Is It Necessary to Clean the Intake System?
4 Answers
It is necessary to clean the intake system. Since there is currently no complete method to prevent carbon deposits, if not cleaned regularly, carbon deposits will accumulate endlessly. Once carbon deposits build up in the intake system, it can cause issues such as engine shaking and reduced power in mild cases, and in severe cases, it may even lead to engine cylinder scoring or seizure. There are generally two cleaning methods for the intake tract: drip cleaning and disassembly cleaning. The intake system consists of components such as the air filter, air flow meter, intake pressure sensor, throttle body, auxiliary air valve, idle control valve, resonance chamber, power chamber, and intake manifold.
I've always believed that intake system cleaning is quite necessary, especially for people like me who often drive in the city. After prolonged driving, dust particles from the air accumulate in the throttle body and intake pipes, forming a thick layer of carbon deposits. When this buildup becomes excessive, the engine tends to shake at idle, the throttle response becomes sluggish, and fuel consumption increases. I have an eight-year-old car that wasn't cleaned in time, and it ended up lacking power on the highway. The diagnosis revealed excessive carbon buildup. After cleaning, the idle became much smoother, acceleration improved, and fuel consumption decreased by about 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers. I recommend doing it regularly, such as getting a professional cleaning at a repair shop every 20,000 kilometers, rather than waiting for major issues to arise. When cleaning, be sure to use appropriate cleaning agents to avoid damaging sensors. Overall, spending a little on maintenance can help your car run longer and more reliably.
Cleaning the intake system is definitely worth doing. From my perspective, it benefits both fuel efficiency and environmental protection. Carbon deposits in the engine obstruct airflow, leading to incomplete combustion, which not only increases fuel consumption but also emits more exhaust. I drive a hybrid car, and after regular intake system cleaning, I noticed a significant improvement in power, with fuel consumption per 100 kilometers reduced by about five percent, saving a considerable amount on fuel costs. At the same time, the exhaust emissions are much cleaner, making it more environmentally friendly. The cleaning method is simple and can be done together with air filter replacement to improve overall efficiency. I've used spray DIY methods, but I recommend choosing genuine products to avoid corroding parts. As for frequency, once a year or adjusted according to driving habits is sufficient. Don't underestimate this minor maintenance—over time, it saves money and reduces pollution, killing two birds with one stone.
I often clean the intake system myself—it's simple and cost-effective. Just grab a can of throttle body cleaner, start the engine, and spray a few bursts into the intake pipe. Let it sit for a few minutes to burn off the grime. Be careful not to over-spray to avoid affecting the air mass sensor. Afterward, restart the engine, and the idle will smooth out immediately. For example, my car used to have sluggish acceleration, but after cleaning, it regained its responsiveness. The whole process takes less than half an hour and costs just a few dozen yuan. I recommend checking the air filter at the same time—replace it if dirty to enhance the overall effect. For complex systems or older cars with sensitive sensors, it’s safer to leave it to professionals. Regular cleaning keeps your car running more reliably.
