What is the purpose of cleaning the throttle body?
2 Answers
The purpose of cleaning the throttle body is to ensure smooth air intake, restore the vehicle's idle speed and emissions, and recover the vehicle's power. The throttle body is a controllable valve that regulates the air entering the engine. After the air enters the intake pipe, it mixes with gasoline to form a combustible mixture, which then burns to produce work. The method for cleaning the throttle body is as follows: 1. Open the engine hood and remove the black cover on the upper part of the engine; 2. Loosen or remove the intake hose; 3. Remove the throttle body and use a cloth to cover the metal intake port; 4. Clean the throttle body with a cleaning agent or carburetor cleaner; 5. After cleaning, dry the throttle body with a cloth and apply a small amount of engine oil near the throttle shaft for lubrication.
Cleaning the throttle body mainly removes accumulated dirt and carbon deposits. Those black, grimy substances can clog the air passage, preventing the engine from breathing smoothly. My car used to shake severely at idle and had weak acceleration, but after cleaning, it instantly became smoother, throttle response improved significantly, and fuel consumption dropped slightly. Regular cleaning every 20,000 kilometers or so is sufficient, and the cost is affordable. It helps prevent annoying issues like engine stalling or starting difficulties, greatly enhancing driving reliability. If neglected, carbon buildup worsens, potentially causing the engine to burn oil or trigger other faults, leading to expensive repairs later. So, this simple maintenance is truly worth it.
