Can the car engine compartment be washed with water?

[ElenaDella]

It is possible to wash the car engine compartment with water, but there are five situations where water should not be used to rinse the engine compartment: 1. When the engine is hot; 2. Electrical connectors that have not been waterproofed; 3. Aftermarket headlight assemblies that have been replaced; 4. Spark plugs must absolutely not come into contact with water; 5. The fuses inside the car should not get wet, as directly rinsing with water can easily cause a short circuit, leading to circuit damage. Common car engine compartments are located at the front of the vehicle, while some sports cars use mid-rear or rear-mounted engines, so the engine compartments of these sports cars are at the rear of the car. The engine compartment hoods of cars can be opened to facilitate engine maintenance.

[DeAriel]

It's best not to wash the car engine compartment with water, as I've seen many troubles caused by such incorrect operations over years of repairing cars. The engine compartment contains many delicate electronic components, such as wire connectors and computer sensors, which can short-circuit or corrode if water gets in. Also, wet battery terminals can cause sparks, which is very dangerous. I recommend waiting until the engine cools to room temperature, then spraying a specialized engine cleaner, scrubbing, and using a low-pressure air gun to blow away dust. If you really want to use water, avoid the wiring and air filter area, and never use a high-pressure washer. After cleaning, make sure to check every corner for dryness, otherwise, the engine might not start or could emit smoke, leading to trouble. Regular cleaning can reduce oil buildup and prevent overheating, but it must be done carefully and cautiously.

[LeEmmett]

I once washed my engine bay myself and ended up with my car barely running, so I strongly advise against using water for cleaning. After hosing it down, the car started shaking violently because water had seeped into the spark plugs, causing a short circuit and corrosion. The mechanic explained that engine bays aren’t designed to be waterproof—components like the fuse box and ECU can easily get damaged if wet. The best method is using foam cleaner: spray it on, wait a few minutes, scrub off dirt with a soft brush, then wipe dry with a towel. Water washing could lead to costly repairs or even compromise safety systems. For routine maintenance, I just wipe surface dust with a cloth, which works well and avoids risks.

[LaKinsley]

Washing the engine bay with water sounds simple but carries high risks. From my experience, once water seeps into the electrical system, it can damage sensors, leading to unstable idling or illuminated warning lights. The battery and alternator are particularly sensitive; short circuits can result in expensive repairs. I recommend using waterless cleaning products, such as dry-cleaning sprays, which are both convenient and safe. Regular cleaning improves engine cooling and extends its lifespan, but always ensure the engine is cool before proceeding.

[McGia]

As a car owner, I used to not know that washing the engine bay with water could lead to hundreds in repair costs. Water not only easily corrodes metal parts but may also cause accidental short circuits. The engine bay is not sealed and contains numerous electronic components like the ECU computer, making the risk of malfunction high if water gets in. When cleaning, first use a vacuum to remove large particles, then wipe local areas with a damp cloth, avoiding soaking critical parts such as the air filter and wire connectors. This method saves money, effort, and protects the car.