How to Clean Carbon Build Up in Car Engine
Carbon build up is a common problem for car engines. It occurs when fuel and air don’t burn completely and leave behind a residue on the engine’s valves, pistons, and other components. This build up can cause a number of problems, including:
- Reduced engine power
- Poor fuel economy
- Increased emissions
- Engine knocking
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s likely that your engine has carbon build up. The good news is that it’s possible to clean carbon build up yourself with a few simple steps.
Step 1: Purchase a Carbon Cleaner
The first step is to purchase a carbon cleaner. There are a number of different carbon cleaners available on the market, so be sure to read the reviews and choose one that is specifically designed for your engine type.
Step 2: Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Once you have a carbon cleaner, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Most carbon cleaners will require you to pour the cleaner into the engine’s intake system while the engine is running.
Step 3: Drive Your Car
Once you’ve added the carbon cleaner, drive your car for about 15 minutes. This will give the cleaner time to circulate through the engine and dissolve the carbon build up.
Step 4: Repeat Steps 2-3
If your engine has a lot of carbon build up, you may need to repeat steps 2-3 several times before you see results.
Step 5: Check Your Engine
After you’ve cleaned the carbon build up, check your engine to make sure it’s running properly. If you’re still experiencing any problems, you may need to take your car to a mechanic for further diagnosis.
Preventing Carbon Build Up
There are a few things you can do to prevent carbon build up from forming in your engine:
- Use high-quality fuel
- Get regular oil changes
- Drive your car regularly
- Avoid short trips
- Use a fuel additive
By following these tips, you can help keep your engine running clean and efficient for many years to come.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for cleaning carbon build up from your engine:
- If you have a direct injection engine, you may need to use a different type of carbon cleaner. Consult your owner’s manual for more information.
- If you’re not comfortable cleaning the carbon build up yourself, you can take your car to a mechanic. They will be able to clean the build up using specialized equipment.
- Cleaning carbon build up is a relatively simple and inexpensive procedure. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and to take precautions to avoid getting the cleaner on your skin or eyes.
By following these tips, you can keep your engine running clean and efficient for many years to come.