How to wash car engine compartment properly?

After many years of use, cleaning the engine compartment is a must, especially for cars that have been used for a long time, with dirt and grease stuck in the engine compartment.

Drivers can also clean the engine compartment themselves, instead of having to take it to the garage. To clean the engine compartment yourself, you need to have certain technical knowledge, avoid wetting or spraying water directly on electrical parts, and choose the right cleaning solution to help the job go quickly and safely.

Let engine cool, remove debris

Clean the engine compartment only when the engine is completely cool. If the engine is hot or warm, open the hood to cool it down quickly, which should take about 30 minutes. Start by using your hands to remove any leaves, dirt, or debris that may be stuck in the air intake, the front windshield junction, and the engine compartment vents.

You can also use an air compressor if you have one to blow out any debris stuck inside. Do not use water to remove these items as this can sometimes lead to cracks and holes in the engine compartment and cause problems for the car.

Protect parts from water

Use plastic bags, cling film or aluminum foil to cover electrical parts. The battery, air intake, fuse... are places that need to be carefully covered to avoid water. Thanks to that, when spraying water directly into the engine compartment, it will be safer.

Spraying steps

Use a spray nozzle with a wide-beam spray mode, gently spray into the engine compartment. Immediately after wetting, use a soft brush or paint brush to scrub the details and corners inside. If your engine has been left for too long, you can use a specialized solution to easily remove dirt, residue, and grease.

Spray water one more time and observe, carefully clean the parts that may have been missed during the cleaning process of the engine compartment. Some engine cleaning solutions contain chemicals, you should use gloves and a mask to protect your health.

Dry the engine

Once the dirt and grease have been cleaned, use an air compressor, fan or towel to dry the parts in the engine compartment. After drying the parts, carefully remove the plastic bags, plastic films... used to cover the parts inside the engine compartment before, and use a towel to clean these parts.

Then, start the car, run the engine for 2-3 minutes to ensure the fuses and ICs work properly and the engine heats up to completely dry the parts inside the engine compartment.

Final check

Finally, check the details inside the engine compartment, make sure the plastic wrap, plastic film... has been removed. Cleaning the engine compartment also helps you avoid worrying about mice, insects, damage to fuel lines, rubber gaskets, helps the vehicle operate safely and protects the engine parts. Cleaning the engine compartment can be done periodically every 3-6 months.