A well-kept car attracts all the looks wherever you go, but if you want to take your rides to another level while extending the life of your car, you need to do an engine wash periodically.
Even if the engine is not exposed there is a lot of dirt that accumulates over time. Cleaning the engine may seem challenging, but if you follow the 8 steps we have prepared for you you will see that it is a simple and very satisfying task.
Why is engine washing beneficial to your car?
Before we show you how to do a motor wash, know the benefits of this practice. We highlight five:
- It is easier to detect potential problems before they become a serious problem. If the engine is dirty, it will be more difficult to see if there are leaks and where it originates. Clean motors facilitate the awareness of leaks, cracks, and other problems.
- Removes debris that can accelerate degradation of various engine components.
- Prevents the accumulation of materials such as leaves or oil, which can cause fire on the road or garage.
- A clean engine works better and is aesthetically more beautiful.
- A vehicle with clean engine and engine compartment has higher resale value.
8 essential steps for good engine washing
Step 1: Planning
To make a good internal wash of the engine you need to choose a hot day. The warmer weather, especially with low humidity and some wind, will help dry the engine and its components after washing.
Step 2: Cool down
If the car is working, lift the hood and let it cool down for at least 15 minutes.
Hot engine components can not only burn but can also be damaged if they are sprayed with cold water.
Step 3: Remove
Remove all plastic covers under the hood and wash them separately.
Also remove the negative terminal from the battery. This helps prevent electrical components from being damaged if they get wet. If you feel more comfortable, remove the battery.
Step 4: Cover
Cover all sensitive electrical components with plastic. If there is an exposed engine air intake under the hood, cover it as well.
If you feel you don’t need to do it, skip this step. However, protecting these components will allow you to do a more thorough cleaning with less risks.
Stage 5: Degrease
Thoroughly spray any engine compartment with a defatter.
You can use any degreaser product, even what you use in the kitchen to clean the grease from the stove. The most important thing is that all the grease is removed.
Step 6: Scrub
Now that you’ve applied the degreaser, you can start cleaning.
Depending on the dirt on the engine, you may not need to rub too much. However, some areas, such as the valve cap, may contain dry oil and other types of dirt.
A small brush with synthetic bristers can help you apply the degreaser. Add more product if you find it necessary until the engine is fat-free.
Step 7: Rinse
If you have a high-pressure machine, such as the ones used in car wash,you can also use it for engine washing in a lightweight configuration. If you don’t have this equipment, don’t worry, as a garden hose with some pressure also works well.
Rinse the entire engine to remove all the grease
Try not to spray the electrical components of the automobile directly and avoid pouring too much water into areas that do not dry easily.
Stage 8: Dry
If you have an air compressor available, you will pump air into the corners and crevices of the engine to remove excess water.
Otherwise, make sure you clean everything you can achieve with a towel or a piece of cloth. This not only removes water but also helps remove any remaining dirt.
Now that you have washed and dried the engine, reinstall the negative battery terminal and replace the covers covering the electrical components.
The key to making the engine wash something simple and pleasant is not to let it get too dirty. A quick degreasing every one or two years will help preserve your car’s engine.
