Often in detailing a place that sometimes gets overlooked is the engine. It can seem overwhelming – but according to our Accredited Detailers, it really should not be.
With modern engines – it could not be easier to clean your engine bay.
Some safety considerations:
– Be extra cautious with older or classic cars
– If there are any electrical components that do not appear to be covered – resist hitting them with a high pressure water flow. Carefully wrap any exposed connections in a plastic bag
– Cover air filters with a plastic bag for extra precaution – do the same with any belts or fans that may be exposed
For engine degreasing you can use W5 Citrus All Purpose Cleaner or W2 Multi Purpose Cleaner – it is your call. If you are cleaning the bay when cleaning your whole car, clean it after you do your wheels and arches, but before you wash the paintwork.
Step 1: Make sure the engine bay is not at all hot when starting the process
Step 2: Rinse any loose debris and dust with either a hose pipe, or pressure washer at distance
Step 3: Lightly mist W5 Citrus All Purpose Cleaner (neat or 4:1 – depending on how dirty), or W2 Universal Cleaner Concentrate (10:1 – depending on soiling), across the entire engine bay including the flipped up hood. Leave the degreaser of your choice to dwell for at least 1 – 2 minutes
Step 4: Agitate visible build ups with a soft bristled brush, MF1 Microfibre Buff Cloth, or WM2 Microfibre Wash Mitt
Step 5: Remove any bags you have put on the car. Start the engine for a few minutes, and then turn it off – this will burn-off some of the product
Step 6: Apply a fine mist of water starting top down to rinse away the dirt and contaminants
Step 7: Spot treat any remaining areas with the W5 or W2 and re-rinse the engine bay down with a fine mist of water
Step 8: Dry the engine bay top down with an MF4 Diamond Sandwich Drying Towel – your engine bay should be looking much better already. If needed, use compressed air beforehand to help remove any small pools of water that may be hard to access
There are a number of products that can be used to protect and dress your engine bay. You can dress any of the vinyl, plastic, or rubber with T1 Tyre and Trim, T2 Tyre Dressing, or for the ultimate, durable protection, go with C4 Permanent Trim Restorer. If there are any metal parts that need sprucing up then M1 All Metal Polish is a winner – it will bring them back to an incredible shine. You may also want to use a bit of Quick Detailer on the painted areas of the engine bay including under the bonnet and around the edges.
With these steps engine bay cleaning is a breeze.
