Why and How You Should Clean Your Engine Bay

Engine Bay of Car

Why You Should Clean Your Car’s Engine bay

Cleaning the engine bay of a car is important for several reasons:

1. Improved performance: A dirty engine bay can reduce the efficiency of the engine and cause it to work harder, leading to decreased performance and increased fuel consumption. Cleaning the engine bay can help to remove built-up dirt and grime, which can improve the performance of the engine.

2. Increased lifespan: A dirty engine bay can cause damage to various components and systems, such as electrical connections and sensors, which can lead to costly repairs or replacements. Cleaning the engine bay can help to remove debris and contaminants that can cause wear and tear on the engine and other parts of the car.

3. Easier maintenance: A clean engine bay makes it easier to identify potential issues, such as leaks or worn parts, and make repairs or replacements as needed. It also makes it easier to perform regular maintenance tasks, such as checking fluids or replacing filters.

4. Improved appearance: A dirty engine bay can make a car look unkempt and poorly maintained. Cleaning the engine bay can help to improve the overall appearance of the car, making it look newer and well-maintained.

5. Safety: A dirty engine bay can be a fire hazard and can cause damage to the car's electrical systems. Cleaning the engine bay can help to remove any potential fire hazards, such as built-up oil and grease, and help to prevent damage to the car's electrical systems.

It's important to note that it's not recommended to clean the engine bay too frequently, as it can be a difficult and potentially dangerous task, and it's recommended to consult the owner's manual or check with the manufacturer for specific instructions on how to clean your car's engine bay.

How to Clean Your Car’s Engine Bay

Cleaning the engine bay of a car is an important step in maintaining the overall appearance and performance of the vehicle. However, it is important to note that cleaning the engine bay can be a difficult and potentially dangerous task, and it's recommended to consult the owner's manual or check with the manufacturer for specific instructions on how to clean your car's engine bay.

Here's a general step-by-step guide on how to clean an engine bay of a car:

1. Preparing the engine bay: Start by making sure that the engine is cool to the touch and that the car is parked in a well-ventilated area. It's also recommended to disconnect the battery to avoid any electrical issues.

2. Removing loose debris: Use a small brush or compressed air to remove any loose debris such as leaves, dirt, or small stones that may have accumulated in the engine bay. Be careful not to damage any sensitive parts or components while doing so.

3. Rinse the engine with a pressure washer. If you decided not to disconnect the battery, make sure to cover it atleast with a microfiber towel to avoid getting it wet.

4. Apply degreaser: You can use a degreaser specifically made for engine bays, or a mix of water and dish soap. Spray the degreaser on all surfaces of the engine bay, including the engine itself, the firewall, the inner fenders, and the radiator.

5. Scrub the engine bay: Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the engine bay, making sure to reach all the nooks and crannies. Pay special attention to areas that have a buildup of grime or oil. Be careful not to damage any sensitive parts or components while doing so.

6. Sometimes step 5 will be required to do again depending on how dirty the vehicle. This is also where you can get into the finer details with the boar’s hair brush linked in the products below.

7. Rinse the engine bay: Use a hose to rinse the engine bay thoroughly, making sure to remove all the degreaser and debris. Be careful not to spray water directly into the air intake or other electrical components.

8. Dry the engine bay: Once you've finished rinsing the engine bay, use a clean, dry microfiber towel or chamois to dry all surfaces.

9. At this point you can apply a dressing to the plastics to give a deep shine and make the engine look brand new.

10. Re-connect the battery and check for any leaks or damages.

It's important to note that the frequency of cleaning the engine bay will depend on the car usage, exposure to dust and dirt, and personal preference. However, it's recommended to clean the engine bay at least once a year, or more frequently if the car is driven in dusty or dirty conditions. And always be careful when working around sensitive parts and electrical components.

Products to Clean Your Car’s Engine Bay

1. 3D Orange Degreaser (Citrus Cleaner) - Great for getting the engine clean, the citrus will break down the grime very easily.

2. Meguiar’s Hyper Dressing (1 Gallon) - Gives a fantastic finish to the engine plastics, can be applied with any spray bottle.

3. 20” Long Reach Brush - Great for the first cleaning with degreaser to cover a lot of surface area quickly.

4. Chemical Guy’s Boar’s Hair Detail Brush - Great for cleaning a second time to get the details done properly.

Hope that helps, and if you would like to book a professional detailer, go to book.claritycarwashing.com and download our free app for iOS and Android called the “Clarity Car Washing App” at book.claritycarwashing.com/app

Stay Shining San Diego!