Washing the car engine is a mandatory job, just like cleaning all the components regularly. The engine is the head office for most of the job, so build up dust and debris are a widespread thing.
Washing only the exterior part will not keep your car healthy, but most people avoid cleaning the engine compartment as they thought it is a difficult job, which is completely wrong. Cleaning the big hunk of metal and plastic is easy if you follow some steps properly.
You should wash the engine at least once a year. When you go off-road driving, wash the engine compartment every time. Wash it at the carwash will save your time as you will get everything near you. If you are lucky, experts will be around you too.
Although you do not have to depend on others when you know how to wash the car engine.
Why Should You Wash Your Car Engine?
There are both mechanical and cosmetic reasons for washing the vehicle engine. If the engine has dirt all over it, you will face difficulties finding leakage or other problem. If the panel and components are black, the difficulties will increase. A clean engine also saves the interior part from getting clogged and corrosion.
Routine maintenance of your car will be easy if the engine compartment is clean. You have to regularly check the fluid level and belts, so it is important to keep the engine compartment clean. Also, when you want to sell your vehicle, no one would like to see a dirty engine compartment.
Tips and Guide on Washing a Car Engine at the Carwash
Washing the engine of a car isn’t a basic thing but it isn’t too hard either. With proper precautions to avoid washing car engine problems, and guidance, you can do it very easily.
After offroading at countriside with the car, you may need proper cleaning of the car and sometimes the engine. Here in this article we will discuss some aspects of car washing and cleaning of the engine.
Considerations for Car Washing in the Engine Section
Before car washing in the engine compartment, some things you should consider. First of all, how old is your car? Almost all the new car model is well protected.
Engineers develop safety over time. All the connector has coating and covers. So, you do not have to worry about those components. Just careful with the fuse box and any electric things that are exposed.
If your jeep or car is old, you can say the model is before 2000. You should cover all the sensitive areas with plastic bags car seats, especially it is not a good waterproof car seat cover. Otherwise, water can seep into those areas and make short circuits.
Secure the tape and other wires with rubber bands. Remember, do not use a high-pressure hose to clean the engine. It will lose connections and damage things.
Things You Will Need for Cleaning the Engine
- Hand brush
- Toothbrush
- Stick
- Degreaser
- Clean towel
- Water hose
- Vacuum
- Cleaning solution
- Engine dressing
Car Engine Cleaning Process from Inside and Outside
Here is the process of the cleaning the inside part of the car properly without any safety issues of the car from inside.
Schedule
Always choose a warm day to wash your engine. Avoid rainy and cloudy days, even in winter. You do not have to clean the engine regularly after somedays, once in 6 months or 1 year will be enough. To avoid the winter season to clean the engine. Low humidity and wind help to dry the engine compartment quickly.
Cool the Engine
Never wash the engine when it is hot. Make the engine completely cool before start washing. Open the hood and leave the engine for at least 15 minutes to cool.
Remove
Remove the negative terminal from the battery and plastic cover from the hood. Could you keep it clean later? If you want, you can remove the battery also. The electrical components will be safe when you disconnect the negative terminal.
Remove the Visible Debris
Before washing, remove all the visible debris from the engine compartment. Brush all the areas using a hand brush as we have said in the car tire cleaning with proper dressing article. There is many tight and small place where your hand won’t reach. Use a toothbrush or a stick. Wrap a clean cloth on its head and clean those areas.
Clean the dirt buildup trapped in vent opening, grill, hood, etc. use compressed air or vacuum for further clean. Compresses air will take out nook and crannies.
Cover
Use a trash bag to cover electronic and electrical components, wires, etc. cover other composed are tightly so the cover won’t be loose when you are rinsing.
Degrease the Engine of the Vehicle
Degreaser is helped to loosen oil and grease, which is very important before use. You can also use soapy water, but that is not sufficient. In this case, the engine should be warm up a little so that that degreaser can work effectively. Put an oil pan underneath the car so the excess oil could store here.
Water-based degreasers are better for cleaning the engine. Solvent base, citrus base, foam, gels are also better. The solvent base can clean the dirt buildup, but it is harmful to paint. Apply the degreaser at the bottom to top.
Keep a cloth near you so that you can quickly wipe out the degreaser if it touches the paints. Also, do not overspray the degreaser. It will damage the rubber. Apply it properly so that you do not need to re-wax the tire.
Clean the fenders after applying the degreaser. Rinse all the area properly.
Scrub
Take a clean towel or cloth and scrub the area, such as the valve cover and other tight components. Wipe off the oil and dirt. Apply more degreaser if needed.
Wash the Car Engine from Inside
This is a straightforward step. After covering the area and cleaning all the components:
- Take a water hose and hose water all the area gently.
- Do not apply much water pressure in a sensitive area.
- Use a garden hose or self-made pump for washing the engine.
Dry the Engine
After washing the engine, wipe down the area with a clean towel, air compressor, or leaf blower. It will dry the excess water. You do not need to air dry the engine as it won’t dry completely.
Some areas will still have water. After wiping the water, turn on the engine for at least 5 minutes. It will automatically dry the engine.
Shine the Engine
Cleaning is not enough to make the discolor component looks shine. Use dressing products to make your engine looks shinier.
Spray it on the engine parts and all the areas where it is needed. After spraying the cleaner, wait at least 1 hour, then wipe it off.
Washing Car Engine: Problems and How to Avoid
Dirt and grime make the engine overheat. So, it is important to clean the vehicle engine regularly. Also, nooks and crannies can make short circuits that will damage the engine and other parts. Some say a clean engine runs smoothly.
Others say there is no difference. But a clean engine has some certain benefits. However, it will be better if you do not wash the engine by yourself if you are a beginner. You won’t know where the seeping water gets stuck; also, you will face other problems.
Some build in the shield is not enough to protect the engine components. You have to know which area you should protect. It is also important to know where to spray, which cleaning solution you might use, and how to detail the engine.
If you want to wash the engine, do not make any mistake. Could you not wash the engine when it is hot? If anything gets damaged during the wash, do not fix it by yourself. Call a professional.
Is It Safe to Spray the Engine Bay with Water?
Modern car upgrades the engine bay‘s safety precautions, so no need to worry about spraying water at the bay. The air boxes and wirings are covered with waterproof material, but that does not mean you can use high-pressure water. Some engine parts can be damaged after getting wet. Seal the area properly.
If you have a vintage car, then covering it properly is a big priority. Handling the engine is difficult here. Check the wiring connectors and other parts before washing the engine.
The modified car engine has a problem too. The components protection may not be as good as the original manufacturer of the car. Exposed air intake, air filter, and wiring harness will be damage if you do not cover it properly.
Do not spray the water directly on the alternator and the belts. If there is nonoriginal wiring, also avoid spraying water directly.
How to Clean Engine Bay Without Water?
Water is not the only component to clean the bay. There are some alternative options you can use to clean the engine. Steam cleaning is a powerful cleaning solution, and your engine will make it safe from excessive wet. It is not expensive so you can buy it at a cheap rate.
If you do not want to steam clean your engine, use a spray cleaner and wipe it out. Just pour the water into the spray bottle and spray it on the engine bay. Then use a clean towel to wipe it off. It is not scary to do if you know how to clean a car or jeep engine properly.
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