Symptoms of Severe Engine Carbon Buildup?

[LillianaRose]

Symptoms of severe engine carbon buildup include increased fuel consumption compared to before, excessive and foul-smelling exhaust emissions, reduced vehicle power, sluggish acceleration, a muffled engine sound, difficulty starting the car, unstable idle speed that fluctuates erratically. In more severe cases, it can cause the valves to fail to seal properly, leading to a complete loss of cylinder pressure in one or more cylinders and rendering them non-functional. It may even cause the valves to stick and not return to position, resulting in interference between the valves and pistons during operation, ultimately damaging the engine. Below is relevant information about engine maintenance: 1. Regularly change engine oil and oil filter: After a certain mileage, the oil filter accumulates contaminants and metal particles from the oil over time, which can clog the filter paper and impede oil circulation, affecting the engine's normal operation. Additionally, the engine's harsh working conditions (high temperature and high pressure) accelerate oil oxidation. 2. Use qualified coolant: The car engine relies on the radiator for cooling, which is crucial to prevent the engine from "overheating," as this can cause fatal damage. Therefore, always ensure the coolant level in the radiator remains within the normal range.

[FelixDella]

Recently, I noticed significant carbon buildup in my car's engine with obvious symptoms. It took several attempts to start the car, as if it was struggling to breathe. At idle, the entire vehicle shakes, and the seats vibrate. Accelerating feels like climbing a hill—painfully slow. Fuel consumption has also skyrocketed; a full tank that used to last 500 km now falls far short. The exhaust smells terrible and emits black smoke. All these issues affect the driving experience, making the car feel sluggish and causing frequent delays or anxiety. Carbon buildup results from incomplete fuel combustion, accumulating inside the engine over time. If left untreated, it can damage components. I recommend getting a check-up at a 4S shop or repair shop to prevent minor issues from escalating.

[DelRachel]

As someone who loves tinkering with cars, I find the symptoms of engine carbon buildup quite easy to identify. The startup is not smooth, taking a long time to turn over after turning the key; at idle, the RPM needle jumps around, and the car body shakes from side to side; when accelerating, even with a deep press on the gas pedal, the power still lags; fuel consumption increases noticeably, costing more at the pump; and the exhaust carries a distinct gasoline smell. I've tried cleaning these common issues myself, using fuel additives or simple disassembly and cleaning, but the complex areas are hard to reach. Carbon buildup affects the combustion of the air-fuel mixture, leading to performance degradation, and if not addressed promptly, it can worsen. When you notice these changes during daily driving, it's best to prioritize checking and resolving them.

[McChristian]

Excessive carbon buildup is most frustrating for my wallet. Symptoms include a significant increase in fuel consumption—previously 8 liters per 100 km, now over 10 liters; sluggish acceleration, making overtaking slow and even more fuel-intensive; difficulty starting, wasting time; and unstable idling, increasing engine load. These directly drive up driving costs with higher fuel expenses and more frequent maintenance. Carbon buildup accumulates due to long-term short-distance driving or fuel quality issues, affecting combustion efficiency. Simply put, it costs more money while performance suffers—preventative maintenance is the smarter choice.