Auto Detailing
October 28, 2019

IS IT GOOD TO CLEAN THE ENGINE OF A CAR?

Among others, this is one of the doubts that many of us have when we want to clean or detail an engine.

There are confusions and misinterpretations regarding engine cleaning, as well as malpractice that some of us apply, both individuals and professional centers. In addition, surely you have heard from a trusted friend, family member or mechanic that the engine is bad to wash. Nothing far from reality.

The truth is that, above all, mechanics or mechanics centers are those who most request this type of service for a topic of problem detection. And if it is true that in some cases, due to a bad previous evaluation or a badly carried out process, certain engines have been damaged.

Engine Cleaning

So, is it bad to clean the engine of a car?

Not at all, as long as we know how to do it professionally and have someone experienced. For us, we understand that there are two types of situations in which you want to perform an engine cleaning:

  • Eliminate and remove residues and possible oil residues that may impair the detection of a problem in the engine area.
  • Obtain an aesthetic and beautiful finish of the engine part.

When an engine is cleaned, we always have to know the general mechanics of certain makes and models. We understand that an engine with gasoline, diesel or electric combustion is not the same thing.

The geography and architecture of a car engine can also be relevant. For example, the process of cleaning the engine of a current Porsche or a car with a rotary engine can also determine the method and process to follow. To finish this preliminary evaluation, we have to examine the engine beforehand and detect any possible leakage or electrical element that might cause a future problem.

What risks can you take and how to avoid them?

With the clear premise of knowledge and the prior evaluation of the specialist, the professional center must have professional tools for this purpose. In many cases, the use of steam to clean the engine is recommended, although the reality is that this technique is NOT recommended in all cases, as humidity at certain pressure levels can damage.

Another fundamental factor is the use of water. We cannot use normal water. For motors, having electrical circuits, we must work with distilled or deionized water, a special type of water that is not conducive and ensures that there are no problems with the electrical circuit. Even so, this type of water or method does not guarantee 100% that there may be some type of problem.

Therefore, we return to the importance of the specialist who must examine and check the state of the same before starting the operation. On the other hand, the use of products indicated for motor elements, such as hoses, plastics, and other components, are essential to guarantee a correct clean and detailed motor. After cleaning hard dirt, impregnated oil, and other surfaces, we can continue working manually until the desired result is achieved.

How can I leave the engine as good as new?

To finish, we finish the process by conditioning all those plastics that can protect the engine and the remains of parts. These plastics are in high-temperature conditions. In addition, we must also clean and detail the top of the hood, another area where much dirt and grease tends to accumulate. For this reason, a number of conditioning products are used that give a renewed visual finish. They help to protect it and achieve a show car finish effect.