CLEAN YOUR ENGINE THE RIGHT WAY

When thinking of a clean four-wheel, don’t just stop at a car’s exterior or interior. The engine, as the crucial component that makes your car move, also deserves the owner’s utmost attention. A dirty engine is highly susceptible to rust and may pose serious safety risks. Oil stains and heat are just some of the typical causes of engine contamination.

How does exactly a clean engine benefits you and your car? The following lists may provide you with the answers. A clean engine:

• Allows heat to be released unhindered by the accumulation of oil stain and dirt in engine components, radiator, AC, and others
• Helps exposed engine components—such as ACG, dynamo or alternator, AC belt, and power steering—to resist wear longer
• Helps radiator and AC fan belt working smoothly
• Maintains optimal performance of power connectivity that may be otherwise disrupted by dirt

Clearly, a clean engine helps your car performs better. Now, let’s take a look on the best ways for car owners to keep their cars’ engines clean.

Engine Cleaners

Cleaning treatment of a car engine differs from that of a car’s exterior, including the cleaning agent used. There are broadly two types of engine cleaners:

• Engine Clean, for removing obstinate stains, and
• Engine Dressing, for restoring engine color

And there are other widely-used cleaning agents that work well for your engine:

1. Kerosene/engine degreaser

Kerosene is opted for several reasons. First of all, it is safer to use than its alternative, i.e. the highly combustible diesel, although some people tend to favor diesel. Kerosene is also easier on the wallet and at the same time has very effective cleaning properties. Engine degreaser, in the meantime, is usually sold as aerosol cans at a higher price compared to kerosene.

 

2. Belt dresser

Formulated as special fluids and packaged in aerosol cans, belt dresser products can be used for any types of belt that your car engine has, such as the water pump belt, AC belt, and alternator belt.

 

3. Cream detergent

Cream detergent is an excellent cleaner that can erode even the stickiest gunk, and is therefore ideal for your car engine.

 

4. Silicone fluids

This type of cleaner is used to maintain the elasticty of rubber or PU-based components, such as the rubber dampers and the rubber in your car hood.

 

5. Grease

This multipurpose product is distinct for its thick, paste-like texture.

 

Engine cleaning process

Once you have all your equipment ready, you can begin cleaning your car engine. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Start with the areas that you can easily reach, such as under the hood. Spray the surface using low-pressure water and then apply cream detergent, or your preferred cleaning agent. Cream detergent is effective to dissolve grime and sludge—the sticky stains left by dirt and oil. Next, remove the grime and gunk using stiff bristle brush and then rinse-off with clean water. Pay attention to your timing; you do not want to let the soap dry as they will stain your engine instead. Once finished, dry using clean cloth to avoid water from dripping to the engine.
• Continue with your engine compartment. Again, at a low pressure, spray water to the compartment. You can use either a regular water hose or a spray can.
• Start from the back of the engine and make your way up to the front using  sponge or a brush to clean the inner components.
• The cleaning process may get tricky as you reach the engine radiator and AC. You may remove the front grille, but remember to do it gently and carefully as its connector is fragile and can be easily broken.
• If you’re using engine degreaser, spray it to the stained areas of the engine and let it sit for 10 minutes. After that, use a brush to evenly apply the degreaser to the other parts of your engine.
• To clean crusty oil sludge that cannot be removed easily using your regular equipment, you can use special cleaning agent that is available on the market
• To clean small and intricate parts, use a small brush to make sure the components are thoroughly clean
• Finally, when rinsing, keep the water or spray at a low pressure to avoid splashes. Rub away stained areas of your engine by applying some pressure using your hands.