How do 4S shops clean the engine compartment?
3 Answers
4S shops generally use compressed air to blow away the dust inside the engine compartment, which is very common. Basically, they will clean it for you during maintenance at the 4S shop. We can also clean the engine compartment ourselves. However, the engine compartment has a complex structure with some sharp edges, so it is necessary to wear gloves to avoid scratching your hands. Below are the steps for cleaning the engine compartment. Evenly spray the engine foam cleaner on the surface of the engine compartment, applying more to areas with excessive dirt. After waiting for a moment, use a cloth to wipe the foam off the surface of the compartment. If some dirt remains, you can appropriately increase the amount of cleaner on the areas that need it and repeat the process a few times. After wiping it clean, fill a spray bottle with water. If possible, use a specialized cleaning solution to spray the compartment, then wipe it clean with a cloth again.
I've seen many engine bay cleaning procedures in the automotive industry, and 4S shops generally follow quite standardized steps. They first let the car engine cool down, then open the hood, carefully covering sensitive components like the battery and electronic control units to prevent water ingress and short circuits. Next, they spray specialized cleaning foam or liquid to dissolve oil stains and dust, waiting a few minutes for the grime to loosen. Then they gently rinse with a low-pressure water gun, ensuring the water flow isn't too strong to avoid damaging wiring or sensors. After rinsing, they immediately use compressed air to dry all corners, including damp areas beneath wire connectors. The entire process takes about twenty to thirty minutes, during which they'll also check for wiring aging or leakage issues. I recommend cleaning twice a year as optimal - it prevents corrosion, extends component lifespan, and especially during rainy seasons, saves many potential repair headaches.
Last time I took my car to the 4S shop for maintenance, I also had the engine bay cleaned. They parked the car in a designated area, and the staff wore protective gloves. First, they covered important electrical components with cloth pieces, then evenly sprayed a light-yellow cleaning agent. After waiting a minute or two, I could see the dirt dissolving. Then, they used a soft water hose to rinse slowly, with a gentle and not forceful water flow. After rinsing, they immediately turned on the blower to dry, especially around areas prone to water accumulation like the alternator. I watched from the lounge through the glass, feeling reassured throughout the process—no noise or unpleasant odors. After the cleaning, driving felt more pleasant, reducing odors and heat. The cost wasn't high, under a hundred yuan, and I usually opt to include it in the maintenance package for convenience.
