Symptoms to Watch Out For
3. The Tell-Tale Signs of a Grime-Caked Throttle Body
Now that we've established that a dirty throttle body is, indeed, a bad thing, let's talk about how to spot the signs. After all, catching the problem early can save you a lot of headaches (and money) in the long run.
One of the most common symptoms is a rough or unstable idle. This means your car's engine might vibrate or shake when you're stopped, or the RPMs might fluctuate erratically. It's not a smooth, steady hum, but more like a grumpy, sputtering cough. Another telltale sign is hesitation during acceleration. You might press the gas pedal, but the car takes a moment to respond, or feels sluggish and underpowered. This can be especially noticeable when trying to merge onto the highway or pass another car.
Keep an eye on your gas mileage, too. If you suddenly find yourself filling up more often than usual, a dirty throttle body could be to blame. The engine has to work harder to compensate for the restricted airflow, which uses more fuel. And, of course, there's the dreaded check engine light. While it can signal a variety of issues, a dirty throttle body is a common cause. A code reader can pinpoint the exact problem.
Pay attention to any unusual noises coming from the engine. Sometimes, a dirty throttle body can cause a whistling or hissing sound as air struggles to get past the blockage. Even if you don't experience all of these symptoms, even one or two could indicate a dirty throttle body. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so if you suspect something is amiss, it's worth investigating.