Is Fuel Additive Effective for Carbon Deposit Removal?
2 Answers
Fuel additives are effective for removing carbon deposits. The primary function of fuel additives is to clean carbon deposits and sludge. Their main components are detergents and dispersants—one helps peel off carbon deposits, while the other breaks them down into fine particles that are expelled from the engine through combustion. Below are other benefits of fuel additives: Purifying Gum Deposits in Fuel: They remove harmful substances like gum deposits and engine carbon buildup. Continuous use can clear carbon deposits from fuel injectors, intake valves, and intake manifolds, restoring the vehicle's original performance. Improving Thermal Efficiency: They directly target long-chain carbon bonds in fuel molecules, creating micro-explosions in the combustion chamber that result in secondary atomization of gasoline, promoting complete combustion, enhancing thermal efficiency, and reducing fuel consumption. Protecting the Engine: They extend the engine's lifespan and help prevent mechanical failures. Reducing Emissions: They lower the activation energy required for combustion, improve atomization efficiency, and ensure even non-combustible gum deposits burn completely, thereby eliminating black smoke and reducing emissions.
As a seasoned driver with 15 years of experience, I genuinely believe that fuel additives are effective for mild carbon deposits. Last month, my car experienced sluggish acceleration and slight idle vibration, but after adding fuel additive twice, the symptoms noticeably improved. The principle is that it cleans the fuel injectors to dissolve carbon deposits, working better on newly formed ones. However, it's important to note that if the carbon buildup is severe enough to cause cylinder scoring, fuel additives are basically useless, and the engine needs to be disassembled for proper treatment. I recommend using a fuel additive for maintenance every 5,000 kilometers, choosing imported brands containing polyetheramine, and avoiding cheap products from roadside shops. Remember, it takes three consecutive tanks of fuel with the additive to see results—single use won’t work.
