How to Wash a Car Engine and Why It Should Be Done

Keeping the car clean is the task of any car driver. In this case, the machine must be clean, not only on the outside but inside also. Most drivers keep the interior in a tidy state, but they practically do not look under the hood, where dirt also accumulates.

Good prevention of problems with the motor includes its timely cleaning. It is possible to wash the car engine in a professional car wash, but this will take too much time and will cost money. At the same time, it is easy to clean the car engine with your own hands, but this should be done correctly.

Why Do You Need to Wash the Engine

Car manufacturers recommend car owners to look under the hood only in cases when it is necessary to add consumable liquids. At the same time, companies do not provide advice on how to clean the engine. This procedure is really not mandatory, but there are several reasons why the motor and engine bay of the car should be kept clean:

• On a dirty engine, it is difficult to track the leakage of consumable liquids – antifreeze, oil, and others. Thus, the driver can remain unaware for a long time that he has a malfunction, thereby allowing the problem to get worse.
• A large layer of dirt on the engine is dangerous in terms of fire. If the engine gets so polluted that it is difficult for them to transfer heat to the atmosphere, this can lead to overheating of the engine or in the worst case, fire.
• A clean motor consumes less fuel. If you understand the processes that occur in the engine, it can be noted that due to the pollution, the power characteristics of the vehicle are reduced, due to decreased efficiency with the cooling of the motor. This leads to increased fuel consumption and additional wear on various engine parts.
• A dirty engine leads to current leakage in the electrical wiring. This can lead to problems with starting the engine and, as a result, starter malfunctions due to its prolonged operation at the moments of starting the motor.

Why Do You Need to Wash the Engine Carefully

Many engines are susceptible to moisture, and if you start to clean them without

proper knowledge, this may have the following consequences:

1. Failure of electrical equipment, up to the occurrence of a short circuit.
2. Damage to expensive components, such as the alternator.
3. Engine ignition due to the use of improper cleaning agents.

Preparation For Washing the Engine

Before you start cleaning the car engine from adhering dirt, leakage of liquids, dust and other things, you need to choose the right place to do this. When a place is chosen, it is necessary to make sure that the equipment for washing has adjustable water pressure, since a strong jet of water can damage the motor. You also need to buy the proper cleaning detergent for the engine.

It needs to cope with the specific dirt under the hood of the car, that is, the use of standard powders, dish-washing detergents or other household items will not bring a good result. It should not contain gasoline, kerosene and other combustible materials that may cause a fire.

To clean the engine, it’s better to choose specialized tools that can be purchased at any automotive store. Such tools can clean oil marks, burnt salt spots and other dirt accumulated under the hood of the car. In addition, they won’t harm the plastic and rubber elements.

When the tools and the necessary means for cleaning the engine are acquired, you should prepare the car:

1. Lift the hood and securely fasten it.
2. Warm up the engine slightly to keep it warm but not hot.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Take plastic bags and scotch, and with their help isolate all the elements that moisture can cause harm: alternator, connectors, air intake, distributor and so on.

How to Wash the Car Engine

As noted above, to clean the engine from dirt, it is necessary to set the minimum pressure so that the water jet does not damage the connections and wiring. After this, proceed with the process of washing the motor, by performing the following steps:

• Read the instructions for the detergent and apply it to all contaminated elements of the engine, and then allow to sit for some time (usually no more than 5 minutes).
• Next, wash the detergent off and the engine will seem much cleaner, but there will be places where the foam did not reach.
• Re-apply the engine cleaner using a brush or other device to reach particularly difficult areas.
• After that, wait a while again and rinse off with water.
• When all items are cleaned, you will need to dry the engine. To do this, you can use a compressor or a can of compressed air, which is easy to buy at any computer store. Some motorists dry the engine with a vacuum cleaner.

At this procedure, the washing of the engine can be considered complete. All that remains is to remove the protective coverings from the motor units, install the battery and make sure that the engine works without any complaints.

Such a procedure will be also necessary if you are going to sell your car for cash. Many potential buyers pay attention to how the car looks under the hood. It can significantly raise the price of your car.