What can be used to clean the throttle body?
2 Answers
The throttle body should be cleaned using professional throttle body cleaner. The following are precautions when cleaning the throttle body: 1. The throttle body is a control device that regulates the amount of air entering the engine: it is connected to the air filter on one side and the engine block on the other, making it prone to carbon buildup. Its cleanliness directly affects the responsiveness of the car's acceleration. 2. When cleaning the throttle body: it should be removed for cleaning, and the cleaning solution should not be sprayed in only one direction, as this could spray onto the electrical components of the throttle body, potentially causing damage. 3. The throttle body cleaner should be sprayed onto areas with heavy carbon buildup: wait 5-10 minutes for the carbon to dissolve, then use a clean brush to scrub and a clean towel to wipe it off. Before reinstalling, ensure the throttle body is completely dry to avoid damaging the position sensor. To speed up the drying process, use an oil-absorbing paper to remove excess oil from the connecting parts of the throttle body.
I usually clean the throttle body myself because it saves money and makes the car run smoother. The throttle body is a valve that easily accumulates carbon deposits, leading to unstable idling or sluggish acceleration. When cleaning, I specifically use throttle body cleaner, the kind that comes in an aerosol can, which is available at auto parts stores or online. Before spraying, I make sure the engine is cool and turned off to avoid burns or fire hazards. Then, I remove the intake hose, spray a few times directly onto the throttle body, wait a few seconds for the cleaner to dissolve the grime, and gently wipe it off with a soft cloth or an old toothbrush—avoid using a wire brush to prevent scratches. During the process, I wear gloves and safety goggles for protection. After cleaning, reassemble everything, and the car immediately feels more stable. If left uncleaned, worsening carbon buildup can damage the engine, so I recommend cleaning it every 10,000 kilometers. The whole process is simple, requiring just the cleaner, a cloth, and gloves, and doesn’t take much time.
