About this month's Biggie special:

This month when you purchase any service over $40, receive a free tire rotation! Services include but are not limited to: transmission service or flush, throttle body service*, coolant flush, A/C service, differential service, etc. 

Please give us a call to schedule an appointment for a service and just mention the free tire rotation. No coupon necessary.

Offer ends 8/30/19.

What is a throttle body service?*

The throttle body service is not a part of a scheduled maintenance, but for some problems, it may offer a simple solution. First, what is a throttle body and why does it need to be serviced

A throttle body is an electronic device that operates the throttle valve. All modern cars have a drive-by-wire system where pressing the accelerator pedal sends the signal to the computer that in turn activates the throttle valve. The throttle valve controls engine RPMs by regulating the air flow. A small electric motor inside the throttle body opens and closes the throttle valve.

Besides responding to the gas pedal, the throttle body has one more important function: in most cars, it maintains the engine idle speed. When you are waiting for the green light at the intersection, your engine runs at a slow speed, typically between 550 and 750 RPMs. To maintain the stable idle speed, the throttle body keeps the throttle valve open at a small angle, constantly adjusting it depending on the conditions.

Over time, carbon deposits accumulate on the throttle valve and throttle body, preventing it from operating correctly. In some cars, this may cause the throttle valve to stick, resulting in low or unstable idle speed or stalling. In addition, the Check Engine light may come on. If the diagnosis reveals a dirty throttle body as a potential cause of the problem, we may suggest the throttle body service.

The throttle body service involves cleaning the throttle body with a special cleaning solution and removing carbon deposits from the throttle valve. In some cars, the idle speed must be re-learned after the service was done. 

At what mileage should this service be done? There is no specific mileage requirements. A throttle body gets dirty at higher mileage (after 50K-80K miles), mostly in cars that are often driven in stop-and-go city traffic or when oil changes are not done regularly.

Iif your car stalls or runs unstable at idle, the throttle body is the common suspect and we would usually check its condition as a part of our diagnostic process.

Every Day Savings:

Oil Change $32.95

Our basic oil change includes up to 5 quarts semi-synthetic oil, oil filter, lube & top fluids, check tire pressures & courtesy 30-point inspection

Who is Biggie?

Here at Crouch Automotive, our dogs are family. We've had "Biggie":

A boston terrier / pug mix since we opened in Rising Sun in 2012. He's been the face of our monthly specials since some time in 2013 and our customers have come to know and love him. The UPS man doesn't dare arrive without his favorite treats!

Starla is our newest addition! She is almost 3 years old now. Biggie trained her to be a great shop dog. She loves our customers and they love her. She's a gentle soul, she loves her belly rubs and has found she really likes the couch at our North East location the best!