Is it necessary to clean the throttle valve during maintenance?
3 Answers
Maintenance cleaning of the throttle valve is necessary. When engine oil, gasoline vapor, and impurities from the air enter the intake system through the crankcase ventilation, some of them may adhere to the throttle valve. Over time, this can lead to carbon buildup on the throttle valve, requiring regular cleaning. The throttle valve is a controllable valve that regulates the air entering the engine. Its function is to control the air entering the engine, which mixes with gasoline in the intake pipe to form a combustible mixture that burns to generate power. The steps for cleaning the throttle valve are: 1. Open the engine hood and locate the throttle valve; 2. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the air filter and intake pipe, then unplug the electrical socket on the throttle valve; 3. After removing the screws, take off the throttle valve and use a dry cloth to block the engine intake to prevent dirt from entering the engine; 4. Spray cleaner on the throttle valve and clean it.
I think cleaning the throttle body is indeed quite necessary, especially after the car has been driven for three or four years or tens of thousands of kilometers, as carbon buildup issues tend to arise. If the throttle body gets dirty, the car's idle speed becomes unstable, acceleration feels sluggish, and fuel consumption may increase, which can affect driving experience and safety. I've personally seen many cars experience difficulty starting or stalling due to carbon buildup, and regular cleaning can save a lot of trouble down the line. Generally speaking, it's sufficient to check it every 20,000 kilometers or once a year—it's not expensive and can be done at a maintenance shop. Of course, this should be adjusted based on the car's condition; if the usual road conditions are good and the engine runs smoothly, the frequency can be reduced. In short, don't wait until problems occur to fix it. Keeping the throttle body clean can extend the engine's lifespan and make your driving experience smoother.
As an average car owner, I find this issue a bit nuanced. When I used to drive long distances frequently, I noticed the acceleration wasn't as smooth, so I got the throttle body cleaned once, which cost a few hundred yuan. It did make the throttle response quicker and improved idle stability. However, after consulting with friends in the car community, some said regular cleaning isn't necessary—it's a waste of money and time, especially for new cars where it might be unnecessary spending. Honestly, it depends on your actual driving habits and environment. If you often drive in congested city traffic, carbon deposits can build up easily, so cleaning every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers can be beneficial. If you drive mostly on highways, you might be able to delay it longer without issues. My personal advice is to pay attention to your car's performance. For example, if you notice increased shaking during startup, get it checked—don't blindly follow maintenance trends.
