What Are the Effects of Carbon Deposits in Cars?
4 Answers
Carbon deposits in cars primarily affect power and fuel consumption. The detailed impacts of carbon deposits on the engine are as follows: 1. Structural damage: Various components of the combustion chamber in the cylinder are the main areas where carbon deposits occur, including the top of the piston, spark plugs, fuel injectors in the cylinder, intake and exhaust valves, and the cylinder entrance of the intake pipe. 2. Decline in engine performance: Carbon deposits on spark plugs can weaken ignition capability or cause ignition failure. 3. Power reduction leads to increased fuel consumption: When there is an unexplained increase in fuel consumption, it is advisable to check for carbon deposits in the cylinder. 4. Increased emission of exhaust pollutants: During annual vehicle inspections, an increase in pollutant emissions in the exhaust may be detected.
I've been driving for over a decade, and carbon buildup is no small matter. Last time when climbing a slope, I clearly felt the throttle was sluggish, the engine roared but lacked power. The exhaust pipe even emitted black smoke! Fuel consumption also skyrocketed, requiring an extra half tank of gas in just two weeks. During cold starts, it shook like a massage chair, and at idle while waiting at red lights in traffic, the RPM fluctuated wildly—once I almost got rear-ended. The scariest part was hearing that Old Zhang's car next door had its pistons seize due to severe carbon buildup, costing thousands in major repairs. Now, I get walnut shell blasting cleaning every 20,000 kilometers—the fuel injectors and valves shine like new, and the driving feel is as crisp as a brand-new car.
I've seen too many car owners in auto repair shops suffer from carbon deposits. When carbon deposits clog the throttle valve, the engine can't get enough air and struggles to breathe, especially when the air conditioning is on, leading to noticeable power loss. Some cars repeatedly fail emission tests at inspection stations, and 80% of the time it's because the oxygen sensor is coated with carbon deposits. The catalytic converter is most vulnerable to carbon deposits; if it gets completely clogged, replacing it can cost several thousand. I recommend owners occasionally rev the engine to 4000 RPM on the highway to let the high-temperature exhaust clear some of the softer carbon deposits. Direct injection engines need extra attention to fuel quality—try to avoid cheap gas from small gas stations.
Every car enthusiast who's into modifications knows that carbon buildup is the ultimate performance killer! The ECU desperately injects more fuel to boost power, but the injectors get clogged with carbon deposits, causing a lean air-fuel mixture and making the car feel sluggish. The most annoying part is the knocking—when you accelerate hard, the engine rattles like a wooden fish, and over time, it can even dent the piston tops. It's even more noticeable in my modified exhaust car; the frequent pops and bangs from the tailpipe are all thanks to carbon buildup. Now, I pour a bottle of PEA additive into the fuel tank every three months and take a half-hour high-RPM spin on the ring road to keep the combustion chamber spotless and unleash the full potential of my mods.
