Can the Car Engine Compartment Be Washed with Water?
2 Answers
When the car engine compartment is too dirty, it can be directly washed with water or rinsed with a high-pressure water gun. The steps to clean the engine compartment are as follows: 1. Spray foam cleaner on areas with excessive oil sludge in the engine compartment. 2. Wipe off the foam remaining on the engine with a cloth, then evenly spray water on the engine compartment using a spray bottle. 3. Wipe the water off the engine with a cloth, carefully clean the delicate parts, and wait for it to dry. The benefits of cleaning the engine compartment are as follows: 1. Protect the wiring and oil pipes in the engine compartment, preventing rubber parts from aging, cracking, and metal from rusting and accumulating dirt. 2. Reduce damage from acid rain and corrosive substances to external components of the engine, extending the lifespan of the original parts.
I've been driving for many years and I really don't think it's proper to directly wash the engine bay with water. Once my neighbor used a high-pressure water gun to clean it, and the result was water getting into the ECU, which got fried. It cost nearly 5,000 yuan to fix, and it delayed our travel plans for several days. Water seeping into wire connectors, sensors, and similar areas can easily cause short circuits. In severe cases, it might blow fuses or even damage the engine control module. What's worse, if the engine has just been turned off and is still hot, sudden contact with cold water can cause thermal contraction, potentially damaging plastic parts or seals. My suggestion is to wait until the engine has cooled down, then use a professional engine cleaning spray. Let it sit for three to five minutes, then gently brush off dust and grease with a soft brush, and finally wipe it clean with a damp cloth. This method is safe and hassle-free, and it can also extend the engine's lifespan. Long-term dust accumulation in the engine bay can affect heat dissipation, but washing with water is a bad solution—the risks outweigh the benefits. Remember, safe cleaning is the most important thing.
