Why does carbon build up on intake valves?
- In direct injection engines (TSI, TFSI, GDI, EcoBoost, SkyActiv), fuel is injected straight into cylinders, meaning fuel never washes the back of intake valves
- Crankcase ventilation (PCV) oil mist and EGR exhaust recirculation gases bake onto scorching valve stems
- Over time, carbon forms hard crusts that restrict airflow by up to 30-50%
- In-tank fuel additives cannot help because petrol never sprays across the intake valves





