In this article, we’ll answer those questions along with a few more regarding GDI maintenance and how it can affect your car if not addressed properly.
Understanding The Hype Around GDI cars
There is a lot of excitement around direct injection systems, but what is GDI all about? As its name implies, GDI systems deliver fuel straight into the combustion chamber instead of doing it over the intake valve as “old” multiport systems. Technically speaking, that is a quite significant improvement. Think about a race between a bike and a motorcycle. Both have two wheels, which one you think will end first? Well, that’s how big the difference is between the GDI and conventional systems.
To give you some perspective, Gasoline Direct Injection systems provide:
- Significant improvements in fuel economy, in the order of 20%+, in other words, a noticeable difference in your monthly budget.
- Better driveability which translates into a more comfortable ride.
- This technology allows a noticeable decrease in carbon emissions, it’s the most “eco-friendly” fuel delivery system to date.
- Gasoline Direct Injection enables manufactures to design smaller engines, which means bigger cabins and thus better ergonomics
- GDI systems offer the utmost horsepower per liter as they are usually combined with other top-notch technologies such as variable valve timing, turbochargers, and more.
All That Glitters Is Not Gold, GDI and Carbon Buildup
Although it is true that GDI systems present in newer vehicles are superior to their conventional counterparts in every aspect, there is a catch. Carbon buildup. As mentioned earlier, old-style injectors spray fuel over the intake valve. That is not optimal from a performance perspective, however, it prevents carbon and other oil deposits from building up on intake valves. Direct injectors don’t spray over the valves, hence carbon buildup becomes a serious issue on newer vehicles.
Some problems associated with carbon buildup are:
- Engine misfires
- Difficulty to start the engine (especially when cold)
- Black smoke due to incomplete combustion
- A huge decrease in performance and fuel economy
- Rough idle (especially when cold)
Should you be concerned about carbon buildup? Absolutely. If left unattended, your engine might suffer serious damage.
Fuel Cleaners and How They Can Help Newer Vehicles
Since the introduction of GDI vehicles into the market, car manufacturers recognized these issues. That’s why top car brands recommend using fuel additives “regularly” along with the best fuel possible. Moreover, most dealerships include as part of the GDI preventive maintenance using a fuel cleaner to remove carbon deposits. But not any fuel cleaner. Only a high-quality, dealer-level fuel cleaner guarantee the removal of carbon deposits, soot, and other contaminants that could damage your engine.
Tecflow Speed Cleaner exclusive formula was developed in strict compliance with the most recent environmental standards. It guarantees completely removing resins, gum, carbon deposits, and similar oil contaminants present not only in your intake valves but in your entire fuel system. For over 50 years Tecflow has been offering top-notch solutions to the automotive industry. Tecflow’s Speed Cleaner is a professional-grade fuel cleaner that restores engine performance to manufacturer’s specifications.
Consult your owner’s manual. If your vehicle is 2018 or newer chances are it uses a GDI system. After using Tecflow Speed Cleaner you can confidently start using Tecflow Clean Up 101 fuel additive to prevent carbon deposits from building up in your engine.
