Is It Necessary to Remove Carbon Deposits?
4 Answers
Of course it is necessary. In fact, carbon deposits in cars have always been a headache for car owners during vehicle maintenance. Carbon deposits not only increase fuel consumption but also wear out vehicle components, affecting driving performance. Moreover, cleaning them is a very troublesome task. However, some cars that frequently drive on highways may not need cleaning at all. Therefore, when to clean carbon deposits should be determined based on the actual condition of the vehicle rather than mileage or time. Saving fuel without considering the vehicle's condition can lead to the biggest problem: carbon deposits. Under high-gear and low-speed conditions, the engine is not only prone to knocking but also has a slower intake speed, which can cause fuel evaporation and lead to carbon deposits in areas such as the intake manifold.
I've been driving for twenty years, and dealing with carbon buildup is truly necessary. Carbon deposits are the soot left behind from incomplete combustion of gasoline, clogging up places like the fuel injectors and intake valves of the engine, gradually accumulating over time. At first, you might not notice anything, but over time, the car starts running less smoothly: sluggish acceleration from a standstill, slow response when you step on the gas pedal, and fuel consumption keeps creeping up. Last year, my old Toyota had such severe carbon buildup that the engine shook violently, almost like it was falling apart. After a trip to the repair shop for a carbon cleaning, the power came back immediately, and I even saved on fuel costs. For cars that frequently drive short distances or navigate stop-and-go city traffic, this issue is more likely to arise. I recommend checking every 20,000 kilometers. If you're too lazy to deal with it, severe carbon buildup might eventually require an engine overhaul, costing several thousand dollars. So, I think it's not worth saving a few hundred bucks on cleaning fees—regular cleaning can keep your car running for several more years.
As an enthusiast who frequently tinkers with cars, I believe the necessity of carbon deposit removal depends on the situation. For new cars that frequently run on highways and use high-quality gasoline, carbon deposits are minimal and hardly have any impact, so there's no need to rush into cleaning. However, if your car exhibits unstable idling, black smoke from the exhaust pipe, or insufficient power when climbing hills, it's most likely due to carbon buildup—resulting in low combustion efficiency and accelerated component wear. A simple test is to check the spark plugs for any black residue. Cleaning carbon deposits can indeed improve performance and extend engine life, but cost is also a factor: professional cleaning may cost a few hundred yuan and is more effective; cheaper additives may not be reliable and could even harm the engine. For prevention, I usually add a bit of cleaning additive with each fuel fill-up and avoid short trips right after a cold start. In short, clean if there are symptoms, but don’t waste money on unnecessary procedures if there aren’t any.
I bought a used Golf shortly after starting my job. After driving it for a while, I noticed slow starts and some engine noise. The mechanic diagnosed it as carbon buildup and cleaned it for 300 yuan. The next day, it ran as smoothly as a new car. From personal experience, carbon cleaning is indeed necessary, especially for older or used cars. If not addressed promptly, minor issues can escalate into major problems with higher repair costs. Don't wait until the engine warning light comes on to take action.
