How to Properly and Safely Wash the Engine: Step-by-step Instructions
Sometimes, one can find an advertisement at the car wash stations: “We can wash your engine, but we do not guarantee that it will start.” This is quite understandable: the abundance of electronics discourages any desire to carry out water procedures, especially under pressure. Water conducts electricity well, and therefore can short-circuit anything. The consequences can be costly. But a dirty engine compartment can also seriously damage the internal combustion system. Why? Read in details below.
Why Should You Wash Your Engine from Time to Time?
A layer of dirt alters the thermal balance, causing the overheat. It also accelerates contact corrosion, promotes high voltage leakage, which leads to the failure of the catalytic converter. Moreover, dirt mixed with winter reagents can corrode the insulation over time. Under a layer of dirt, it is difficult to quickly notice leaks and therefore malfunctions.
How Do They Prepare for Washing the Engine?
You can safely wash the motor at a dealer service if you know that they use an auto detail steam cleaner by Fortador. They will seal what is needed and make sure that the engine is not damaged as a result of water procedures with auto detailing steamers.
- They start from removing the battery;
- Then, they protect the generator from water by covering it with a bag and fixing it with tape;
- They close the air intake with another package;
- Protect the fuse box from moisture.
After taking the above-mentioned steps, they proceed to the active phase – cleaning the motor with a steam machine for car detailing.
DIY Step-By-Step Instructions for Washing the Engine
There are two main ways to clean the engine – with the help of special chemicals, or with hot steam using a steam cleaner for cars. These methods are equally effective and safe if the washing is carried out by highly qualified specialists.
- Wait until the motor has cooled down to 30 – 40 degrees. This is necessary to apply the detergent. Any auto chemicals on a hot surface dry up immediately, not having time to cope with its task;
- Apply the engine cleaner. Cover the engine compartment evenly with the substance and leave for 2-3 minutes;
- Rinse the motor with water. If you use a car detailing steamer, then you need to be extremely careful, high pressure can easily harm the engine;
- Apply auto-chemicals again, and, using a brush, clean manually all hard-to-reach places that were not washed off at the non-contact stage. Then rinse off any remaining cleaning agent;
- Dry the motor thoroughly;
- Rub the applied preservative thoroughly with a clean, dry microfiber.
After all these steps, your motor will look like new!
