How Often Should You Clean Your Car's Engine?

[Johnathan]

The car's engine should be cleaned every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Below are the benefits of cleaning the engine: Benefits of cleaning oil sludge in the oil passages: The engine block is filled with oil passages, and over long-term use, sludge and other deposits may accumulate inside these passages. Engine cleaning agents can help remove and clear these sludge impurities in the oil passages, ensuring the proper functioning of the engine's lubrication system. Benefits of engine maintenance: When substances like sludge and carbon deposits, which affect the engine's normal operation, are cleaned away, it can improve the engine's performance and extend its lifespan.

[MaverickDella]

To be honest, I've been driving for over 20 years and I've never been a big advocate of washing the engine too frequently. For normal city driving, washing it once a year is enough. If you don't drive much, even once every two years is fine. Why? The oil and dust that accumulate on the outside of the engine can actually cause problems if washed too often—like water seepage, moisture buildup, short circuits, or corrosion. Think about it: engine cleaning is usually done during an oil change at a professional shop, where they use a fine mist of water and eco-friendly cleaners for a quick 10-15 minute wash on a cold engine. The key is to consider your driving conditions. If you frequently drive on dusty mountain roads or construction sites where grime builds up quickly, washing every six months makes sense. But don’t try to DIY it—hosing down a hot engine is a disaster waiting to happen. Safety first! Just ask the mechanic to check how dirty it is during routine maintenance and decide then. No need to waste money on unnecessary washes.

[StSimon]

I think the frequency of engine washing depends on whether it's cost-effective. As a budget-conscious average car owner, I don't recommend regular hard washing. If the car is just used for daily commuting on clean city roads, it's normal for some dust to accumulate on the engine cover. Washing it once every three to five years is fine. Each wash costs dozens of yuan, and a minor accident caused by washing might cost more. The key is to check the degree of oil stains: if the oil pan is leaking and making everything greasy, then you should go to a professional shop for cleaning immediately to avoid affecting heat dissipation or corroding parts; otherwise, frequent washing might wet the circuits and cause short circuits. Pay attention to the driving environment—for example, check more often during rainy or snowy weather—but the core advice is to save money and hassle by washing less frequently and just wiping off surface dust with a wet cloth usually.

[LaQuinn]

Don't randomly wash your engine. In terms of frequency, I recommend doing it every 1-2 years or approximately every 10,000 kilometers driven, depending mainly on the usage environment. For example, if you drive in dusty rural areas, washing it every six months is fine; for city commuting, you can save the effort. Why? Cleaning is meant to remove oil stains and dust, preventing corrosion of the engine casing or affecting heat dissipation, but washing too frequently or improperly can harm components—water entering electrical circuits might cause sparks. The best time is when the engine is cool, and it's advisable to have a professional spray specialized cleaner, which takes just a few minutes. Remember, dirtiness is the criterion: take a quick look during routine oil change checks; if it's not severe, be a bit lazy. Safety always comes first.