The negative effects of unmitigated carbon buildup can include poor fuel efficiency, loss of horsepower, check engine lights, misfires and excessive emissions.

No matter what injection system your car has, it's subject to carbon buildup over time. Here are some ways to prevent and clean carbon buildup in your engine.

And while that car did enjoy the benefits promised by direct injection, carbon buildup is now among the most common problems faced by those engines.

HOT ROD Top Pick: Berryman Intake Valve & Combustion Chamber Cleaner and B-12 Chemtool Total Fuel System Clean-Up We explain why all gasoline engines, especially direct-injected engines, benefit ...

Modern engines are more advanced and more demanding, which is why fuel chemistry is a critical factor when it comes to keeping them performing at their peak.