If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t give your car’s engine the attention it needs. According to the EPA, neglecting to clean your engine can lead to decreased fuel economy, increased emissions and even shortened engine life. Not sure if you should wash your car engine? Check out this article to learn more!
What is the Engine Washing Process?
One of the most important things you can do for your car is to regularly wash and clean its engine. This process helps keep your car running smoothly and prevents costly repairs down the line. Here’s a look at the engine washing process:
1. Fill a bucket or large container with warm water and add a little soap. Swirl the water around to create foam.
2. Remove the car’s grill, if present, and place it in the bucket so that the engine can be easily seen.
3. Point the hose at the engine and turn on the water flow until it begins to wash over the engine. Be sure to use plenty of pressure when washing; too much gentle handwashing won’t get rid of dirt and grime as effectively. Work in a circular motion, making sure to cover every inch of the engine.
4. Rinse off all of the soap residue with cold water, then turn off the faucet and let the car soak for a few minutes to help loosen any remaining dirt and grime.
Benefits of Engine Washing
If you’re like most drivers, you probably think twice before washing your car engine. After all, what good is it if the dirt and grime buildup on your engine’s internals ruins your car’s performance? But is that really such a bad thing? Here are four reasons why you should give engine washing a try:
1. It Can Improve Performance & fuel Economy
Eddie DeLeon, owner of Eddie’s Auto Spa in Toronto, says that engine wash can actually improve the performance and fuel economy of your car. “The dirt and grease that accumulates on an engine over time can cause significant reductions in horsepower and fuel economy,” he says. “Plus, by cleaning the internals of the engine, you reduce the risk of damaging it.”
2. It Can Help Prevent Damage to Your Car’s Exhaust System
Another reason to give engine washing a try is that it can help prevent damage to your car’s exhaust system. According to DeLeon, ” buildup on the exhaust pipes can lead to reduced airflow and consequently decreased performance.” By cleaning your engine, you can avoid this issue and keep your car running smoothly.
3. It Can Keep Your Car Running Smoothly & Quieter
When Should You Wash Your Car Engine?
If you drive your car regularly, it’s important to clean the engine and lubricants on a regular basis. This will help keep your car running smoothly, and it will also help avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are four times when you should clean your car engine:
Before every use: Before each time you take your car out, make sure to clean the engine. This includes wiping down all of the moving parts with a clean cloth or paper towel.
After every use: After each time you drive your car, make sure to clean the engine. This includes wiping down all of the moving parts with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Before winter: A dirty engine in the winter can lead to frozen transmission fluid and ruined seals. Clean everything before putting your car into storage for the winter.
Whenever there is an oil change: Always have an oil change performed at least once a year, and make sure to clean the engine during that time.
How to Properly Wash Your Car Engine
In order to keep your car engine running smoothly and preventing costly repairs, you should carefully wash it every time you park it. Here are a few tips on how to properly do so:
1. Use a mild soap. Most car engines are built with detergents specifically formulated not to damage the engine. However, some mild soaps like Ivory Snow or Citrus Fresh will work just fine. Just be sure to rinse off all the soap residue before you start the engine.
2. Use warm water and a soft cloth. Pour warm water into your car’s engine bay and place the cloth inside the water stream so that it’s wet but not soaking wet. Gently scrub the entire surface of the engine with the cloth, working from top to bottom and left to right. Be sure to use circular motions and rinse off all the soap residue after each pass.
3. Dry off your engine thoroughly before starting it up. After washing, apply a light coat of oil to the bearing surfaces of your car’s engine and shafts (if applicable), then start the car and let it idle for about five minutes before driving. This will help seal any oil leaks and prevent
Tips for Avoiding Common Engine Cleaning Pitfalls
There are a few common engine cleaning pitfalls that you should be aware of if you want to avoid them. First, make sure to use the correct engine cleaning products. Many engine cleaners are designed for use on vehicles, but may not be effective on engines. Second, be careful when using pressure washers. They can be dangerous if used incorrectly, and can damage your engine. Finally, avoid over-cleaning your engine. This can lead to debris buildup that can become difficult to remove and can cause damage to your engine.
Conclusion
It is a good practice to wash your car engine on a regular basis, but there are some factors you should take into account before making that decision. For example, you should check the manufacturer’s recommendations to see if it needs to be washed regularly or not. In addition, make sure the type of oil and grease used on your car engine is compatible with soap and water. Finally, always use caution when washing your car engine—don’t pour water onto the hot exhaust system!