Over time, engines naturally accumulate carbon deposits. Unfortunately, these deposits can lead to decreased performance and less fuel efficiency. In extreme cases, they can even cause engine failure. Experts strongly recommend periodically decarbonizing your engine to maximize overall performance. Keep reading to learn more about how to decarbonize your engine and why it’s important.
What Are Carbon Deposits?
Carbon deposits are a buildup of carbon on the surfaces of engine parts as a result of burning fuel, mostly gasoline. They appear as dark soot or ash and are essentially a byproduct of a number of things including incomplete fuel combustion. Carbon deposits are primarily caused by the following:
- Incomplete combustion of fuel
- Oil degradation
- Exhaust gas recirculation
The Best Ways to Decarbonize Your Engine
There are two main ways to decarbonize your car’s engine: mechanically or chemically.
With the mechanical process, the engine is exposed, and the carbon deposits are physically removed by scraping them off with the help of a liquid solution. The most common method is to use an automotive degreaser. This specialty degreaser will break down the carbon deposits and allow you to simply wash them away with water. Another method is to use a safe engine washing solution. This solution will loosen the carbon deposits so that they can be easily removed with a brush or cloth.
Using a chemical process is much less intrusive on an engine and requires less manual work. This process uses solvents that are simply added to the fuel supply (gas tank), which then dissolve the carbon deposits that have formed within fuel injectors, spark plugs, intake valves, and other places that have developed a buildup of carbon. After the process removes the carbon, it is simply released from the vehicle’s exhaust system.
Whichever method you choose – either mechanically or chemically, be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damage to your engine.
Decarbonizing your engine is important for maintaining performance, improving functionality, and preventing engine failure. There are several ways to decarbonize your engine, with the most common methods including the use of automotive degreasers and dedicated safe engine washing solutions, as well as fuel tank additives. Remember to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any damage to your engine.
