How Often Should a Car's Throttle Body Be Cleaned?
1 Answers
It is generally recommended that car owners clean the throttle body every 20,000 to 40,000 kilometers. However, this is only a reference value. The specific cleaning interval should be determined based on individual driving habits and conditions. For example, if the owner frequently drives on roads with a lot of dust, the throttle body will get dirty more easily and may need cleaning before reaching 20,000 kilometers. The method for cleaning the throttle body by disassembly is as follows: 1. Remove the throttle body: First, stop the car and wait for the temperature to drop before performing this operation. Locate the position and use the appropriate tools. Do not forcibly remove the throttle body; instead, loosen all parts slowly and carefully to avoid damaging other components, which could complicate later work. 2. Clean the interior: To inspect the inside, rotate the engine to allow dirty residue to flow out. Brown residue may come out of the throttle body. Avoid spraying cleaner directly inside, as the spray may mix with fuel and cause damage. 3. Clean the throttle body: At this point, you can clean the disassembled throttle body. Use a high-quality professional throttle body cleaner to ensure all residue is removed. However, always prioritize personal safety by wearing a mask, gloves, and goggles. 4. For non-disassembly cleaning, simply spray throttle valve cleaner onto a cloth and wipe the throttle body. This method does not require removing the throttle body assembly and is relatively simple and convenient. However, it has its limitations—the cleaning effect is less thorough and is only suitable for throttle bodies that are not excessively dirty. If the throttle body is very dirty with a lot of grime, it is better to use the disassembly method for cleaning.