Can the engine compartment be washed with water?

[DelAlexander]

Do not wash the engine compartment directly with water. Before cleaning, the following preparations should be made: 1. Check all the wiring harness interfaces in the engine compartment to ensure they are waterproof (including components such as the battery, engine, air filter, spark plugs, etc.), and then use water for cleaning. 2. During the cleaning process, due to the numerous electrical components and wiring harnesses in the engine compartment, it is prohibited to directly spray the components with a high-pressure water gun. 3. After rinsing, wipe the compartment with cleaning equipment (such as cleaning agents), rinse it with water again, and finally use a prepared dry towel to wipe away the water. If you want the moisture in the compartment to dry faster, you can start the engine after wiping away the water to use the heat generated by the engine to dry the moisture adhering to the surface.

[DelDelilah]

I remember a friend once suggested I rinse the engine bay with water, claiming it would clean faster. After trying it, my car suddenly wouldn't start—turns out water had seeped into the electrical system causing a short circuit, costing me hundreds in repairs. It was heartbreaking. Since then, I've switched to using a damp cloth or specialized cleaner for slow wiping, not daring to take risks. With so many exposed wires and sensors in the engine bay, water can easily corrode components or cause short circuits, especially in older cars or if done on rainy days. If dust accumulates, compressed air can be used for blowing, but rinsing should absolutely be reconsidered. Honestly, I'd rather spend more time on manual maintenance than risk costly repairs for the sake of saving time—a lesson learned the hard way.

[GideonLynn]

Washing the engine bay with water is really not a good idea. I know some people just spray it down for convenience, but components like circuit boards, spark plugs, and battery terminals are all sensitive to moisture. Water ingress can cause short circuits or electric shocks. When I clean mine, I always turn off and let the engine cool first, check for obvious leaks, then use a dry cloth or foam spray to remove surface dirt, avoiding any plastic or rubber parts. Pressure washing might seem quick and easy, but it can backfire—damaging critical components like the throttle body or oxygen sensors, with repair costs easily running into thousands. A simple wipe-down is sufficient; no need for high-pressure hoses. Safety comes first.

[SanMaximus]

Flushing the engine bay with water is a pretty risky idea. The engine compartment is packed with delicate components, and water intrusion can short-circuit the entire system or even cause a fire. I'd strongly advise against it. For cleaning, I stick to dry methods like using a soft brush or an industrial vacuum to avoid moisture issues. Residual water vapor after rinsing can also corrode wiring, accelerating long-term wear and tear. It's always better to err on the side of caution.

[VeraMarie]

As someone who uses a car daily, I never recommend washing the engine bay with water. Cleaning should be done with great caution step by step: First, operate with gloves after the engine has completely cooled down; second, spray cleaning agent on dirty areas, such as regions with heavy oil accumulation; third, gently brush with a soft-bristled brush; finally, wipe with a clean cloth. The risk of washing with water is too high—water can seep into gaps and damage electronic modules or the air filter. Professional maintenance is more worry-free and cost-effective. Regular minor cleanings can keep the engine running smoothly.

[Edith]

From an economic perspective, washing the engine compartment is highly unwise. While it may seem cost-effective and labor-saving on the surface, it comes with a host of potential issues. Water spraying can damage critical components, leading to repair costs easily exceeding thousands, whereas professional cleaning services cost only around a hundred. Personally, I use a dry cloth to wipe key areas monthly, such as battery terminals or air intakes, to prevent water and dust from mixing and damaging sensitive parts. This long-term maintenance approach makes the car more durable without incurring extra expenses. There's no need to take such a big risk with washing; simple methods will suffice.