Choke vs. Throttle: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Choke reduces air flow in engines for better start-up; Throttle controls engine speed by regulating air and fuel flow.
Key Differences
Choke is a mechanism in engines, particularly in older or cold-weather models, used to enrich the fuel-air mixture, aiding in starting the engine. It restricts the air supply, increasing the fuel ratio. Throttle, on the other hand, is a control mechanism that regulates the flow of fuel and air into the engine, directly influencing the engine's power and speed.
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Nov 29, 2023
When the choke is engaged, it provides a richer fuel mixture by limiting air, essential for cold starts when the engine oil is thick, and the battery is low. The throttle, however, is used during the regular operation of the engine, allowing the operator to adjust the engine's output, from idle to full power, by varying the mixture's quantity, not its composition.
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Nov 29, 2023
The choke is usually used temporarily and is disengaged once the engine warms up and runs smoothly. It's more common in carbureted engines than in modern fuel-injected engines. In contrast, the throttle is an integral part of driving or operating any engine-powered machine, used constantly to adjust speed and power.
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Nov 29, 2023
In terms of functionality, the choke is like a helping hand to get the engine started under specific conditions. It compensates for insufficient vaporization of the fuel-air mixture in cold temperatures. Whereas, the throttle is like the accelerator, giving the user direct control over how fast or slow the engine runs, a crucial part of managing an engine's performance.
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Nov 29, 2023
Lastly, while both choke and throttle are vital for engine operation, their roles are distinct. The choke is about facilitating the start and initial operation of the engine, especially in adverse conditions. The throttle, however, is about the ongoing management of engine speed and power during the engine's normal operation.
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Nov 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Enriches fuel-air mixture for easier engine start.
Controls engine speed and power output.
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Operation Phase
Used during engine start-up, especially in cold conditions.
Used throughout engine operation for speed control.
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Mechanism
Reduces air flow to increase fuel concentration.
Regulates air and fuel flow into the engine.
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Nov 29, 2023
Commonality
More common in older or carbureted engines.
Universal in all engine types, including modern ones.
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Duration of Use
Temporary, usually disengaged after start-up.
Constantly adjusted during engine operation.
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Choke and Throttle Definitions
Choke
Choke refers to obstructing or constricting a passage or tube.
The sink was choked with food scraps, causing a blockage.
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Throttle
Throttle means to choke or strangle someone.
The detective story involved a mystery where the victim was throttled.
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Nov 29, 2023
Choke
Choke can mean to struggle or gasp for air due to obstruction.
The magician appeared to choke on a swallowed coin during his act.
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Nov 29, 2023
Throttle
Throttle is a mechanism to control an engine's power by regulating air and fuel flow.
He throttled up the boat's engine to reach maximum speed.
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Nov 29, 2023
Choke
Choke implies a failure to perform effectively in a stressful situation.
The team choked in the final minutes, losing the championship.
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Nov 29, 2023
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Throttle
Throttle can refer to suppressing or quelling something forcefully.
The government tried to throttle the uprising by imposing curfews.
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Choke
To interfere with the respiration of by compression or obstruction of the larynx or trachea.
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Oct 19, 2023
Throttle
Throttle also denotes a lever or pedal controlling an engine's power.
She gently pressed the throttle to accelerate the car smoothly.
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Nov 29, 2023
Choke
To check or slow down the movement, growth, or action of
A garden that was choked by weeds.
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Oct 19, 2023
Throttle
Throttle implies to regulate or manipulate a situation or process.
The manager throttled production to meet the changing market demands.
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Nov 29, 2023
Choke
To block up or obstruct by filling or clogging
Mud choked the drainpipe.
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Oct 19, 2023
Throttle
A valve that regulates the flow of a fluid, such as the valve in an internal-combustion engine that controls the amount of air-fuel mixture entering the cylinders.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
To fill up completely; jam
Major commuter arteries were choked with stalled traffic.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
To reduce the air intake of (a carburetor), thereby enriching the fuel mixture.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
(Sports) To grip (a bat or racket, for example) at a point nearer the hitting surface.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
(Sports) To shorten one's grip on the handle of a bat or racket. Often used with up.
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Oct 19, 2023
Throttle
A valve that regulates the supply of fuel-air mixture to an internal combustion engine and thus controls its speed; a similar valve that controls the air supply to an engine.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
To fail to perform effectively because of nervous agitation or tension, especially in an athletic contest
Choked by missing an easy putt on the final hole.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
A slight narrowing of the barrel of a shotgun serving to concentrate the shot.
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Oct 19, 2023
Throttle
(transitive) To cut back on the speed of (an engine, person, organization, network connection, etc.).
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
A device used in an internal-combustion engine to enrich the fuel mixture by reducing the flow of air to the carburetor.
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Oct 19, 2023
Throttle
(intransitive) To have the throat obstructed so as to be in danger of suffocation; to choke; to suffocate.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
(intransitive) To be unable to breathe because of obstruction of the windpipe (for instance food or other objects that go down the wrong way, or fumes or particles in the air that cause the throat to constrict).
Ever since he choked on a bone, he has refused to eat fish.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
(transitive) To prevent (someone) from breathing or talking by strangling or filling the windpipe.
The collar of this shirt is too tight; it’s choking me.
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Oct 19, 2023
Throttle
(transitive) To utter with breaks and interruption, in the manner of a person half suffocated.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
(transitive) To obstruct (a passage, etc.) by filling it up or clogging it.
To choke a cave passage with boulders and mud
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
(transitive) To hinder or check, as growth, expansion, progress, etc.; to kill (a plant by robbing it of nutrients); to extinguish (fire by robbing it of oxygen).
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
To perform badly at a crucial stage of a competition, especially when one appears to be clearly winning.
He has a lot of talent, but he tends to choke under pressure.
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Oct 19, 2023
Throttle
To compress the throat of; to choke; to strangle.
Grant him this, and the Parliament hath no more freedom than if it sat in his noose, which, when he pleases to draw together with one twitch of his negative, shall throttle a whole nation, to the wish of Caligula, in one neck.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
(transitive) To move one's fingers very close to the tip of a pencil, brush or other art tool.
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Oct 19, 2023
Throttle
To utter with breaks and interruption, in the manner of a person half suffocated.
Throttle their practiced accent in their fears.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
To hold the club or bat lower on the shaft in order to shorten one's swing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Throttle
To have the throat obstructed so as to be in danger of suffocation; to choke; to suffocate.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
(transitive) To check or stop (an utterance or voice) as if by choking.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
(intransitive) To have a feeling of strangulation in one's throat as a result of passion or strong emotion.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
(transitive) To give (someone) a feeling of strangulation as a result of passion or strong emotion.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
(transitive) To say (something) with one’s throat constricted (due to emotion, for example).
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Oct 19, 2023
Throttle
Place limits on (extent or access);
Restrict the use of this parking lot
Limit the time you can spend with your friends
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
(transitive) To use the choke valve of (a vehicle) to adjust the air/fuel mixture in the engine.
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Oct 19, 2023
Throttle
Kill by squeezing the throat of so as to cut off the air;
He tried to strangle his opponent
A man in Boston has been strangling several dozen prostitutes
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
To reach a condition of maximum flowrate, due to the flow at the narrowest point of the duct becoming sonic (Ma = 1).
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
To make or install a choke, as in a cartridge, or in the bore of the barrel of a shotgun.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
A control on a carburetor to adjust the air/fuel mixture when the engine is cold.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
(sports) In wrestling, karate (etc.), a type of hold that can result in strangulation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
A constriction at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel which affects the spread of the shot.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
A partial or complete blockage (of boulders, mud, etc.) in a cave passage.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
A major mistake at a crucial stage of a competition because one is nervous, especially when one is winning.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
The mass of immature florets in the centre of the bud of an artichoke.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
To render unable to breathe by filling, pressing upon, or squeezing the windpipe; to stifle; to suffocate; to strangle.
With eager feeding food doth choke the feeder.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
To hinder or check, as growth, expansion, progress, etc.; to stifle.
Oats and darnel choke the rising corn.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
To affect with a sense of strangulation by passion or strong feeling.
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Choke
To make a choke, as in a cartridge, or in the bore of the barrel of a shotgun.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
To have the windpipe stopped; to have a spasm of the throat, caused by stoppage or irritation of the windpipe; to be strangled.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
To be checked, as if by choking; to stick.
The words choked in his throat.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
A stoppage or irritation of the windpipe, producing the feeling of strangulation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
A coil of low resistance and high inductance used in electrical circuits to pass direct current and attenuate alternating current
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
A valve that controls the flow of air into the carburetor of a gasoline engine
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
Breathe with great difficulty, as when experiencing a strong emotion;
She choked with emotion when she spoke about her deceased husband
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
Struggle for breath; have insufficient oxygen intake;
He swallowed a fishbone and gagged
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
Fail to perform adequately due to tension or agitation;
The team should have won hands down but choked, disappointing the coach and the audience
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
Become or cause to become obstructed;
The leaves clog our drains in the Fall
The water pipe is backed up
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
Impair the respiration of or obstruct the air passage of;
The foul air was slowly suffocating the children
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
Become stultified, suppressed, or stifled;
He is suffocating--living at home with his aged parents in the small village
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
Suppress the development, creativity, or imagination of;
His job suffocated him
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Oct 19, 2023
Choke
Choke is a device to reduce air intake in an engine, enriching the fuel-air mixture.
He pulled the choke to start the cold lawnmower engine.
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Nov 29, 2023
Choke
Choke also means to suppress a feeling or reaction.
She choked back tears during the emotional speech.
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Nov 29, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Why is a choke important for carbureted engines?
It helps in starting carbureted engines by adjusting the fuel-air mix.
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Nov 29, 2023
Does using a choke affect engine performance?
Only temporarily; it's meant to aid in starting, not during normal operation.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is a choke still used in modern cars?
Chokes are rare in modern cars due to advancements in fuel injection technology.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can a choke be manually operated?
In older vehicles, chokes are often manually operated.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is the throttle related to the vehicle's accelerator?
Yes, in cars, the accelerator pedal is often linked to the throttle.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is throttle control important for fuel efficiency?
Yes, efficient throttle control can improve fuel economy.
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Nov 29, 2023
What happens if a throttle is stuck open?
It can cause the engine to run uncontrollably fast, posing safety risks.
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Nov 29, 2023
What is the primary function of a choke in an engine?
A choke enriches the fuel-air mixture in an engine, aiding in cold starts.
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Nov 29, 2023
How does a choke differ from a throttle in its usage?
A choke is used for engine start-up, while a throttle is used throughout operation.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can a faulty throttle affect driving?
Yes, issues with the throttle can lead to irregular or poor engine performance.
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Nov 29, 2023
Are choke and throttle mechanisms related?
They operate independently but both contribute to engine management.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can improper use of choke damage an engine?
Overuse or misuse can lead to engine flooding or increased wear.
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Nov 29, 2023
What does a throttle do in an engine?
A throttle controls the engine's power and speed by regulating air and fuel intake.
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Nov 29, 2023
Do motorcycles have throttles?
Yes, motorcycles use throttles, typically operated by a hand grip.
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Can a throttle be adjusted for better performance?
Yes, tuning the throttle can optimize engine performance and response.
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Do electric vehicles have throttles?
Yes, electric vehicles have throttles to control electric motor speed.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is learning throttle control part of driver's training?
Yes, effective throttle control is a key part of learning to drive.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can the choke and throttle be used at the same time?
During start-up in cold conditions, both might be engaged but serve different purposes.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is a choke necessary for fuel-injected engines?
Typically, no; fuel injection systems manage the fuel-air mix automatically.
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Nov 29, 2023
Does weather affect choke operation?
Chokes are more often used in cold weather for easier engine starts.
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Nov 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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