Before addressing how to clean throttle body, you might be wondering what is a throttle body? A throttle body is a valve that is located between the air intake filter and the engine intake manifold and it regulates the amount of air that is let in to the engine for the combustion process. It is such an important instrument for the performance of your engine so it is equally as important to ensure it is operating to its full potential.
If you know the signs of a dirty throttle body and how to clean it, you will not only improve your engine’s performance but you also will save the time and effort of seeking a mechanics help. Your car makes your life so easy so why not maximise its performance by following the steps in this article.
How to Clean Throttle Body
You no longer need to worry about how to clean a throttle body because cleaning a throttle body is a simple process. WD-40’s specialist Throttle Body, Carb and Choke Cleaner is specifically designed to make cleaning a throttle body easy and efficient and a step by step process of how to use it is outlined later in this article. It is very important to keep the throttle body as clean as possible for the functionality of the engine. Our cars make life so much more convenient and it’s not worth neglecting their most crucial parts and letting their performance suffer especially when WD-40 makes it so easy to maintain your vehicle! If you want to give your engine some love and learn some more about how your car functions, this article is for you!
Why Do I Need to Clean the Throttle Body?
If you have never heard of a throttle body you might be wondering why on earth you would have to bother cleaning it. After all, if you’ve gone this long without any clue as to what it does, surely a dirty throttle can’t be that much of an issue. The reality is, if you fail to clean your throttle body properly your car’s ability to function properly can be compromised. Dirty throttle bodies affect a car’s acceleration, idle, exhaust production, fuel consumption and other aspects of the engine’s function. It can even cause your car to stall and effect the electronics of the car as well. Read on to find out how to tell if your throttle body needs a clean and how to clean throttle body.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dirty Throttle Body?
A dirty throttle body can greatly impact the engines performance and the car’s drivability. There are a few signs to look out for which can indicate that it is time to give your throttle body a good clean. One of these is if your car has rough idle. This is due to the dirt causing the airflow to be disrupted and can look like stumbling initial acceleration or even stalling after coming to a stop. If your acceleration is slow or uneven, it could also point to a dirty throttle body. Another indicator is if your car has poor fuel economy, in other words if it is going through fuel too quickly. One way to track this is to fill up your tank and record how many kilometres you are travelling before it is empty and whether this matches the car’s indication of kilometres travelled. If you are checking your throttle body, look out for a build-up of grime or dirt. It sounds obvious but this is a sign that your throttle body could use some attention.
Does Cleaning Throttle Body Make a Difference?
As you can probably tell by now, knowing how to clean throttle body on car is super important to ensure that your car’s engine is not suffering. Cleaning the throttle body properly will help improve the idle, acceleration, fuel efficiency, and any potential issues with stalling. Your car will drive smoother and more efficiently and you will be saving money on fuel so it is definitely worth the investment of time and energy into cleaning the throttle body.
It is also equally as important to know how to clean throttle body properly as you can potentially damage your engine by allowing grime or dirt to enter it or by disrupting any sensors or painted surfaces through over spraying. If you follow the steps outlined below, you cannot go wrong and your car’s performance will be improved in no time.
What Can I Clean a Throttle Body With?
Luckily for you, the answer to the question what can I clean a throttle body with is simple with WD-40’s Throttle Body, Carb & Choke Cleaner. The specialised formula is designed to safely and effectively dissolve and clean carbon deposits, gum, varnish, dirt, and lead from around the throttle body, carburettor and choke without leaving residue. The powerful solvents can rapidly dissolve even the most tough and baked on carbon deposits. It is suitable for all types of machinery which includes cars and motorcycles. It is easy to use and helps enormously with fuel consumption, stalling, idle and excessive exhaust fumes. WD-40 has invested years of research and science to come up with the best formulas possible and this specialist product is no different.
How to Clean Throttle Body on Car
Outlined below is a step by step break down of how to clean throttle body on car. If you find you cannot remove certain car parts, do not continue the steps and seek the help of a professional.
Step 1: Remove the throttle body.
Ensure that the car is cool before you begin this step. Do not turn on the engine. Locate any hoses that are connected to the throttle body or to the air duct that must be removed to access the throttle body. Ensure you remember where each hose attaches for when you need to put the throttle body back in to place. Disconnect the hoses and remove the air duct to expose the throttle body. Unscrew any bolts that are holding the throttle body in place and remove the throttle body.
Step 2: Clean with WD-40 Throttle Body, Carb and Choke Cleaner
At this point it is important to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect you from the chemicals in the cleaner. Gently spray the WD-40 Throttle Body, Carb and Choke Cleaner down the throttle body and wipe with a cloth to remove any dirt and grime. Repeat the process until it is clean and dry.
Step 3: Reattach the throttle body and other hoses.
Place your throttle body back in its spot and screw the bolts back in. Reattach the air ducts and any hoses that were connected to the throttle body and you are good to go!
What Else Can WD-40’s Throttle Body, Carb and Choke Cleaner be Used for?
As it’s name suggests, the WD-40 Specialist Throttle Body, Carb and Choke Cleaner is also designed to be used to clean the carburettor and choke. It can be sprayed on the exterior of the carburettor or down the body of the choke to ensure both are performing to their fullest potential. WD-40’s Throttle Body, Carb and Choke Cleaner is available from most automobile parts and accessory retailers including Super Cheap Auto, Autobarn, Repco, and Auto One. It’s safe, easy to use and efficient formula make cleaning your car’s parts simple and accessible for anyone. Why leave it to your mechanic when cleaning your throttle, carb and choke is so easy? Grab a bottle today and while you’re at it, check out the rest of WD-40’s Specialist Automobile range and see what other parts of your car you can give some love to. We promise your car will thank you!