A 5 Step Guide to Cleaning an Engine Bay

Cleaning the engine bay is a big part of auto detailing and car valeting. The engine is the heart of the vehicle and it deserves proper care. However, it is often overlooked because of other car detailing services as it is hidden under the bonnet.

It is imperative that you get your engine cleaned out. But it is not as simple as giving it a hose down and then waiting for it to dry out. There are special procedures that you need to take care of. The finest detail and mobile car valeting businesses do it with extreme attention to detailing.

You’ll know how they get it done as coming up is a 5-step guide to cleaning an engine bay.

Why You Should Get Engine Detailing?

Let’s get an important question out of the way; your engine is so durable and tough. So why does it need to become part of the valeting process? Well, the simple answer is that it won’t perform as well if it isn’t clean. In fact, a dirty engine can get even more damaged.

The dust that you see on the engine components is quite primitive. In fact, there’s a lot of debris that can accumulate – grease, grime, tree sap, etc. This stuff can not only make the car heavier, but it can also get into and jam moving components over time. But that’s not all.

Having a spotless engine bay means that you’ll be able to diagnose it easily. Any leaks or potentially damaged components will be spotted by you. Lastly, there’s no surprise that a clean engine will be a plus point while selling your car. So do it for the resale value if not anything else.

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The Equipment Required for Engine Cleaning

The right tools for cleaning are key for any DIY cleaning job. The following’s what you need for a successful engine cleaning operation:

• Pressure washer or hose pipe
• Microfibre towel
• Degreaser
• Wash mitt
• Set of cleaning brushes
• Plastic bags
• Car wash soap
• Bucket
• Polishes for metal and plastic (Recommended)

Lastly, you also need the knowhow of engine cleaning.

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The 5 Step Guide to Cleaning an Engine Bay

The following steps are key to make your engine area squeaky clean:

1.      Preparation and Debris Removal

We start by prepping up the engine for a wash. Ensure first that the engine isn’t hot and wrap any electrical wires that are exposed upfront. Make sure to cover major electrical components like the battery, the generator, the fuse box, spark plugs, etc.

Then you get rid of the debris visible to you. You can use the aforementioned brushes or better yet; compressed air if you can find a blower. This should get rid of any leaves, small branches, and any other pieces of rubbish that can cause clogging. Of course, it will remove any loose dirt as well.

2.      Degreasing

Now, we get to removing the grease and this is especially needed for old cars. It is quite simple as you just need to get your degreaser and spray it on your engine. Oilier parts such as oil pan and your starter motor will need more degreaser. Use the brush mentioned above to scrap off anything stubborn.

After you’ve applied the degreaser throughout the engine, allow it to settle for around four to five minutes. It is recommended that you do not let the degreaser near the exterior paintwork. It can cause damage to the colour of your vehicle around that area.

3.      Rinsing

After the grease has settled down, it is now time that we start using water. Simply turn on your hose at low pressure and hose down the bay. If you still feel like there’s grease left, then you may repeat the degreasing process once again. It happens when you haven’t washed your engine bay in a while.

4.      Soaping

Now we’ll start the soaping process and it certainly isn’t any rocket science. You can use a bucket of water to keep your soap and water solution in it. Using a wash mitt is recommended and you can simply apply the soap on the engine parts. Hose it down after a short while.

5.      Drying

With that, you may now pull out the microfibre cloth. Use it to dry the engine components and try to take your time. You can use any cloth but a microfibre towel is recommended because it prevents those nasty water spots. It also doesn’t ruin the colour of the engine parts.

Bonus Step: Dressing

Detailing is always better than valeting because of this step. Cleaning your vehicle is great but dressing it will bring about a well-needed layer of protection. You are recommended to use plastic dressing for all the plastic surfaces, which are greater in number when we talk about new cars.

Try to use a product that is of good quality and one that can withstand the high temperatures in your engine. There are some dressing products that will give your engine a matte finish if you buff if off. Or, you could get a glossy finish if you them the product to dry itself.

Conclusion – Get Mobile Car Washing at Your London Home

So, these were some important tips on engine bay cleaning. It certainly requires a level of intricacy if you want your car to look, feel and run well. This is why you’re recommended to get the finest mobile car valeting service in London – Medusa Auto Detailing.

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