Ask the Expert: When it comes to buildup in vehicles, how is soft carbon different than hard carbon?

Q: When it comes to buildup in vehicles, how is soft carbon different than hard carbon? How long does it take for soft carbon to turn into hard carbon?

A: Soft carbon is sooty and more easily dissolved than hard carbon and can be remedied with additives, while hard carbon is baked on and is more labor intensive to address. Hard carbon requires manual cleaning such as media blasting.

How long it will take the soft carbon to turn to hard carbon will depend on the motorist’s driving habits and the initial cause of the buildup. 

Information provided by: Robert Bosch LLC