Washing a car engine - check out our methods. Can you do it yourself?

Every driver knows how important it is to keep the car clean. Everyone pays attention to the body, interior and even the chassis and wheels. Washing the engine is no longer so common. It would be a mistake if this state of affairs arose simply because of an omission. However, many refuse to wash the engine, fearing damage to it. Unfortunately, you won’t get far in such a short way, and the engine will still have to be washed.

Safety measures when washing a car engine

It's a myth that you can't wash the engine yourself. It is enough to do it skillfully, as it should be for such an important element of the car. Under all precautions, washing the engine should not be dangerous for him. All you have to do is follow the recommendations of the car manufacturer and experts. Each engine is designed slightly differently. If there are a large number of electronic sensors in the car, then they will need to be carefully glued. When it turns out that there are too many of them, it is better to entrust the washing to specialists.

There are many companies on the market that specialize in professional car washing and detailing, including engine washing. Not every company will want to take on this, knowing that it is quite difficult. However, you will definitely find the right professional to do it.

It is important to wash the engine in a suitable place. Consider the fact that grease and oil residues accumulate on the engine, which are very toxic, so they should not fall into groundwater. For safety reasons, wash the engine in a place where you can clean up what is left after the process. Never wash your engine at a public car wash without first reading the rules. In the vast majority of cases, this is strictly prohibited for security reasons and you can be fined.

Cleaning a car engine - is it possible to do it yourself?

Nothing prevents you from cleaning the engine in the car yourself. However, you need to familiarize yourself with the design of the engine in order to know which of its components are the most fragile. The best solution would be to reach out to the service book and check where sensitive electronic components are located in a given drive. They should be sealed, for example, with foil and tape so that moisture does not get there. The washing itself should be carried out so as not to accidentally flood these elements.

The question remains: how to wash a car engine? A high pressure washer with an adjustable pressure level is best suited. However, if you don't have one, a simple hose will suffice. Remember that it must be able to control the flow of water. Never apply too much jet directly to the engine. Choose a diffused water beam that will gently wash the engine without damaging its individual components. 

In addition to electrical components, be especially careful with delicate rubber fragments, all kinds of connections, clamps and cables. Too much water can damage them, so never point it straight.

Autochemistry - preparation for washing the engine

In addition to the water source, provide adequate supplies. The answer to the question of how to wash the engine at home will always come down to the fact that it is best to buy professional engine cleaning products. Contrary to appearances, they are not expensive, so if you decide to wash the engine yourself, it is worth purchasing the right liquid. This is important because motors are made from delicate materials that can be damaged by strong detergents. 

Theoretically, you can take a chance using conventional chemicals, but consider the possibility that they will be too harsh. Preparations adapted for cleaning engines are designed in such a way that they do not damage seals, cables and other similar elements. In addition, they are safe for aluminum, which is often used in engines.

The preparations are available in two versions. The first is an option that is first applied to the engine and then flushes the engine compartment. The second option is an engine cleaner without water. You apply such measures to the engine, and then wait for a certain time specified in the instructions. Then proceed to wipe the individual parts of the engine dry. The whole process is completely waterless. It is safe for electrical parts as well as other components.

How to wash the engine at home?

Dry cleaners are very well suited for cleaning heavily soiled engines with oil residue. This is a good answer to the question of how to effectively and safely clean the engine of old oil. Washing the engine with only water, unfortunately, will be completely ineffective. Old dirt, such as oil and grease, adheres to engine parts so firmly that neither rinsing nor cleaning with a regular rag without the use of chemicals will bring good results.

How to clean the engine from old car oil?

If you are already washing an engine that is very dirty, take extra care not to leave oil residue under the car. They will be dangerous for the natural environment and can stay in a given place for a long time. On such a surface, it is best to wash the engine so that you can then drive off and clean it of old oil, grease and other contaminants.

Washing the engine compartment - dangers

The engine after washing can undergo rapid corrosion if a large amount of moisture remains in the sealed gaps. However, this is not a problem that you cannot get rid of. Dry the engine well enough. It is best to wash on warm days to allow the water to evaporate naturally. Do not close the engine hood immediately after washing it. Wait a few hours. 

A good practice used by professionals is to dry the engine bay with compressed air. For this, a simple compressor is enough. Such drying is reduced to the mechanical blowing of water from the cracks, where a large amount of water and even waste detergents could accumulate.

Always wash the engine when it is completely cold. Washing a hot engine can damage it, especially on some models. On the one hand, you should wait until the engine has sufficiently cooled down, and on the other hand, never use too hot water.

Don't forget to start the whole process by disconnecting the battery. For safety, you can even pull it out so you don't accidentally spill it. However, if you can protect it well, you don't need to. The same can be done with the generator, which in no case should be poured with water. If you don't want to risk it and you absolutely have to wash one element, do your best and leave the rest of the engine to the professionals at a later date.

Engine cleaning is an important but often overlooked part of car care. Various cleaning products will help you with this. If you are reluctant to wash the engine yourself, entrust this task to professionals.