Is Engine Cleaning Necessary?
4 Answers
Engine cleaning is necessary. A comprehensive cleaning of the engine compartment allows for a better understanding of the car's engine bay, especially after cleaning the engine surface, wiring surfaces, and plastic/rubber components, which helps the engine dissipate heat more efficiently and protects the wiring in the engine compartment. Benefits of cleaning the engine compartment: 1. Improved driving mood: A clean engine compartment looks tidy and can provide the driver with a more pleasant driving experience. 2. Prevents component damage: The engine compartment is not completely sealed, and dust and air can enter during operation. Over time, dust hardens into a crust on parts, wires, and oil lines, along with other impurities, which can reduce the lifespan of other components in the engine compartment and increase maintenance costs for the owner. 3. Detects fluid leaks: Cleaning the engine compartment allows for timely inspection of potential issues. If there are oil or fluid leaks, they can be detected early through cleaning, which is crucial for maintaining the vehicle's proper operation. Any detected leaks should be addressed promptly to prevent corrosion of wires and pipelines.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I believe engine cleaning is essential. My old car has run 150,000 kilometers, and I didn't pay much attention to cleaning it before. After carbon deposits built up, fuel consumption soared, and the engine had trouble starting smoothly. After cleaning, it immediately regained vitality, and acceleration became much smoother. Carbon deposits mainly come from incomplete fuel combustion, adhering to valves and fuel injectors under high temperatures. Over time, they clog passages, affecting air and fuel mixture. If left uncleaned for a long time, the problem may worsen, leading to costly repairs of several thousand dollars. I recommend cleaning every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. Chemical flushing is simple and convenient, or you can buy cleaning agents yourself, but follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging sensors. Don't forget, regular maintenance can extend engine life, making driving more fuel-efficient and worry-free.
From a cost-saving perspective, I initially doubted the necessity of cleaning, but trying it once proved worthwhile. Engine carbon buildup can increase fuel consumption by 5% to 10%, and the savings on gas alone can cover the cleaning cost within a month of driving afterward. A professional shop charges around 300-400 yuan for a cleaning, while DIY cleaning agents are even more affordable. Delaying until severe carbon buildup occurs may require costly part replacements. The key is adjusting the frequency based on driving habits: annually for frequent city traffic congestion, or every two years for mostly highway driving. It's also an opportunity to check items like the cabin air filter, making comprehensive maintenance more economical.
As a frequent visitor to repair shops, I've seen the significant harm caused by engine carbon buildup. Cleaning is essential, especially for older car engines that are prone to carbon deposits affecting power and emissions. There are various cleaning techniques: injecting cleaner into the intake tract or directly disassembling for manual cleaning are both effective. However, the operation must be professional, otherwise residual chemicals can damage the oxygen sensor, making things worse. It's recommended to clean every 50,000 kilometers to prevent issues.
