Is it necessary to add engine oil cleaner?
2 Answers
It can be added and will not harm the engine. Here are the details: 1. Regular replacement: A clogged oil filter can obstruct the flow of lubricating oil, leading to poor engine lubrication, increased wear, and even bearing seizure. It should be cleaned or replaced regularly. Typically, it should be replaced every 8,000 km, or every 5,000 km in dry climates. 2. Car maintenance: During maintenance, the 'three filters' should be replaced—the fuel filter, air filter, oil filter, and the engine oil. Currently, most cars use gasoline as fuel, so the fuel filter is essentially the gasoline filter, often referred to as the 'fuel filter.' The role of the 'fuel filter' is to filter out impurities generated during gasoline combustion. 3. Potential issues: After prolonged driving, the oil filter and fuel filter can accumulate many impurities, causing incomplete fuel combustion, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased fuel consumption. They should be replaced regularly. The air filter can also accumulate dust and bacteria; if not replaced, the air circulating inside the car can affect human health.
I see this topic is quite widely discussed, so I'll share my own driving experience. You don't need to add engine flush every time you change the oil, unless your engine feels abnormal, like poor acceleration or increased noise. Otherwise, it's really unnecessary. My car has been running for almost ten years, mostly in urban areas where carbon buildup is common, so I add a good quality flush every two or three oil change cycles. It helps dissolve sludge and carbon deposits, preventing blockages and extending engine life. But using it too often is a waste of money—each bottle costs dozens of yuan, adding up to over a hundred yuan in extra costs, which isn't worth it. The key is your maintenance habits. If you change the oil on schedule with good-quality oil and maintain normal driving conditions, saving money is usually the better choice. Remember, don't expect it to solve major issues—if your car is relatively new or recently purchased, you can skip it altogether. Regular maintenance is the core principle; otherwise, repair costs will be much higher.
