Is Intravenous Drip Carbon Cleaning Effective?

[DeBrody]

To some extent, it can remove carbon deposits, but the effect is not particularly significant. Here are some methods for cleaning carbon deposits: Adding fuel additives to the fuel tank: This method is more like maintenance before cleaning. If you use regular fuel additives with cleaning effects over a long period, it can also help to some extent in removing carbon deposits. The price of fuel additives ranges from tens to over a hundred yuan. Machine cleaning: Inject a cleaning agent into a machine, then pressurize it into the combustion chamber to allow the cleaning agent to react with and dissolve the carbon deposits, and finally extract the waste liquid. This method has a relatively good effect on severe carbon deposits, and it doesn't require disassembling the engine. However, the cost is high, and the engine oil needs to be replaced after cleaning.

[MaverickRose]

As for the carbon cleaning via IV drip method, I've tried it a few times myself and found it somewhat effective under specific circumstances, but it's certainly not a universal solution. Simply put, the IV drip method involves injecting cleaning agents through pipes into the engine's combustion chamber to dissolve carbon deposits. If the carbon buildup isn't severe—just some sludge or minor scaling—this method can indeed slightly reduce fuel consumption and improve engine performance. However, if the carbon deposits are as hard as rocks, the IV drip might prove ineffective or even exacerbate the issue by causing blockages in the fuel injectors due to poor flow of the cleaning agent. Cost-wise, it's relatively affordable at 200 to 500 RMB per session, but the results depend on the vehicle's condition. A better approach is to have a technician first inspect the extent of carbon buildup with a borescope before deciding. Regular use of higher-octane fuel or periodic high-speed driving can also help prevent buildup—don't always rely on this one method as a cure-all.

[OAlexandra]

I think the effectiveness of using an IV drip to clean carbon deposits depends on the vehicle's condition, with both benefits and risks. It's affordable and convenient, usually done in half an hour at a general repair shop, and can improve acceleration and fuel efficiency for light to moderate carbon buildup. However, the cleaning agents can sometimes be too harsh—if the engine is old or has many plastic components, it might corrode parts or leak into the oil system, causing issues. Last time during maintenance, the mechanic warned me that many beginners think it’s a quick fix for all problems, only to end up wasting money without results. In comparison, manual disassembly and cleaning are more thorough but time-consuming and costly. I’d suggest doing an IV drip every two to three years, not too frequently. Carbon deposit control really comes down to daily maintenance: avoid adding impure fuel, and occasionally take the car on the highway to burn off carbon buildup. Overall, it’s useful but shouldn’t be relied on as a cure-all.

[StCooper]

I've tried the carbon deposit cleaning via IV drip method, but the effect was just so-so. The operation is relatively simple - just pour in the cleaning solution. It can remove thin carbon deposits and make the engine run smoother. However, for thick carbon buildup, it can't dissolve completely and might even damage the fuel injectors. Based on experience, regular maintenance works better. Stepping on the gas pedal harder during daily driving helps reduce carbon deposits.

[BennettDella]

Fuel injection cleaning for carbon deposits can indeed be somewhat effective, especially for vehicles frequently driven on short city trips, as it can remove some carbon buildup in the fuel system. The benefits include being quick and cost-effective, addressing common issues like idle shaking or high fuel consumption. However, there are limitations: the cleaning agent's effects are not long-lasting, and stubborn carbon deposits in the engine cannot be fully removed. From my experience in auto repair, prevention is key. Using high-quality fuel and regularly driving at highway speeds can help avoid carbon buildup from prolonged low-speed idling. Overdoing fuel injection cleaning can damage engine components like seals, so it's best to limit it to once a year as a supplementary measure. Other methods, such as using fuel additives or professional dismantling cleaning, offer more comprehensive solutions. In short, it helps but has its limits—don't expect it to be a complete fix.