Can the engine be washed with a water gun?

[TheoLynn]

Can the engine be washed with a water gun. It is best not to wash with a water gun in the following situations: Hot car state: The principle of thermal expansion and contraction, in the case of a hot car, high-pressure washing with cold water will cause the engine temperature to drop sharply, which may cause oil seal leakage, and in severe cases, cylinder block rupture may occur. Older cars: When cleaning the engine compartment of a new car, a high-pressure water gun can be used, but for cars that have been used for a long time, although the engine compartment is insulated, there is no guarantee that it will not cause a short circuit. It is best to ask the 4S shop master to blow it with an air gun during maintenance.

[GriffinAnn]

I worked as a mechanic in an auto shop for nearly a decade and have seen many drivers cause trouble by using a water gun to clean their engines. In fact, the engine bay is packed with electronic components, like wiring connectors and control modules, which must not get wet. Water ingress can lead to short circuits, frying the circuitry and causing a host of issues—repairs can easily cost hundreds or even thousands. Modern cars, in particular, are more sophisticated with numerous sensors; washing them can trigger endless warning lights and make diagnostics a nightmare. If you really must clean it, using low-pressure water while avoiding critical areas like the battery or fuse box might work, but it’s best not to skimp—professional shops use compressed air for a quick and safe clean, saving you the hassle and potential disaster. Regularly maintaining your car by cleaning dust and grease during routine servicing is the smart way to spend a little now to avoid big problems later.

[LaMelanie]

As a father of two, I always keep safety in mind when driving every day. Washing the engine with a water gun might sound simple, but the risks are significant—getting water into the electrical components could cause a short circuit, potentially affecting the headlights or even causing brake failure, which could ruin the whole family's trip. Last time, someone in the neighborhood washed their engine themselves, and it ended up smoking and stalling, requiring a tow truck and costing extra time and money. High water pressure might also loosen wires or damage seals, leading to endless troubles. For regular maintenance, I prefer a steady and careful approach, taking the car to the 4S shop for professional cleaning. The technicians there know exactly where the engine protective covers are and use specialized sprays to clean it thoroughly. This ensures the car runs smoothly and reduces worries—safety is more important than anything else.

[SanCharlie]

Last year, I bought a used car for modifications and tried cleaning oil stains by using a low-pressure water gun on the engine. The engine was simple, and I avoided electronic parts while washing slowly—nothing went wrong. But afterward, a friend told me his new car's AC started malfunctioning after washing, costing over 500 bucks for repairs. The lesson is: old mechanical cars might tolerate careful washing with low pressure, avoiding sensor areas, but modern cars with smart systems should never be messed with—water damage happens fast. For cleaning, I switched to wiping dust with a damp cloth or using spray cleaners before wiping, saving time and staying safe. In short, don’t rush into risky methods—choosing the right tools is key.