What are the symptoms of excessive carbon deposits?
3 Answers
Symptoms of excessive carbon deposits: 1. Difficulty in cold start, often requiring 6 to 7 ignition attempts or even more, but normal when the engine is warm; 2. Stalling when coasting in neutral gear. Engine stalling will cause the car's braking system, power steering system, and vehicle stability system to lose proper performance, which is very dangerous; 3. Exhaust gases that irritate the eyes and nose, exceeding emission standards; 4. Weak engine performance, especially noticeable when overtaking, with slow acceleration response and failure to achieve the original vehicle power. Carbon deposits in car engines are a coking-like substance produced by unsaturated olefins and gums in fuel under high-temperature conditions during engine operation.
I've been driving that old car for several years and noticed significant changes due to carbon buildup. The most direct impact is the skyrocketing fuel consumption. Previously, a full tank could easily last a week, but now it runs out after just a few extra days, making me feel like money is burning in my pocket. The power has also deteriorated – the acceleration feels sluggish when stepping on the gas, struggling even on gentle slopes. The car shakes slightly when following traffic, and idling feels like riding bumper cars with all the wobbling, which is quite annoying. Cold starts are worse; on winter mornings, the engine takes forever to turn over, occasionally emitting black smoke from the exhaust with an odd smell. If left unchecked, the engine noise grows louder over time, affecting safe driving. I promptly took it to the shop for professional cleaning and recommend regularly checking spark plugs and changing oil as preventive measures. Ignoring this issue poses considerable risks.
As a car enthusiast, I've been paying attention to engine carbon buildup for quite some time, and it can cause several typical symptoms: First, unstable idling, where the engine shakes noticeably, especially when parked at a traffic light; second, a significant increase in fuel consumption, as reduced combustion efficiency makes the car guzzle fuel faster than drinking water; then, sluggish acceleration—where a light tap on the accelerator used to make it zoom forward, now requires a deep press for a slow start, with severely delayed power response; and cold-start difficulties, where ignition is unreliable in cold weather, possibly accompanied by black smoke or excessive foul emissions from the exhaust. Long-term carbon buildup can wear down engine components, compromising driving safety, so it's best to maintain it regularly with additives or cleaning. Driving habits also matter—fewer short trips and more highway driving can reduce carbon buildup, saving money and extending the car's lifespan.
