Is it necessary to clean carbon deposits in old cars?
3 Answers
It is necessary to clean carbon deposits in old cars for the following reasons: 1. The best time for carbon deposit cleaning: As long as it is a fuel-powered vehicle, carbon deposits will be generated. There is no strict regulation on the cleaning time for carbon deposits. When the mileage is between 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers, the carbon deposits reach a saturated level, which is the best time for carbon deposit cleaning. 2. The generation of carbon deposits: The generation of carbon deposits is related to the length of the journey. If the journey is too short, the car is always in a cold running-in state, making it difficult to reach the car's normal operating temperature, which will result in more carbon deposits. 3. Personal habits: Frequently refueling at private gas stations where many fuel products are unqualified can also lead to a large amount of carbon deposits.
After driving an old car for so many years, I think cleaning carbon deposits is quite necessary. Carbon deposits mainly consist of accumulated oil stains and dust in the engine, which can cause difficulties in starting the car, weak acceleration, and even increased fuel consumption. My own 15-year-old car used to have noticeably reduced power, but after cleaning, it instantly became much smoother, with faster throttle response and driving like a new car. Old car engine components wear out more, and carbon deposits accumulate faster. It's recommended to check every two to three years, especially if you drive more in the city. Using higher-grade gasoline can help prevent it to some extent, but when carbon deposits build up too much, they must be dealt with, otherwise, it can harm the engine in the long run. Spending a few hundred dollars on cleaning is more cost-effective than major repairs.
From a cost perspective, carbon deposit cleaning is absolutely worth it for older vehicles. The job usually costs a few hundred bucks, but if neglected, carbon buildup can reduce engine efficiency, potentially increasing fuel consumption by over 10%. Over time, the extra fuel costs far exceed the cleaning expense. Especially for older cars with aging engines, carbon accumulates faster and can cause idle shaking or slow starts. I tried it on my own car—fuel consumption returned to normal within a month after cleaning. Not every vehicle needs urgent attention, but if you notice sluggish acceleration or shaking, don’t hesitate—address it promptly to save money and hassle.
