How often should the fuel injector and throttle be cleaned?
2 Answers
Throttle should be cleaned approximately every 20,000 kilometers, while the fuel injector should be cleaned every two years or 60,000 kilometers. Additional relevant information is as follows: 1. The throttle is a controllable valve that regulates the air entering the engine. After entering the intake pipe, the air mixes with gasoline to form a combustible mixture, which then burns to produce work. It connects to the air filter at the top and the engine block at the bottom. 2. The fuel injector is a simple solenoid valve. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, it generates suction, lifting the needle valve to open the injection hole. Fuel is sprayed at high speed through the annular gap between the needle valve head and the injection hole, forming a mist that facilitates complete combustion. It plays a role in affecting engine performance.
My SUV has been running for almost five years now, and the fuel injectors and throttle body need cleaning roughly every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. I remember not paying attention in the first couple of years, which later led to unstable idling and increased fuel consumption. The repair shop found it was all due to carbon buildup and clogging—pretty annoying. Actually, cleaning them isn’t about a rigid schedule; it depends on daily driving habits. For example, frequent stop-and-go traffic or using low-quality fuel can easily cause carbon deposits. For regular maintenance, it’s recommended to check every 20,000 miles, or take action immediately if you notice sluggish acceleration or unusual exhaust smells. Cleaning isn’t expensive—just a few hundred bucks can save you from major repair costs. Here’s a tip: check the throttle response yourself—if it feels stiff when pressing down, it’s time to consider cleaning. In short, don’t wait until it breaks down. Proper maintenance keeps your car running smoothly and saves you headaches.
