Can the engine compartment be washed with water?
2 Answers
It is not recommended to wash the engine compartment with water. The reasons for not recommending direct water cleaning are as follows: Unprotected electrical connectors: In some vehicle engine compartments, there may be wiring harnesses that are not waterproofed, or the waterproofing is not tight enough, with some wire connectors even exposed. Once these parts come into contact with water, it can easily cause a short circuit in the car, leading to a failure to start. Hot engine state: When the car is still in a hot state, it is best not to use a water gun to clean the engine compartment. Otherwise, the water will turn into steam upon contact with heat and enter various components and circuits inside the car, causing significant damage. Moreover, no matter what type of car it is, even if the material is not prone to breaking, hot metal will still undergo certain changes when exposed to water, greatly reducing the car's lifespan. Fuse box: The car's fuse box contains various insurance circuits. Even if the exterior is waterproofed, it is still important to avoid direct water rinsing. Once fuses get wet, it can cause circuit issues and may lead to car fires. To minimize the risk of such accidents, extra caution is needed when cleaning the engine compartment.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I initially thought washing the engine bay with a hose was the easiest solution. Later, I learned that electronic control units, fuse boxes, and ignition coils in the engine compartment are highly sensitive to water. Last time after washing, my car started with hesitation, and upon inspection, I found moisture had seeped into the throttle body connector. Now, I use an air gun to blow away loose dust and apply engine cleaner on a cloth to gently wipe off localized grease, avoiding any water near electrical connectors. After cleaning, I let the car idle for half an hour to dry out any moisture. This method ensures both cleanliness and peace of mind, far better than impulsively drenching the entire engine bay for temporary convenience.
