How often should the fuel injector and throttle be cleaned?

[OElena]

The fuel injector and throttle should be cleaned approximately every 20,000 kilometers. Below is an introduction to fuel injector cleaning: 1. Generally, the fuel injector should be cleaned every 2 years or 60,000 kilometers. If not cleaned regularly, it may lead to increased fuel consumption and reduced power output. Therefore, regular cleaning is recommended. 2. If the fuel injector is not cleaned for a long time, it may develop leaks or become clogged. If clogged, the sprayed gasoline cannot atomize properly, causing the car's exhaust pipe to emit black smoke. 3. This can result in a misfire in one of the engine cylinders, leading to noticeable engine shaking and symptoms such as poor acceleration.

[LucasLynn]

I've driven many cars, and my experience is that the frequency of fuel injector and throttle body cleaning depends on driving habits and environment. In congested urban areas or places with poor air quality, fuel injectors are prone to carbon buildup and clogging, so they should be cleaned every 15,000 km. The throttle body accumulates carbon faster due to airflow intake, and it's recommended to clean it every 18,000 km—otherwise, you may experience idle shaking and increased fuel consumption. My previous car wasn't cleaned on time, and acceleration became noticeably sluggish—it almost stalled. After cleaning, the power returned to normal. New drivers often ask about cleaning methods: professional shops use fuel system cleaners or additives, but DIY attempts are risky—it's best to consult a technician. Don't wait until problems worsen to take action, as the cost will be higher. Regular inspections are key; during maintenance, check the air filter and fuel quality as well, as these are related. In short, act proactively based on symptoms—safety comes first.

[LondynFitz]

As a car enthusiast, I believe fuel injector and throttle body cleaning should be based on actual vehicle conditions. Fuel injectors should be cleaned approximately every 16,000 kilometers, but this can be extended to 20,000 kilometers if the fuel contains more impurities or if you frequently drive on highways. Carbon buildup in the throttle body affects engine performance, so cleaning every 22,000 kilometers is more appropriate. The cleaning process is simple: use professional solvents or have it done at a repair shop, and it doesn't cost much. Neglecting this can lead to excessive emissions, fuel waste, and even damage to other components. My old Focus had starting difficulties because I didn't clean it on time, and later diagnosis revealed clogged fuel injector nozzles. I recommend asking the technician during regular maintenance and using diagnostic tools like an OBD scanner to check for abnormalities before deciding on the cleaning schedule to avoid unnecessary actions. Pay attention to acceleration response and idle stability during daily driving, as this can help detect issues early.

[JoshuaMarie]

Clean the fuel injectors and throttle body promptly to prevent problem accumulation. After driving for ten years, I've concluded that cleaning fuel injectors every 17,000 kilometers is optimal, while the throttle body should be cleaned approximately every 20,000 kilometers. If clogged, it can lead to a sharp increase in fuel consumption, abnormal emissions, or even engine stalling. Driving in big cities accelerates carbon buildup, requiring shorter cleaning intervals. The cleaning cost is reasonable, around a hundred yuan per session, done with chemicals or professional equipment. Don't wait for major malfunctions; regularly check the throttle opening and engine sounds—clean if abnormalities are detected. Related details, such as the condition of the air filter, also affect cleaning needs. Safety comes first; don't skimp on small expenses to avoid major losses.

[Dawn]

The cleaning frequency for fuel injectors and throttle bodies should be arranged cost-effectively. As a budget-conscious driver, cleaning fuel injectors every 18,000 kilometers is affordable, and throttle body cleaning every 20,000 kilometers is sufficient. If there are no idle vibrations or sluggish acceleration, it can be extended to 25,000 kilometers. Each cleaning costs around 100 yuan, which is much cheaper than potential repairs. Note: Poor fuel quality or frequent short-distance driving accelerates carbon buildup. Using fuel additives can delay cleaning but isn't a permanent solution. Regularly monitor the engine light or fuel consumption curve—act if they rise. Avoid over-cleaning to save money; the key is balancing the manual's recommendations with personal experience. Cost-effective maintenance is crucial.