Bangkok: On social media, car owners are buzzing about whether engine flushing truly helps in cleaning the engine efficiently. According to Thai News Agency, this method can indeed aid in cleaning the engine, but there are crucial precautions that car owners should be aware of to avoid potential severe engine damage. Engine flushing involves cleaning the internal lubrication system of the engine using special chemical cleaners or flushing oil. This process helps dissolve dirt, soot, sludge, and thick deposits that cling to various parts of the engine, effectively removing them along with the old engine oil before refilling with new oil. To simplify, flushing is akin to "scrubbing your skin" to remove dead skin cells and ingrained dirt before applying conditioner (new engine oil). The cleaning effectiveness of engine flushing fluids lies in their two main components: detergent and solvent. Detergents tackle sticky deposits, soot, and scale on internal engine parts, while solvents reduce the adhesion of oil and dirt to metal surfaces. There are currently two main types of engine flushing fluids available in the market, each with distinct application methods. The concentrated solution or refill bottle is straightforward to use, requiring the solution to be poured into the old engine oil, followed by idling the engine for about 10-15 minutes before draining the old oil. The ready-to-use gallon type, on the other hand, involves draining the old engine oil first, pouring in the ready-to-use lubricant, idling the engine, and then draining the lubricant. However, experts highlight two major risks associated with engine flushing. In older vehicles, deteriorating rubber seals may start to leak when the flushing fluid removes accumulated sticky deposits that were unintentionally sealing potential leaks. Additionally, in poorly maintained vehicles, thick scale buildup can break into large pieces during flushing and potentially clog the oil suction showerhead, preventing engine oil from lubricating essential parts and ca using serious engine damage. For those considering engine flushing, it's recommended not to perform it every time the oil is changed. Instead, a suitable schedule would be once every four oil changes or approximately every 50,000-60,000 kilometers, and again at 100,000-120,000 kilometers. Engine flushing is particularly beneficial for heavily used vehicles, such as those primarily used for city driving, which are more prone to carbon deposit accumulation due to traffic jams and stop-and-go driving conditions. In summary, while engine flushing can indeed cleanse the engine, it's important to share this information with necessary cautions to ensure maximum benefit. Always ensure the product used is standardized and suitable for your vehicle.
