AN MOT mechanic says “everyone has the same problem” with a little-known but key car part.
Motoring whizz Craig, from Walsall near Birmingham, said “sticky” swirl flaps can hurt your car’s performance.
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Swirl flaps mix the air and fuel in car and diesel engines, making them more efficient at low speeds.
But tar often builds up on the flaps over time, jamming them in one position.
Posting on TikTok, Craig said: “I’m sure most of us have had problems with swirl flaps at some point in our lives.
“Swirl flaps are usually found on diesels. They are an intake flap dividing the air intake into each cylinder into two chambers.
“By doing this at low engine speeds, it allows the air in the engine to swirl and gives you a better mixture of air to fuel.
“This will give you better burning and hopefully produce less soot.”
He added: “Unfortunately, they do get dirty with carbon and keep jamming.
“So yeah, clean your flaps.”
To clean your swirl flaps, follow the instructions in your car’s manual to lift them out the engine.
Then scoop out all the built-up gunk and put the swirl flaps back in your motor.
Drivers have gone years without knowing that you can unlock your car’s “hidden menu” with a dashboard push and hold trick.
