If you’re looking to clean your car engine at home, it is important to remember that some of these tasks can be very dangerous and should not be attempted alone. Always wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles when DIY cleaning your car, or handling cleaning chemicals.
Here is a step-by-step process for cleaning your car engine safely in your own garage.
Let Your Engine Cool Off
The first step is to let the engine cool off. Trying to clean an engine that’s still hot will only get you burned. Give it time to cool down, and then start the cleaning process. If you attempt to apply a degreaser when the engine is still hot, the heat will cause the degreaser to evaporate, and you will fail to achieve the desired result.
Wear Protective Gear
When cleaning an engine, it’s important to wear protective gear. This includes goggles to protect your eyes from any harmful chemicals. It’s also a good idea to wear a mask to protect your lungs from any harmful fumes. Ensure that your rubber gloves are on to protect your hands from any chemicals or oils. The idea is to save money, not spend it on medical bills.
Remove Dirt and Debris from the Engine
You must remove all of the dirt and debris. This can be done with a brush. The reason is that if you apply a degreaser on an engine covered with dirt and debris, the degreaser will also wash away with the dirt and debris.
Cover All the Electrical Components
It’s time to cover the delicate components that you see under the hood. You can use a plastic sheet or even some old newspapers. The idea is to protect these components from any chemicals or liquids that you will be using to clean the engine.
Apply a Degreaser and Scrub it
Now it’s time to start cleaning! There are many different ways to do this, but we will share one of the most common methods. Apply a degreaser to the engine and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a scrub brush to scrub away grease and oil. Be sure to pay special attention to any difficult areas to reach. Be sure to read the instructions on the bottle carefully. Some degreasers are meant for use on metal parts only, while others can be used on plastic and rubber components.
Wipe it Dry
Once scrubbed the engine clean, use a dry cloth to wipe it down. If any degreaser residue remains, it will only attract more dirt and grime.
Apply a Protectant
Now that your engine is clean, be sure to protect it by applying a protectant coat. This will help keep the engine looking new and protect it from the elements.
There you have it – a simple guide on how to clean your car engine at home without any help. However, if you’re not comfortable going DIY and you’d like to get it done professionally, you can always trust our certified car technicians to do expertly clean your car engine. Our dealership service center at Acura of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ, will be happy to help you. Schedule an appointment today.
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