How Long Should You Wait to Wash Your Car After Turning Off a Hot Engine?
2 Answers
Normally, you can wash your car 10 minutes after turning off a hot engine. The main reason for this is that the surface temperature of the car body is too high, and washing with cold water may damage the car paint. The following are precautions for car washing: Avoid Using Random Detergents: Do not use laundry detergent, scouring powder, or low-quality soap when washing. These detergents contain alkali, which can strip the oils from the paint surface and accelerate paint aging. Therefore, it is generally recommended not to use detergents when washing your car. For highly corrosive stains on the car body, such as asphalt, oil stains, bird droppings, or insect feces, which are difficult to clean, soak them with soapy water first. Avoid using gasoline, stain removers, or thinners to clean these stains. Avoid Using High-Pressure Water Jets on the Car Body: Excessive water pressure can damage the car's paint surface. If there is stubborn dirt or mud on the car, wet it with water first and then rinse it off. Use a dispersed water stream for spraying. Avoid using plastic brushes or blades to scrape off hard stains to prevent damaging the paint. Avoid Using Water Other Than Soft Water for Cleaning: Do not use water other than soft water, including hot water, alkaline water, or hard water, as these substances can damage the paint. Washing with hard water may leave marks and a film on the car's surface after drying.
Hey, I think washing the car right after turning off a hot engine is a common misconception. When the engine has just stopped, its temperature is extremely high, and spraying cold water directly can cause thermal shock, which might crack engine components like the cylinder block or seals. After a long drive, I always wait at least 30 minutes before washing the car. You can touch the hood—if it feels warm, it's fine; if it's still hot, waiting longer is safer. In hot weather, like after highway driving in summer, it's best to wait 45 minutes to an hour. Also, pay attention to the washing method—avoid aiming high-pressure water jets at hot spots to prevent damage. Developing this habit can help extend your car's lifespan and save on repair costs, especially for older vehicles, which require more careful maintenance.
