Dear Tom,
I have heard both pros and cons concerning the need for Motorvac service. Please set the record straight. I own a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer with 70,000 miles. It seems to run fine. Do I really need this expensive service?
Joe from Williamsville, N.Y.
Joe,
Carbon buildup in the upper regions of the engine is a fact of life. It's just the nature of the beast. Both carbon and varnish are byproducts of the combustion of gasoline. The carbon must be cleaned out because it affects burn efficiency. Also, the varnish inhibits fuel flow through the injectors. As a result of these negative effects, the performance system senses that something is wrong and tries to make adjustments, decreasing the efficiency of the system. Regular Motorvac service (there are other very good professional carbon and varnish cleaning services out there as well) every 35,000 to 40,000 miles will prevent this from happening. The engine will start crisply on cold mornings, acceleration will be snappy, and you will get optimum performance and fuel economy. I highly recommend this service.
Tom
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association) and MPG (Motor Press Guild), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals and many other websites. Hear his radio show. America’s Car Show, on the SSI Radio Network Saturdays at 8 a.m. Listen to the show on the live stream during regular show times at www.americascarshow.com. Send your car questions to his website at www.americascarshow.com. You can also find Tom’s book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever,” in local Barnes & Nobel booksellers, or order online at Amazon.com.
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