What Are the Causes of Engine Carbon Deposits?
3 Answers
Engine carbon deposits are formed due to: 1. Long-term poor driving habits, such as driving at low engine speeds with high gears; 2. The use of low-quality gasoline with high impurity content, which forms carbon deposits after combustion in the engine; 3. Aging or damage to the engine's carburetor, leading to insufficient fuel atomization before combustion, resulting in carbon deposit formation. Methods for engine maintenance include: 1. Using high-quality engine oil; 2. Using qualified coolant; 3. Regularly cleaning radiator scale; 4. Periodically removing carbon deposits from the car; 5. Timely replacement of the car's three filters; 6. Maintaining reasonable engine speeds.
I've been pondering the issue of engine carbon deposits for a long time, and the root causes mostly lie in fuel and driving habits. Using substandard fuel is the number one culprit—its high impurity content leads to incomplete combustion, leaving residues that build up. Prolonged idling or low-speed traffic jams also contribute, as the engine temperature remains too low for proper fuel combustion, causing carbon deposits to accumulate layer by layer, much like fog forming on glass in winter. Additionally, a dirty air filter restricts proper air intake, resulting in an overly rich fuel mixture that doesn't burn completely, leading to carbon buildup on valves and cylinder walls over time. As the engine ages, deteriorating oil seals allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber, making carbon deposits even more likely. The consequences? Difficulty starting the car, skyrocketing fuel consumption, and thick black exhaust smoke. To prevent this, it's advisable to use genuine fuel, drive at high speeds occasionally to clear carbon deposits, and regularly maintain and inspect the air system.
Over the years of driving, I've personally experienced the troubles of carbon buildup. During cold starts, the car would tremble as if it were sick, and upon inspection, it was always due to carbon deposits. The main culprits are our daily habits: frequent traffic jams in the city lead to insufficient fuel combustion during engine idling; filling up at cheap gas stations with poor-quality fuel leaves more residue after burning; and using the wrong brand of engine oil, where low-quality oil ages quickly and promotes deposits. Don't underestimate frequent short trips either—the engine doesn't even warm up before stopping, making carbon deposits harder to clean. I remember how refreshed the car felt after a long trip, as the high-speed wind could blow away the carbon buildup. Now I've learned my lesson: I add fuel system cleaner monthly to remove deposits and regularly check the filters to keep them clear.
