How Often Should a Car Throttle Body Be Cleaned?

[LeIsabelle]

Car throttle bodies should be cleaned every 20,000 to 40,000 kilometers. The throttle body is a controllable valve that regulates air intake into the engine, often metaphorically referred to as the engine's "throat." After air enters the intake manifold, it mixes with gasoline to form a combustible mixture, which then burns to generate power. The depth of the accelerator pedal pressed by the driver determines the throttle opening, which in turn controls the engine's power output and responsiveness. There are two methods for cleaning the throttle body: non-removal cleaning and removal cleaning. Non-removal cleaning involves spraying throttle body cleaner onto a cloth or directly onto the throttle body, followed by wiping it clean. Removal cleaning requires detaching the entire throttle body assembly, thoroughly cleaning it with specialized cleaner, and then reinstalling it.