The throttle body is often damaged during cleaning. Remember these four key points when cleaning it

First move: Whether to dismantle or not depends on the "ID card"

The throttle valve is like the throat of the engine, divided into two types: electronic and wired. The electronic throttle valve is like a smartphone, with precise sensors inside, and must be handled with care when disassembling and washing. A BMW owner tried to save time by not dismantling and washing it, but ended up with carbon debris stuck in the shaft. The mechanic had to replace it along with the computer board, spending over 3000 yuan unnecessarily.

The cable-type throttle valve is like a mechanical watch; although the structure is simple, the idle motor must be disassembled and cleaned. Last year, I accompanied my friend to repair his old Jetta. The repairman was lazy and did not remove the idle motor. As a result, after washing the car, the idle speed fluctuated between high and low, and it was eventually discovered that the motor had been burnt to death by carbon deposits. Remember: For throttle valves with idle motors, not dismantling and washing them is equivalent to not washing them.

Second trick: When choosing a cleaning agent, you need to check the "ingredient list"
The prices of cleaning agents on the market range from tens to hundreds of yuan, depending on the ingredients. Carburetor cleaner is like a powerful cleaning powder; although cheap, it can corrode the throttle valve coating. The owner of a Corolla used a non-branded cleaning agent for the sake of cheapness, and after six months, the surface of the throttle valve became rough like sandpaper, and in the end, he could only spend more than two thousand yuan to replace it.

Specialized cleaning agents are like mild facial cleansers, and big brands like 3M and Chepu add lubricating ingredients. My neighbor runs an auto repair shop, and they use cleaning agents with PEA formula for their clients, which can dissolve carbon deposits and protect the coating. Here's a little trick: Look at the cleaning solution liquid in front of the light, and the genuine product will show a light blue fluorescence.

The third trick: It's better to maintain a car than wash it
Many car owners do not know that carbon buildup on the throttle valve is actually "nurtured". Colleague Xiao Wang only drives three kilometers to and from work every day, and the engine arrives at the workplace before it even heats up. As a result, the throttle opening exceeds the standard at 20000 kilometers. Later on, he ran on the highway every week, using fuel additives, and now he hasn't cleaned his throttle valves for 50000 kilometers.

There is also a real case: taxi driver Mr. Li's car has traveled 400000 kilometers, but the throttle valve has only been washed three times. His secret is to change the air filter every 5000 kilometers and refuel with 95 octane gasoline all year round. Looking at his throttle valve with an endoscope, the metal surface still has the luster of the original factory coating.

Fourth move: Reject the 'gentle trap'