Can a Car Engine Be Washed?
3 Answers
Car engines can be washed, and they require regular maintenance. When driving through areas that are particularly humid or have excessive dust, it is also necessary to inspect and maintain related engine components. Below is an extended introduction: Regular oil and oil filter replacement: As the oil passes through the fine pores of the oil filter, solid particles and viscous substances in the oil accumulate in the filter. If the filter becomes clogged, the oil cannot flow smoothly through the filter, which may cause the filter to burst or open the safety valve, allowing dirty oil to bypass the filter and return to the lubrication system. This accelerates engine wear and increases internal contamination.
As a taxi driver with over 20 years of experience, I often clean the engine compartment myself. In fact, it's perfectly fine to wash it as long as you use the right method, but pay special attention to these details: always wait until the engine has completely cooled down before cleaning, otherwise the alternation of hot and cold can easily cause cylinder deformation or cracking. It's best to wrap the wiring connectors with waterproof tape, and the air intake must be completely covered. Avoid using highly corrosive cleaning agents—I use a foam-type specialized cleaner, paired with a soft brush to gently scrub off grease, and finally rinse with low-pressure water. Remember to thoroughly air-dry or blow-dry before starting the vehicle. I clean it once a week, and even a 10-year-old engine looks like new.
As a mom of two who drives, I pay more attention to safe operation. When I first bought the car, I watched technicians at the 4S shop clean the engine, and only then did I realize how dangerous home car washing methods can be. They use a professional steam cleaner from the auto repair shop, with temperature and pressure precisely controlled, and cover critical parts like the generator and fuse box with protective covers before rinsing. When I tried it myself, I found the hardest part to handle was the wiring connector area. Later, I bought an engine bay cleaning pen, which works like a makeup brush to precisely clean grease from the gaps. Actually, a professional cleaning once a quarter is enough, and wiping surface dust with a damp cloth is the safest for daily maintenance.
