Can the engine compartment be cleaned with a high-pressure water gun?
2 Answers
Engine compartment can be cleaned with a high-pressure water gun. Reasons for using a high-pressure water gun: The electrical component interfaces in the engine compartment are waterproofed and not afraid of water. Therefore, it is common practice in many places to directly rinse the engine compartment with a high-pressure water gun. This is routinely done by repair shops and 4S stores without damaging the components inside the engine compartment. Precautions when using a high-pressure water gun: Avoid rinsing with water when the engine is hot. Cleaning the engine when it is at high temperature can cause sudden cooling, which may lead to cylinder deformation or cracking in severe cases. Additionally, rinsing at high temperatures can produce a large amount of steam, which may affect the electrical circuits.
I've seen many car owners at repair shops directly spraying their engine bays with high-pressure water jets, only to end up in tragedy. The strong force of high-pressure water can easily cause water ingress into electrical connectors, leading to short circuits or even blown fuses. Particularly vulnerable are electronic components like sensors and the ECU (Engine Control Unit), which are highly sensitive to water. If water seeps into these areas through gaps, repairs can easily cost thousands. The correct method is to use low-pressure water mist along with specialized engine bay cleaners, followed by drying the connectors with compressed air. Always remember to perform this when the engine is cold, as hot components can crack upon sudden contact with cold water. For regular maintenance, simply wiping off grease with a damp cloth is sufficient—there's no need to risk high-pressure washing.
