If you’re a car owner, you might want to give your engine bay a good cleaning occasionally. Not only will it make your vehicle look great, but it can also extend the life of your engine.
Dirt, mud, and other grime can build up over time on your engine bay, especially when wet. This can create an unsightly buildup that’s hard to clean.
Prepare Your Tools
The engine bay of a vehicle is an essential part of any car, which is why it needs to be cleaned regularly. This helps prevent rust and corrosion from forming.
In addition, it also makes maintenance work easier for mechanics. Moreover, it can help spot oil leaks and fluid spills.
Start by spraying a degreaser or cleaning product on the engine bay and allowing it to dwell for a few minutes. Once it has settled, use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the area.
Next, hose down the engine bay using your hose or pressure washer. Use a low-pressure setting, or your hose may damage sensitive components.
Begin with the Underside
The engine bay houses components like your engine, transmission, and battery. Without regular maintenance, the inside of your engine bay can become a breeding ground for dirt and grime, leading to component failure.
While you don’t need to clean your engine bay as often as you might other areas of your car, it is essential to take the time to do so occasionally. Your engine bay will look nicer and can help boost resale value.
A dirty engine bay can make it harder to spot a fluid leak, so take the time to scrub it regularly. Dirt and mud from puddles, off-road adventures, and everyday driving can quickly collect in your engine bay.
Spray Down
Cleaning your engine bay is one of the essential parts of car maintenance. Not only will it help keep your vehicle looking its best, but it also helps prevent rust and corrosion.
Start by spraying down the entire engine bay using a cleaner. For example, Chemical Guys Signature Series Orange Degreaser is a non-corrosive cleaner that will remove grease and stains without harming your car’s exterior.
Apply the cleaner with a low-pressure nozzle or foam cannon and allow it to penetrate soiled areas for 3-5 minutes. Rinse using a higher-pressure nozzle, keeping a safe distance from sensitive components like battery terminals and alternators.
Next, use a brush or rag to agitate the cleaner and loosen the embedded grime. Once the area is dirt-free, hose it down with your hose or pressure washer to wash away any remaining degreaser.
Rinse
The engine bay is one of the most exposed areas in your vehicle. Whether from puddles, off-road adventures, or the daily grind, dirt and debris tend to collect here.
The main challenge is finding the best way to keep the grit at bay and your engine looking new. While some people prefer to take the plunge with a spray can of degreaser, we recommend using a steamer in the wet mode and a high-pressure nozzle to get the job done.
After cleaning your engine bay, you can finally enjoy driving your shiny new car with no worries. Just remember to clean your vehicle in the correct order and be careful with the water-based degreasers you use. You’ll be surprised at how much cleaner your ride will look in no time!
Dry
Using a degreaser diluted 3-to-1 with water, spray your engine bay until you see the gunk start to disappear. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse.
Try a pressure washer for this step, but use it on a low setting. This will avoid forcing water into sensitive electrical components and causing damage.
Once thoroughly rinsed off the degreaser, dry off your engine bay with a microfiber towel. After it completely dries, you can apply a coat of protectant to various components to prevent future buildup.
