Have you ever heard that preventive cleaning of injector nozzles is essential for the proper functioning of your car? But is this really necessary or just another ploy by mechanics to get your money?
Fuel injectors are essential parts of a car, responsible for distributing fuel to the engine. CPG spoke to experts from DR Auto Mecânica, and according to them, they already come with a self-cleaning system. In other words, while the fuel passes through the injector, it performs a natural cleaning, eliminating the need for a constant cleaning procedure. However, many mechanics say that preventive cleaning is essential and recommend the service in almost every inspection.
Is preventive cleaning of injector nozzles really necessary?
DR Auto Mecânica, with over 30 years of experience, states that cleaning injector nozzles is only really recommended when there is specific vehicle performance failures, such as loss of power, difficulty starting or excessive fuel consumption. This practice, according to them, should not be part of preventive maintenance, unless the injectors are showing clear problems.
Professionals explain that, in addition to a filter at the nozzle inlet, the fuel also passes through other filters throughout the system, which prevents most impurities from reaching the injector nozzles.
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“If you fill up at a reputable gas station, the nozzles already have enough protection to prevent clogging,” they say. However, if the fuel is adulterated or if there is a build-up of residue due to the use of alcohol, for example, there may be a build-up of dirt on the inside of the nozzles.
When is injector nozzle cleaning really necessary?
According to experts at DR Auto Mecânica, it is essential to clean the injectors only in specific cases. They explain that if the car shows symptoms of problems with the injectors, such as fuel combustion failures, cleaning can be done with an ultrasonic machine.
This equipment uses vibrations to remove dirt particles from inaccessible areas of the nozzle, ensuring a deeper result and efficient.
“It is important to change the internal filter of the injector nozzles and not just rely on external cleaning,” advises the DR Auto Mecânica team. Replacing the filter can help extend the life of the nozzle, especially in cars that use alcohol, a fuel that tends to leave more residue in the system.
Beware of dubious supplies
In addition to highlighting the importance of cleaning only when really necessary, experts warn about the quality of the fuel. Refueling at low-reliability stations can result in dirt accumulating in the nozzles, damaging not only the injector nozzles, but also other engine components.
Preventative cleaning of injector nozzles, according to DR Auto Mecânica, is often nothing more than a scam to increase the cost of maintenance.
The practice is only recommended if there are real problems with the functioning of the nozzles and, even then, it must be carried out with specialized equipment, such as the ultrasonic machine. Therefore, stay tuned and, at the next inspection, ask your mechanic about the real need for this service.