Is Visual Cleaning Inside the Engine Cylinder Necessary?

[McRose]

Visual cleaning inside the engine cylinder is necessary. It refers to the removal of carbon deposits and sludge from the combustion chamber and the top of the piston. Carbon deposits occur in every vehicle, and excessive buildup can alter the engine's original structural parameters, reduce engine power, increase fuel consumption, cause engine knocking, accelerate abnormal noises, and damage the piston and crankshaft. Engine maintenance methods include: 1. Using high-quality engine oil; 2. Using qualified coolant; 3. Regularly cleaning the radiator scale; 4. Periodically removing carbon deposits from the car; 5. Timely replacement of the car's air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter.

[LaylaMarie]

I've been driving for over a decade, and every time I go for maintenance, I follow my friends' recommendation to get an in-cylinder visual cleaning, which I find quite necessary, especially for older cars or those frequently used for short trips. Carbon deposits can unknowingly accumulate on the cylinder walls, and over time, the engine idle becomes unstable, fuel consumption increases significantly, and acceleration isn't as smooth. The advantage of visual cleaning is that the technician can use a camera to clearly see where the carbon deposits are thick and use specialized tools to flush them out. This method is more precise than chemical cleaning and less likely to damage the engine. I believe that if cleaning isn't done, prolonged carbon buildup could lead to cylinder scoring or knocking, which would cost a lot to repair. My experience suggests doing it every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers can extend the engine's lifespan and make driving more worry-free. Paying attention to road conditions and avoiding low-speed driving can also help prevent carbon deposits from forming.

[McJoanna]

From a cost perspective, whether in-cylinder visual cleaning is worth it really depends on the specific situation. The cleaning cost typically ranges from a few hundred to over a thousand yuan. If your car has already covered 70,000 to 80,000 kilometers and severe carbon buildup is causing engine issues—repairs for which could cost thousands—then opting for cleaning becomes a cost-saving choice. However, if it's a new car or there are no noticeable issues like significant power loss or idle vibration, you can safely skip it and allocate those funds to other maintenance needs. Carbon deposits mainly stem from incomplete combustion, with poor fuel quality or urban traffic congestion exacerbating the problem. I recommend regular diagnostic checks and only proceeding with cleaning if issues are confirmed. In short, this investment is quite cost-effective for vehicle protection, but don't waste money unnecessarily.

[DelBella]

Honestly, in-cylinder visual cleaning involves using an endoscope to inspect carbon buildup inside the cylinders, followed by high-pressure equipment to flush out deposits—this is a highly specialized process. Carbon deposits form due to impurities left behind from incomplete fuel combustion, and long-term accumulation can affect compression ratios and airflow, reducing engine efficiency. Cleaning restores cylinder cleanliness, improving idle stability and fuel consumption. However, it's not necessary for all vehicles; it should only be considered when symptoms arise. Always choose a reputable shop for the procedure, as improper techniques may damage cylinder walls. Simply put, if your car feels shaky or lacks power during acceleration, cleaning becomes a necessary step.