How often should the throttle body be cleaned?
2 Answers
The throttle body should be cleaned every 20,000 kilometers. Not cleaning the throttle body for a long time can cause errors in the throttle opening, allowing air with impurities to enter the engine combustion chamber, leading to abnormal engine operation, unstable idling, sudden throttle closure while driving, reduced power, and difficulty starting. The steps for cleaning the throttle body are: 1. Open the hood and locate the engine's throttle body; 2. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the air filter and intake pipe, then unplug the electrical socket on the throttle body; 3. After removing the screws, take off the throttle body and use a dry cloth to block the engine intake to prevent dirt from entering the engine; 4. Spray the throttle body with cleaner.
Regarding how often to clean the throttle body, my experience is that it depends on driving habits and road conditions. I often get stuck in city traffic where less air intake leads to faster carbon buildup, so I generally clean the throttle every 20,000 kilometers. Otherwise, the car may jerk during acceleration or have unstable idling. Last week, I spent 200 yuan at the repair shop for a cleaning, and the car immediately ran much smoother. The process is simple—the technician sprays cleaner and brushes it off, taking just over ten minutes. During regular maintenance, it's best to check the air filter at the same time to prevent small issues from becoming big ones. Frequent cleaning like this can save fuel and extend engine life. I recommend city drivers inspect their cars every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers and not delay too long—if engine problems arise, repairs will be more expensive and troublesome. Developing this habit ensures peace of mind and safety.
