By admin 
Car maintenance involves proper and regular cleaning. Elements such as the bodywork, windows , tires or seats are the parts generally taken into account when washing. Often overlooked, the condition of the engine compartment nevertheless plays an essential role in the performance of the vehicle and the durability of certain parts. What are the advantages of cleaning it? How to do it? What mistakes should be avoided? Formation Detailing offers you its advice for cleaning under the hood of your car.
Why clean the engine compartment?
The accumulation of dirt in the engine compartment can contribute to reducing the lifespan of the car. Cleaning it, on the contrary, helps to better preserve its parts and components.
Heat dissipation is one of the main reasons why you need to keep your engine clean . Dirt and dust will, over time, compromise its thermal performance. High temperatures in the engine and certain components increase the risk of breakdown and excessive oil consumption.
When your engine compartment is cleaned regularly , you avoid premature wear of the filters. Otherwise, they can become clogged, especially the air filter, whose intake can be at this level, as well as the oil filter. If maintenance work is not carried out properly, the accumulated dirt easily reaches the crankcase.
Are you thinking about selling your vehicle one day? Know that its value can increase by displaying a good condition under the hood. A clean engine means better performance and proper maintenance of the car , which could lead you to sell it more quickly.
How to clean under the hood of your car?
Proper engine maintenance allows for faster detection of potential breakdowns. To clean under the hood of your car, you can seek the services of a professional. This will help you avoid making mistakes that could damage the system. Another solution is to consider car cleaning training in order to have all the knowledge required to take care of the engine compartment .
Engine cleaning begins with choosing the right products . You will need:
The degreasing product helps remove impurities from the engine. Choose a non-aggressive and ideally biodegradable solution. To carry out the operation, you will also need to wear gloves to protect your hands and stretch film. A microfiber cloth and a soft brush will also be essential.
Remove large impurities
Start cleaning the engine compartment by removing the largest dirt. These are most often dead leaves on the windshield bay or dirt caked in places that you can remove with a brush. Also remove any remaining dust as far as possible.
Protect the electronic system
When cleaning under the hood, water infiltration can cause significant damage. Prevent it by covering the battery, fuse box and connectors . Use cling film to do this and apply spray lubricant to the connectors. The latter provides a water-repellent effect that prevents water from settling.
Degrease the engine compartment
Remove the plastic covers before applying the engine degreaser to the entire bay. Apply enough product, but do it gently. Do you notice stains that are rather resistant? Use a paintbrush or a soft brush to scrub and let it work for about 10 minutes.
Then rinse your engine compartment with clean water . You can use a washing lance without activating the high-pressure jet. You must spray at least 50 cm from the engine and not direct the water towards the electrics.
Grease the mechanics and clean the plastics
The action of the cleaner can dry out the rubber seals and hoses under the hood. That’s why you should spray the lubricant on the visible parts before putting the covers back in place. You can also apply the product to a microfiber cloth to rub the hoses that have already been cleaned.
The circuit board covers can now be removed and the covers reinstalled. Gently wipe them using wipes and dry with a clean cloth. Finish by applying a thin layer of lubricant, just enough to prevent dust from re-entering.
Cleaning under the hood: mistakes to avoid
There are some mistakes you should not make when trying to wash the engine compartment of your car . For example, the law prohibits cleaning your vehicle on public roads, because dirty water could contaminate the ground. This also applies to engine maintenance. You will not be able to wash under your hood in front of your house or even in the garden. Cleaning will be done at a car wash.
High-pressure water is not suitable for this purpose, as the power of the device can damage your engine. Seals can become detached and hoses or wires cut. With the water spray, you also risk touching the electrical parts of the compartment.
Cleaning the car while it is hot is also prohibited. When the engine is generating heat, the products may be less effective. They will dry quickly and may even give off unpleasant odors. You should therefore wait for it to cool down before starting.
Finally, preparing the workspace remains essential. You are working at a very sensitive level of the vehicle and you must take all necessary measures to protect the battery and connectors. These can indeed cause short-circuit problems when in contact with water.
After cleaning, wait a little while before driving again. Experts recommend leaving the hood open for about ten minutes to dry. The process can be accelerated by leaving the engine running.