Car owners in Spain are increasingly facing the problem of soot buildup in their engines. This occurs due to the accumulation of burnt fuel particles that settle on various engine and exhaust system components. Soot formation is especially common when fuel combustion is inefficient, which often happens during city driving and short trips.
The first signs of contamination include reduced power, the appearance of black or bluish smoke from the exhaust, rough idling, and increased fuel consumption. Sometimes the engine may jerk, and a malfunction indicator lights up on the dashboard. Drivers in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia report that these symptoms are often accompanied by poor acceleration and difficulty maintaining speed on hills.
Excessive soot accumulation can lead to serious malfunctions. The most vulnerable components are the EGR valve, injectors, turbocharger, and particulate filter. If the EGR valve gets clogged, the engine loses power and starts running erratically. Clogged injectors impair fuel atomization, increasing deposit buildup even further. The turbo and particulate filter are also affected by excessive soot, which can cause them to fail and require costly repairs.
Inside the engine, soot settles on the pistons, valves, and cylinder walls. This leads to overheating, damage to spark plugs, and even piston deformation. Additionally, contaminated sensors start transmitting incorrect data, which negatively affects the operation of the entire engine management system.
Most often, soot accumulates in the EGR valve, intake manifold, combustion chamber, on the valves, and in the exhaust system. Injectors and the turbocharger are also prone to contamination. The particulate filter and catalytic converter can become completely clogged if not maintained regularly.
To remove soot, experts recommend starting with diagnostics and checking error codes. Then, special additives are used, which are added to the fuel to clean the system while driving. In more complex cases, disassembly and manual cleaning of the EGR valve and intake manifold with special cleaning agents are necessary. It is also important to regenerate the particulate filter by driving on the highway and keeping the engine at high revs.
Among home methods, driving at higher revs on the highway, using quality fuel, and regularly changing oil and filters stand out. Some drivers add small amounts of special additives to the fuel, but this should be done with caution. Regular checks and cleaning of the EGR valve and intake manifold help prevent serious issues.
To prevent soot buildup, avoid frequent short trips, use high-quality fuel, and maintain your vehicle regularly. These simple measures help keep your engine running smoothly and save you from costly repairs.
