Can Engine Flush Be Used to Wash Cars?

[KayleeAnn]

Engine flush can be used to wash cars without causing any harm. Here are some relevant introductions about car washing taboos: 1. Washing cars under scorching sun: Many car owners prefer washing their cars under the scorching sun, believing that the water on the car body will dry quickly. However, this is not the case. Washing cars under the scorching sun can create a convex lens effect with water droplets, causing localized high temperatures on the top layer of the car paint. Over time, the car paint will lose its luster. If waxing is done at this time, it can also easily cause uneven color on the car body. Therefore, it is best to wash and wax the car under sheltered conditions. If this cannot be guaranteed, it is better to choose cloudy days or the morning and evening of sunny days. 2. Washing cars like taking a bath: In summer, the temperature is high and there is a lot of dust, making the car body easily dirty. The frequency of car washing by owners also increases. Many owners want to wash their cars as thoroughly as they take a bath. It is important to note that the exterior of the car air conditioner must be kept dry. If the car air conditioner is accidentally wet, it will affect its lifespan. 3. Car washing tools: Since car paint is exposed to the air for a long time, it can be damaged, and the paint can easily fall off. Therefore, tools such as plastic brushes, ordinary towels, or coarse cloths must not be used for car washing.

[SanAlice]

I've used engine degreaser to clean my motorcycle engine before, but if you're asking whether it's safe for cars? I strongly advise against reckless use. This stuff is highly alkaline, specifically designed to break down oil sludge and heavy stains on engines. Regular car paint simply can't withstand it – I've personally seen my neighbor's car paint get corroded, turning white and hazy. The car wash guys put it bluntly: engine degreaser is a heavy-duty weapon, even tires turn yellow and crack if exposed. For proper car washing, neutral pH car shampoo is the safest bet – foam gun spray, sponge wipe, and your whole car shines. Saving a few bucks on car wash only to spend thousands on repainting later? That math never adds up!

[HannahMarie]

My buddy's auto repair shop buys engine degreaser in bulk, but they only use it for cleaning undercarriages and engine bays. Once, I got lazy and used it to wipe off a bumper covered in bug splatter—big mistake! The plastic parts on the front bumper faded and turned chalky white, feeling as rough as sandpaper to the touch. Now, I only use pH-neutral professional car wash shampoo, which even allows me to squeeze a bit onto waxing sponges for added paint protection and shine. For those really looking to save money, dish soap is still a better option than engine degreaser—though not recommended for long-term use, at least it won’t strip off the protective wax layer from your car's paint.

[LeJessica]

Those who are into classic car restoration know that engine degreaser is meant for stubborn oil stains. If you really need to wash your car, it's recommended to mix half a cap of neutral car shampoo with a bucket of water and gently brush the wheels with a soft brush. Last week at the auto parts market, I saw a guy using engine degreaser to clean his car door. When he came back half an hour later, the paint had already developed white frost, and the clear coat was corroded. Now he has to cover the entire car with a color-changing film to salvage it. For body stains, use clay bar treatment, and for bug residue, buy a dedicated cleaner for safety—especially for dark-colored paint, which can't withstand strong alkali. This lesson was too costly.