What Problems Can Excessive Carbon Deposits Cause to a Vehicle?
2 Answers
Excessive carbon deposits can lead to issues such as poor acceleration, difficulty starting, unstable engine idle, increased fuel consumption, and engine malfunctions. It is recommended to perform intake system maintenance once a year; conduct a deep fuel system maintenance after every 2-3 routine services; and perform engine lubrication system maintenance at least once every two years. Poor Acceleration: Carbon deposits reduce the intake passage, lower the charging efficiency, increase cylinder pressure, and delay ignition timing, resulting in decreased engine power. Difficulty Starting the Vehicle: Carbon deposits falling into the intake valve seat passage can cause insufficient cylinder pressure. During startup, the injected fuel is absorbed by the carbon deposits, leading to a lean air-fuel mixture in the cylinder and preventing the engine from starting properly. Unstable Engine Idle: When carbon deposits adhere to the intake valve and throttle valve, the engine cannot accurately control the amount of gasoline and air sent to the combustion chamber, causing unstable engine idle. Increased Fuel Consumption: When carbon deposits accumulate in the combustion chamber, they can easily cause knocking, delay ignition timing, reduce engine power, and increase fuel consumption by 4~5%.
I've been driving for over a decade and am all too familiar with carbon buildup issues. Carbon deposits get stuck in places like the engine intake valves and fuel injectors, worsening gasoline atomization. The most obvious symptom is the car feeling particularly sluggish when you step on the gas, as if dragging a rock. Fuel consumption keeps climbing, costing hundreds more in gas money each month. Cold starts also become difficult, with the engine shaking like it's breakdancing when you turn the key in the morning. Even worse, sudden stalling can occur - I once got stranded at an intersection waiting for a red light. Regular use of cleaning additives or highway driving to flush the system can effectively prevent these problems.
