How often should the throttle body and fuel injectors be cleaned?
2 Answers
The throttle body generally needs to be cleaned every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers, but there is no strict standard. It can be cleaned when it gets dirty. If there is oil accumulation or carbon deposits in the car's throttle body, it is necessary to promptly visit the car's 4S store or a repair shop to clean the throttle body. Below are the specific reasons for a dirty throttle body and precautions to take when it is dirty: Specific reasons for a dirty throttle body: A clogged intake passage can cause idle fluctuations, and carbon deposits or oil accumulation in the throttle body are the most common causes of unstable idling. Carbon deposits in the throttle body can affect its opening degree and the intake air volume, causing the engine speed to fluctuate erratically after a cold start, making it very unstable and accompanied by strong vibrations. Precautions for a dirty throttle body: Severe oil accumulation or carbon deposits in the throttle body, including a dirty intake passage, can make it difficult to start the car in cold weather. A dirty throttle body needs to be cleaned, as throttle body cleaning is considered a routine maintenance item. Spark plugs can also accumulate carbon deposits, which can be cleaned to restore their activity.
I usually clean the throttle body and fuel injectors myself. I service the throttle body every 20,000 kilometers, while the fuel injectors are done every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Why this schedule? In the city, frequent traffic jams cause the throttle body to accumulate carbon deposits easily, leading to unstable idling and sluggish acceleration. Buying a cleaning spray and doing it myself saves money and hassle. If you're too lazy to do it yourself, using some fuel additives can also help prevent carbon buildup. If the fuel injectors aren't cleaned, clogged fuel lines can increase fuel consumption—last time I checked, shaky idling was a clear warning sign. Additionally, in areas with poor air quality, cleaning should be done more frequently, and pairing it with an air filter replacement yields better results. In short, sticking to this routine helps avoid major engine overhauls.
