How often should the throttle body and fuel injectors be cleaned?
2 Answers
Throttle body should be cleaned approximately every 20,000 kilometers, while fuel injectors should be cleaned every two years or 60,000 kilometers. The throttle body is a controllable valve that regulates air intake into the engine. After entering the intake pipe, the air mixes with gasoline to form a combustible mixture, which then burns to generate power. It connects to the air filter at the top and the engine block at the bottom. The fuel injector is a simple solenoid valve. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, it creates 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 fine mist for optimal combustion. It plays a significant role in affecting engine performance.
I think the interval for cleaning the throttle body and fuel injectors should be based on driving habits. From my experience, doing it every 20,000 kilometers is a safe bet to avoid major engine issues. The throttle body controls the air intake, and over time, carbon buildup can make the throttle response sluggish, affecting acceleration. Clogged fuel injectors can lead to uneven fuel spray, causing engine vibration, increased fuel consumption, and damage to internal components. I mostly drive in the city where air pollution is heavy and frequent stop-and-go traffic accelerates carbon buildup, so I stick to regular cleaning. Using high-quality gasoline and occasional fuel system cleaners can extend the interval, but don’t wait until you hear strange noises or see a spike in fuel consumption. Engine stalling on the road can be dangerous, so spending a little on regular maintenance saves big trouble and keeps the car running smoothly. In short, adjust the frequency based on your driving environment—if the air is clean and traffic is light, you can stretch the interval, but never go below the manual’s recommendation.
