How to Clean Your Car’s Engine

The engine surface is probably the most forgotten part of the car. The owner will make sure the engine is working properly and that all the oil needed in the car is sufficient. However, surfaces can be neglected and, in addition to grease and oil, can accumulate miles of dirt and dust that can cause eye pain.

Some people think that engines need dirt to work properly; Not true! In fact, cleaner engines run more efficiently because they cool better and are easier to spot leaks and cracks. Also, if you have a clean engine, then dust and particles are less likely to get into the filter. Resale value is always better when you have a clean engine.

The following steps will guide you on how to clean your engine at home without affecting its function.

Why Clean Engine?

Generally, people who live in paved urban areas with little or no debris should clean their engines twice a year.

However, those who live in rural areas or drive off-road a lot – where they encounter a lot of dust, dirt and debris – should clean the engine every three months. The same applies to people who live in areas that experience a lot of snow and rain.

The Benefits of Cleaning Engine

It prevents flammable materials such as oil or leaves from accumulating and becoming a fire hazard.

It reduces corrosion by removing debris and road salt.

It makes it easier to spot any potential hazards, such as leaking fluids and cracks, before they become a problem. This means having a clean engine can make the car safer and protect the driver from malfunctions and accidents.

A cleaner engine can improve a car’s appearance and thus increase its resale value.

A layer of dirt in the engine made it more difficult to work, thus using too much fuel. But cleaner car engines can save money by improving fuel economy and performance.

Step by Step Guide to Cleaning Your Car Engine

Follow these 10 simple steps, and you’ll be proud to show off what’s under the hood.

Step 1: Schedule

Ideally, choose a warm day. Warm weather, especially windy low humidity, will help dry the engine and components after cleaning.

Step 2: Cool

If the car is moving, flip the hood and let the engine cool for at least 15 minutes. Hot engine parts can not only burn you but can also be damaged by rapid shrinkage if sprayed with cold water.

Step 3: Remove

Remove Dirt and Dust

All types of dirt accumulate in and around the engine and cannot be removed in the same way. The plan is to delete each one, step by step. If you’re happy with your plastic wrapping, buy a garden hose with a nozzle and use the hose to wash away dust and dirt. Do not use pressurized water to remove packaging or force water into unwanted bends and cracks where it may be difficult to get water out.

Remove the Grease Layer

Water may not be able to remove grease, and a different method is needed to remove these stubborn stains. The answer is skim products. You must choose between solvent-based or water-based degreaser. The former seems to work better and can easily remove thick layers of grease. However, their disadvantage is that they smell very strong. Choosing a degreaser with a gel or foam formula also helps with the vertical part of the engine.

If you have a degreaser ready, dilute it as directed on the label and let us begin spraying. Spray engine compartment properly, taking special care to ensure that the spray does not reach the paint area. Use a nylon brush to scrub stubborn areas such as around the valve chamber cover, while an aluminum brush is better for metal parts such as heat insulation panels. Make sure your degreaser does not dry out on the engine.

Step 4: Cover

Cover all sensitive electrical components such as batteries, ignition wires and engine control units with plastic bags. If there is an exposed engine air intake under the bonnet, you will also need to cover it. If you feel like you’re going to be extra careful with rinsing, you can skip this step. However, protecting these electronic devices will enable you to clean more thoroughly while reducing the risk of damaging anything.

Step 5: Skim

Spray the entire engine compartment thoroughly with a degreaser. Any household degreaser will do the trick, whether it’s a kitchen cleaner or a special engine degreaser. We used simple green (we love the eco-friendly formula). Don’t flinch, every inch should be covered.

Step 6: Scrub

Depending on how dirty your engine is, you may not need to scrub. However, certain areas, such as valve chamber covers, can dirt for years. A small brush with synthetic nonmetallic bristles will go a long way in removing oil and muck. Add more degreaser if needed.

Step 7: Rinse

If you have an electric washing machine, you can use it under lights, but a standard hose will do. Or you can use a sprayer at your local DIY car wash. Flush the entire compartment from back to front to remove any degreaser. Do not spray electrical parts directly, and avoid spraying large amounts of water on areas that are not easy to dry.

Step 8: Dry

If you have compressed air available, you can blow air into nooks and crannies to remove excess moisture. If not, wipe everything you can touch with a paper towel or cloth. This not only removes moisture but also helps remove any remaining dirt.

Step 9: Replace

Reinstall the negative terminal on the battery and remove the bag covering the electrical parts.

Step 10: Repeat

The key to keeping this project simple is not to get your engine compartment too dirty in the first place. A quick degreasing every year or two will help keep the engine clean while working for no more than an hour. The engine you ride in May never be as sexy as the one above, but the shiny engine compartment is sure to make you happy.

Things to Avoid When Cleaning Engine

Do not remove car parts too quickly; You might put them in the wrong place or put them back in the wrong place. It is recommended that you take photos of any parts you want to remove.

Don’t go crazy with cleansers. Some engine cleaners can leave a residue on the engine, causing corrosion.

Conclusion

Make it a habit to publicize the need to clean your car engine regularly through the steps above. In this way, it is easy to keep the engine in good shape and be able to identify and resolve any emerging engine problems while ensuring safety.