Could someone explain why its necessary to occasionally drive cars hard?

"MentalJuggernot" (MentalJuggernot) 10/16/2013 at 00:29 • Filed to: None

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I've heard this repeatedly and never understood fully why...doesn't the engine run similarly at a higher rpm as it does at a lower one? And what does driving it hard mean - a 0-60 run or a high-speed straight line stint or a cycle of low/high or a canyon run...?

Manuél Ferrari > MentalJuggernot 10/16/2013 at 00:33

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Because they get sad if they stay in the garage for too long

Desu-San-Desu > MentalJuggernot 10/16/2013 at 00:34

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Higher RPM's lead to faster valve cycles, more exhaust pressure, and more fuel pressure. This can help loosen and unclog carbon buildup and loosen sludge.

In my mind, a good straight line stint or two does the trick.

Party-vi > MentalJuggernot 10/16/2013 at 00:41

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Well depending on how early I wake up there's really nothing I can do about it.

Oh. Wait...

MentalJuggernot > Manuél Ferrari 10/16/2013 at 00:47

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MentalJuggernot > Manuél Ferrari 10/16/2013 at 00:47

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MentalJuggernot > Desu-San-Desu 10/16/2013 at 00:48

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Hmmm. Why wouldn't someone just seafoam it then?

I've heard something to do with gaskets drying out and stuff....

matthewklein220 > Party-vi 10/16/2013 at 00:48

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Why am I not surprised?

ddavidn > Party-vi 10/16/2013 at 00:54

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Nobody saw this one coming.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > MentalJuggernot 10/16/2013 at 01:11

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The idea of driving a car hard to "clear out the engine" is pretty much a thing of the past. This was done to clear out the carburetor, valves an such of carbon deposits, etc.. With modern engines, it isn't really necessary. The worst thing to do to an engine and accessory pieces is to run an engine for a few minutes than shut it off. Exhaust systems will rust out, batteries drain, etc.

Biapilotaceman > MentalJuggernot 10/16/2013 at 01:18

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In most cases, it probably doesn't change anything. But I remember having to drive my Boxster aggressively in order to ensure that the oil circulated properly and the IMS bearing didn't shatter.

12Valve > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 10/16/2013 at 01:21

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I disagree. Blasting off the carbon deposits is essential in basically any diesel, the turbo and exhaust likes to fill up with that gunk. A lot of city freight trucks and emergency vehicles have problems with that...especially fire trucks b/c they are very rarely driven at highway speeds to clear them out.

Also my Pa's '08 BMW 335i was acting up a bit, and their dealership said to do some hard freeway pulls to cook the soot out. I believe them, its science. And these vehicles regulary have sooty tailpipes.

What's funny is that the shotgun side pipe is always more dirty. This is because all exhaust is routed at that pipe on start up to warm up the vehicle more effectively, via an exhaust valve.

TheOnelectronic > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 10/16/2013 at 01:51

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Except now, with the advent of Direct Injection gas engines, carbon buildup is becoming a big problem again.

Audio Tachometer > MentalJuggernot 10/16/2013 at 11:54

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Seafoam doesn't give that essential increase in pressure. It's like putting soap on a dish without scrubbing. I saw an old Chevy Chevette with 35,000 miles and a dead cylinder from carbon buildup around the valves. It was never driven on the highway. Coincidence? Absolutely not.