Author: Artur Bonkowicz
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How to wash a car engine?
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You open the hood to refill windshield washer fluid and notice a layer of dust, mud, or greasy stains. Many drivers at this point consciously ignore the need to clean this space. The reason is simple: they’re paralyzed by fear of flooding the electronics. This is a mistake. A clean engine bay isn’t just about aesthetics. It means better heat dissipation and easier diagnosis of potential leaks. Is engine washing safe? Yes – provided you do it with common sense, use professional chemistry, and follow iron-clad safety rules. In this guide, we’ll walk you through this process step by step.
Can you wash a car engine? Facts and myths
Many drivers worry about the risk of damaging their car while cleaning the engine bay. Contrary to these concerns, engine washing is a safe activity, as long as you approach it with proper care.
Modern cars have increasingly better-protected electrical harnesses (so-called sealed connectors), which theoretically makes washing the engine in a car easier. However, the biggest enemies of electronic systems are: high water pressure and aggressive, inappropriate chemicals.
Before you start washing the engine bay, you must assess the condition of the components. If you see deteriorated wires, exposed cables, or cracked fuse box covers – skip it or hand the car over to a professional. If everything looks good, you can proceed. Remember: safety first. Your goal is to remove dirt, not force water where it shouldn’t be.
What to use to clean an engine of oil and mud?
Many car owners make the mistake of confusing DIY car care with using random cleaning agents. Using dish soap, vinegar, or universal solvents is a false economy that can lead to aluminum oxidation, bolt corrosion, and degradation of other vehicle components. Chemistry dedicated to the engine bay differs from kitchen products in that it’s merciless on grease but safe for plastic and rubber. It’s worth investing in professional car cleaning cosmetics instead of exposing your car to the costly consequences of false savings.
To fight greasy dirt, grease, and road deposits, you need a product with high cleaning power but safe for delicate components. The ideal solution is AMBER APC. This is a concentrated multi-purpose product (All Purpose Cleaner) that, after proper dilution, effectively penetrates contaminants.
Why choose AMBER APC?
- Effectively dissolves oil and road films while maintaining surface safety.
- Allows you to adjust the strength of action by selecting the appropriate concentration for the degree of contamination.
- Is safe for metal, plastic, and rubber components.
If you’re wondering what to use to wash a car engine to be effective – choose proven chemistry, not kitchen experiments.
How to wash a car engine step by step?
We present a proven engine washing procedure that guarantees safe startup and restores the bay to impeccable appearance.
- Cool the engine. This is the most important rule. Washing a car engine that is heated risks irreversible cylinder head damage (thermal shock) and instant chemistry drying, which will leave etch marks. The metal should be cool to the touch.
- Protect sensitive components. Use foil and painter’s tape to tightly cover: the alternator, fuse box, air intake (if exposed), and visible electrical connectors.
- Apply chemistry. In case of heavy, greasy contamination, don’t use water first. It can dilute the product or block its access to dirt. The best effect is achieved by spraying the dry engine directly with AMBER APC product. Generously spray the cool bay with diluted product, let it work for 2-3 minutes, but don’t let it dry.
- Brushing. In heavily soiled areas, agitate the dirt with a detailing brush. Precision is the secret to how to wash a car engine to make it look like new.
- Rinsing. Rinse the chemistry with water under low pressure. Use the mist mode on a garden hose or pressure washer from a great distance. Avoid directing the water stream directly at electrical connections!
- Drying. This is a stage often skipped, yet crucial. Blow out water with compressed air or a leaf blower. Finally, remove the foil protection.
- Protection. For a perfect finish, apply ONYX dressing to dry plastic and rubber components. Although it’s a product dedicated to tires, it works great in the engine bay, darkening components, giving them a satin finish, and protecting against aging.
Can you wash an engine at a touchless car wash?
Some drivers wonder if you can wash an engine at a car wash. Although standard touchless car washing is theoretically permissible, in the case of an engine, we strongly advise against this solution for amateurs. A touchless car wash typically offers very high pressure that cannot be regulated. A lance held too close can cut through old seals, force water into spark plugs, or damage hood insulation. Moreover, you often arrive at the car wash with a heated car. And as you already know, washing a hot engine block with cold water is asking for trouble.
However, if you must wash the engine at a car wash, wait until the car cools down and use the lance from a distance of at least 50-60 cm. Remember that at a standard car wash, you can’t thoroughly clean the lower parts of the engine without lifting the car.
Where can you legally wash a car engine?
Wondering where to wash a car engine without getting a fine? Polish law prohibits washing cars (especially engines dripping with oil) in courtyards, lawns, or under apartment buildings if there’s no drainage to the sanitary sewer with a petroleum substance separator.
Where can you wash a car engine safely and legally?
- Your own property: only if you have properly prepared ground and drainage.
- Self-service car washes: check the regulations – many of them prohibit engine washing due to contamination of separators with large amounts of oil.
- Detailing studios: Studios offering auto detailing are the best place where you’ll find specialists with knowledge, experience, and appropriate car cosmetics.
You now know what to use to wash an engine, how to wash a car engine safely, and what mistakes to avoid. A well-maintained engine bay is the calling card of a conscious driver who cares about the technical condition of their vehicle.
Want to take comprehensive care of your car? You can find AMBER APC and ONYX products at our business partners.
Author: Artur Bonkowicz
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