How to clean the engine room?Explain the frequency and precautions | Gunet pit full of information on vehicle inspection and repair

Engine related parts replacement [2021.12.27 UP]

How to clean the engine room? Explanation of frequency and precautions

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Even if there are people who wash the outside of the car, such as the body and wheels, there are few who wash the engine compartment. Although it is covered by the body, dirt accumulates in the engine room as well.

However, the engine room is packed with the engine and electrical systems, and you may be worried that if you wash it poorly, it will break. It is true that not knowing the correct cleaning procedure can cause trouble.

So this time, I will introduce how to clean the engine room. We will also explain the frequency and precautions that should be washed, so please refer to it.

The timing of cleaning the engine room is the same as the oil change

The timing of cleaning the engine room is the timing of the oil change.

The timing for changing the engine oil depends on the type of vehicle, but in general, once every 5,000km or once every six months is a good rule of thumb. At that time, check the engine room and wash it if you are concerned about dirt.

The engine room contains not only engine-related parts, but also brake-related parts and batteries. For example, there are many items that should be checked from the engine room, such as checking the battery fluid.

If the engine compartment is dirty, you may not be able to check the fluid level properly. Cleaning the engine compartment not only makes it look better, but it also helps in early detection of problems.

Items to check in the engine room include the following.

Things to be aware of when cleaning the engine compartment

Engine compartments contain a variety of intricate parts, and the electrical system is particularly delicate. In the unlikely event that it breaks down, there is a high possibility that expensive repair costs will be incurred, so let's check the points that should be noted before cleaning.

Many electrical parts such as the battery and fuse box are built into the engine room. It's designed to run in the rain, so it won't break right away if it touches a little water, but it should be as waterproof as possible.

Also, even if you do waterproof treatment such as covering with vinyl, you should not splash water like you wash the body. Basically, let's work with the intention of "Do not get wet".

Basically, it is strictly prohibited to get wet, but depending on the situation, such as when it is very dirty, you may wash off the detergent with water. In that case, wipe off the moisture and dry it.

If you leave it with water remaining, it will cause rust and mold to grow in the engine compartment.

The engine heats up while it is running, so please allow the heat to cool down sufficiently before accessing the engine room.

Also, since there is a risk of getting your hand caught in the cooling fan or drive belt, be sure to check that the fan is stopped (the engine is definitely stopped) before starting work.

As you proceed with the cleaning work, you may be concerned about dirt in small areas. It's tempting to wash it perfectly, but it's important not to overdo it.

・I pushed my hand into a narrow space and pulled out the wire.・I dropped the tool in a narrow gap and couldn’t get it out.・Injured due to an unreasonable posture.

This kind of thing can happen if you overdo it, so let's wash as much as you can.

Five Recommended Tools for Cleaning the Engine Room

Engine room cleaning cannot be splashed with water like the body and wheels, but if you have the following tools, you can proceed efficiently. You can Other than the air compressor, it is relatively easy to obtain, so prepare in advance.

The dirt in the engine room is mostly oil and dust. It's a pretty persistent dirt, but it's easier to remove it by using engine cleaner to float the dirt.

The engine cleaner needs to be washed away with water, so don't forget to waterproof the electrical system. For light stains, we recommend using a dedicated wipe that does not require washing.

Since the area around the engine is intricately shaped, you can clean it efficiently by scraping off the dirt with a brush. You can use an old toothbrush, but since the area to be brushed is narrow and difficult, it is convenient to prepare a "bamboo brush".

Since there are several sizes of bamboo brushes, it will be easier to work if you use them separately for narrow areas and wide areas. Be careful not to use too much force when using as this will damage the brush.

Towels and rags are used to wipe off dirt after brushing. There is no problem even with worn-out T-shirts. We recommend using a soft material if possible so as not to damage the parts in the engine room.

The coating agent is not an essential item, but it has the effect of preventing new dirt from sticking, so it's worth having it. In addition, the engine will be even more beautiful because it will be glossy.

If you spray the coating directly on the parts, it will become uneven, so spray it on a cloth and wipe it off.

Depending on the product, there is also a type that also serves as a dirt remover. For light stains, just remove sand and dust, spray it on a cloth and wipe it off. Recommended for those who want to clean the engine room easily.

With an air compressor, you can easily blow away dirt and dust. It is a convenient item that can be easily cleaned even in intricate areas and can also evaporate moisture.

However, it is expensive and takes up space, so there is no need to prepare it just for cleaning the engine compartment. Even if you don't have an air compressor, you can sufficiently clean the engine compartment.

If you already have an air compressor at home, why not try using one?

Steps for cleaning the engine compartment yourself

Once you have the tools ready, follow the steps below to clean the engine compartment.

1. Open the hood 2. Check if the engine is completely stopped (check the temperature immediately after operation) 3. Waterproof the electrical system such as the battery and fuse box with vinyl 4. Apply the engine cleaner 5. Use a brush or towel to remove the dirt 6. Wipe off the remaining engine cleaner by applying a small amount of water or wiping with water 7. Wipe off the water and dry 8. Finish with a coating 9. Let it idle and dry the remaining moisture with the heat of the engine

The above is a procedure using engine cleaner, but if you use a dedicated wipe sheet, you do not need to perform waterproofing or water wiping.

It is recommended to ask a contractor to clean the engine compartment

If you follow the correct procedure, you can clean the engine compartment yourself, but if you are worried about electrical problems, you should ask a contractor. is also recommended. If you are a contractor, you can also handle fine dirt that you can not remove by yourself.

In addition, the contractors, characteristics, and estimated fees for engine room cleaning are as follows.

Engine room cleaning at the dealer is characterized by high quality. High-level construction using exclusive cleaners and coatings is attractive. Coating also protects easily degraded plastics and rubbers.

・Estimated construction fee: 5,000 yen ~

Most of the gas stations that undertake car washing and cleaning the inside of the car also clean the engine room. The construction content and cost can be said to be between the dealer and the car supply store.

・Estimated construction fee: ~5,000 yen

The cleaning of the engine room at a car parts store is basically done with a wiping sheet that does not use water. It is recommended for those who want to keep costs down because it is simple and good.

・Estimated construction fee = 500 yen ~

If you are looking for an engine room cleaning contractor, please use "Goonet Pit". There is also a list of work results, so you can check what kind of cleaning is being carried out.

https://www.goo-net.com/pit/

Summary

Since the engine compartment is covered by the body, you may think it is not very dirty, but if you look closely, it is much dirtier than you think. It is not necessary to wash as often as a car wash, but it is recommended to wash it at the timing of oil change as a guide.

When cleaning the engine room, be careful not to get water on the electrical system. If you are unsure, we recommend that you either work with only a wipe sheet or ask a contractor.

A clean engine compartment not only looks better, but it also makes it easier to check the brake fluid level and battery fluid levels. In order to perform inspection comfortably, let's keep regular cleaning in mind.

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A group of professionals related to automobile maintenance that produces maintenance articles such as vehicle inspections and inspections, oil changes, repairs, painting, sheet metal, and bringing in and installing parts. We hope that we can help people who are having trouble with how to maintain their beloved cars.

We are a professional group of automobile maintenance that produces maintenance articles such as vehicle inspections and inspections, oil changes, repairs, painting, sheet metal, and bringing in and installing parts. We hope that we can help people who are having trouble with how to maintain their beloved cars.

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