How many kilometers should the Lavida's throttle body be cleaned?
2 Answers
Lavida's throttle body should be cleaned every 20,000 kilometers. If the mileage is around 60,000 kilometers, the intake manifold needs to be disassembled to clean the valves. Introduction to the throttle body: The throttle body is a controllable valve that regulates the air entering the engine. It connects to the air filter at the top and the engine block at the bottom, functioning like the engine's throat. It acts as a butterfly valve, controlling the amount of air entering the engine. The depth of the accelerator pedal press determines the degree of the throttle body's opening. The ECU then adjusts the fuel injection based on the detected air intake to control the combustion conditions. Main reasons for throttle body dirt: The harder the accelerator is pressed, the wider the throttle opens, increasing the engine's air intake. This leads to more complete fuel combustion and stronger power output. Due to the engine's structural design, high-temperature and high-pressure gases from the combustion chamber enter the crankcase. To prevent exhaust gases from contaminating the engine oil and shortening its lifespan, some high-temperature crankcase vapors are expelled. However, due to limited separation efficiency, some oil still mixes with the exhaust gases and re-enters the intake manifold, where it recirculates and participates in combustion again. When high-temperature exhaust gases meet the cooler intake manifold and throttle plate, they combine with airborne dust and condense on the back of the throttle plate, forming sludge.
I've driven the Lavida for many years, and there's no fixed mileage for cleaning the throttle body. Generally, it's recommended to check every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. If there's frequent city congestion, unstable idling, or poor acceleration, it might need cleaning sooner. I cleaned mine once at 25,000 kilometers, and after removing it, I found severe carbon buildup. After cleaning, the fuel consumption dropped significantly. Driving habits also affect it—short trips and low speeds lead to faster carbon buildup, while highway driving reduces the need for cleaning. Never wait until the warning light comes on, as it can easily damage engine components. Have the mechanic check it during regular maintenance to avoid idling vibrations affecting your driving. Remember, maintenance isn't complicated—spending a little money now can save you big trouble later.
