What does “you need to blow the carbon out every now and then” mean in regards to automobiles.

Question

What does “blow the carbon out” really do?

Occasionally, I will see a car in front of me, floor it (gas pedal), and when they do puffs of black smoke, come out the back of the car as the car hits full throttle. What gives?

In: 12

Answer 1

The black smoke means your fuel mix is too rich, aka there’s not enough air to burn all the fuel. In newer cars and trucks this means that something is broken or dirty in the engine.