Is it necessary to clean the throttle body?
2 Answers
It is necessary to clean the throttle body. If the throttle body is not cleaned for a long time, excessive dirt can cause the throttle body to move less flexibly. The air entering the engine will carry many impurities, affecting the normal combustion of gasoline and reducing the engine's working power. In severe cases, it may lead to unstable idling, difficulty starting, and decreased power. The throttle body is a controllable valve that regulates air intake into the engine, with two types: traditional cable-operated and electronic throttle bodies. After entering the intake pipe, the air mixes with gasoline to form a combustible mixture, which then burns to perform work. The throttle body is connected to the air filter at the top and the engine block at the bottom, and is known as the throat of the car engine.
After driving my car for a long time, I noticed the idle speed was always unstable. Upon checking, it turned out to be carbon buildup in the throttle body. The dirt accumulated on the valve, blocking the air intake and causing the engine to run unevenly. I immediately went to clean it, and the car responded much faster instantly. The throttle felt lighter, and fuel consumption dropped significantly. Now, I always check this area during maintenance. Regular cleaning can prevent major issues, saving both money and hassle, especially for cars frequently driven in congested urban areas where carbon buildup is most common. After cleaning, acceleration noticeably improves, and the driving experience becomes much better. It's recommended to inspect it every 20,000 kilometers or so, depending on the car's age and driving conditions, rather than waiting for the fault light to come on.
