useful?
2 Answers
Engine cleaner is useful, but its effectiveness is relatively limited. Here is some information about engine cleaning oil: 1. It can remove harmful substances such as sludge, carbon deposits, and gum inside the engine, keeping the engine interior clean, thereby enhancing oil fluidity, reducing component wear, and extending the engine's lifespan. However, some argue that engine oil itself has a certain cleaning effect, making additional cleaner unnecessary. 2. Engines operating for long periods in high-temperature environments may accumulate carbon deposits and impurities due to fuel issues. While engine oil has some cleaning properties, its effectiveness is not very strong and cannot remove carbon deposits. 3. For vehicles that have never used engine cleaner and have high mileage or are older, it is not recommended to use it. If there is a significant amount of sludge inside the engine, using a cleaner may cause oil passage blockages, and the cleaning effect may not be very good.
As a long-time driving enthusiast, I find engine cleaners quite useful, especially for older vehicles with over 100,000 kilometers. They help remove carbon deposits and sludge inside the engine, like giving the heart a bath, resulting in more efficient combustion. After using it on my old Jetta, the idle became much smoother, vibrations reduced, and fuel consumption even dropped slightly. The principle is to dissolve dirt by adding it to engine oil or fuel, cleaning components like piston rings and fuel injectors. However, if your car shows no issues, don't waste money—a good bottle costs several dozen yuan, and it might have no effect on new or well-maintained engines. Choose reputable brands like Shell or Castrol, and avoid low-quality products to prevent component corrosion. In daily driving, avoid prolonged idling or low-speed operation to prevent carbon buildup, which is more cost-effective than cleaning afterward. Remember, it's not a cure-all; combining it with regular oil changes is the reliable approach.
