Many car owners neglect to wash the engine or rarely carry it out. And in winter, they treat cleaning an important part of the car without understanding. There are also opinions that it is not necessary to wash the engine at all, it can cause harm and cause more difficulties than benefits. Moreover, car washes repel some customers with announcements that the administration is not responsible for the operation of electronic equipment after cleaning. Despite this, it would still be better to entrust such things to specialists in detailing and professional car care alarmauto-vrn.ru - this will avoid a lot of trouble if you do not have experience.
It can be firmly stated that engine washing is mandatory. This doesn't mean you have to wash it every week. But you need to maintain neatness in the engine compartment. Why is all this needed? And then, so that the engine does not overheat due to a large layer of dirt on it. Items such as boots and belts will last longer if they are clean.
In summer engine compartment becomes more polluted. The engine overheats faster and its performance is negatively affected.
IN winter time There are a lot of aggressive chemicals on the roads. If they get on the engine, they can lead to corrosion. In cold weather, oil leaks through oil seals and clamp connections are more likely to occur. In this regard, fuel consumption increases and there is a loss of power characteristics. That is, the wear process accelerates.
But many people have a question: is it possible to wash the engine in winter, and how to do it correctly? Let's look into this issue.
Is it possible to wash the engine in winter?
1. Dirt and oil collected under the hood have a bad effect on the operation of electronic equipment. Electrical wiring and other electrical mechanisms may fail. Even an ignition caused by a small short circuit is likely.
2. A dirty motor is more likely to overheat than a clean one. IN lubrication system, due to the increase in temperature, the engine oil may dilute, which will lead to boiling in the future.
3. Fire safety. In the engine compartment of a dirty engine, accumulated oil stains can ignite.
4. It is easier to sell a car with a clean engine, because presentation plays an important role.
5. Difficulties arise in engine maintenance. The owner of the car, due to contamination, may not notice malfunctions that will later lead to very serious damage.
1. You need to be very careful with flammable products that are intended for washing the engine.
2. In most cases, this process is poorly tolerated by foreign cars, especially from the electrical equipment side. There is a possibility that moisture will get into electrical mechanisms despite the polyethylene covering them..
3. You must choose a car service meticulously, because the performance of your car depends on the preparedness of the specialists.
4. If cleaning the motor is done personally, poor drying is possible, which most likely will lead to a short circuit in the wiring.
It is advisable not to forget that car manufacturers allow washing the engine only in in rare cases. Any car owner must determine the degree of need. It is also worth remembering that contamination will not cause as much harm as a stream of water.
If the car has an old diesel engine and fuel system high pressure, then you should not be afraid of cleaning the motor. Even if you completely lower it into the water, everything will be fine with it, because they have increased reliability. And here gasoline engines They will stop working due to contact with water. And there are no exceptions or discounts for car age.
How to properly wash your engine in winter?
In cold weather, on the street, it is impossible to fully wash the engine with your own hands if you do not have a heated room and skills in handling chemicals. It is better to turn to professionals from a car wash. There is no need to be afraid of negative consequences. An experienced cleaner will take absolutely every precaution. The engine compartment will be like new, which will certainly please you.
But, before you put your car in the hands of professionals, you need to find out about the quality of the services they provide and the professional skills of the specialists. It is also necessary to understand how the process will take place and whether the use of high blood pressure medications is possible.
How newer car, the safer it is to wash its engine. Modern cars have engines with a high degree of protection against liquids. Their electrical wiring insulation is much higher than that of older cars. The most dangerous thing to wash carburetor engines. Water gets on the contacts of the ignition system, and then the engine will not start. And also water will get in into the carburetor itself and into air filter. Some experts advise washing carburetor engines only in running condition.
If you want to wash the engine yourself, you should know the technology. Now we will look at it.
Engine cleaning technology.
1. It should not be cold (30-40 degrees), you should warm it up and turn it off;
2. Air collectors and alarms should be closed from moisture penetration;
3. The battery and all electrical equipment should be covered with polyethylene and secured with tape;
4. For cleaning you need to use only special detergents;
5. The product is applied to the entire engine, then you need to wait a little for the dirt to soak;
6. Then use a brush to clean all hard-to-reach places;
7. It is rinsed and the process is repeated on the uncleaned areas;
8. After this, all polyethylene protective material can be removed;
9. Dry the engine;
10. After it has completely dried, you need to start it to make sure it is working properly.
The oil pan and cylinder block should be thoroughly washed. Special attention worth paying attention to cleaning high voltage wires. Contaminants accumulated on them contribute to the flow of current to ground. This may lead to a crash regular work engine.
To dry the engine, it is best to use a compressor or vacuum cleaner in blowing mode. It is necessary to blow off all contacts and dry the electrical connections thoroughly.
Using a "carcher".
Let's answer another common question from motorists. Is it possible to clean the engine with a Karcher?
Let's look at the reasons why its use is extremely inappropriate:
1. A powerful jet can destroy inscriptions on engine components, as well as pierce material on the hood;
2. Liquid that gets into the motor will not go anywhere and will cause corrosion of the motor;
3. It is impossible to prevent moisture from entering candle wells, relay housing, distributor.
It is better not to use a high-pressure car wash, but to use easier methods for cleaning the engine.
If you still use a “karcher”, then you need to use compressed air to remove residual moisture.
Let's sum it up
Thus, engine washing can be done in winter. With the right approach, no problems will arise. You must fully adhere to the plan and follow the rules for cleaning the engine. Avoid using high pressure car washes. At the end, it is important to dry everything so that there is no liquid left anywhere. If you prefer car washes, you need to choose reliable companies with highly qualified specialists.
You can see how to wash a car engine in the video:
Most car enthusiasts treat washing the engine and the entire car in winter period with great apprehension. At the same time, the issue of keeping the car clean in winter still remains quite relevant. On the one hand, aggressive road reagents get on the car, accelerating the corrosion process, that is, it is advisable to wash them off. On the other hand, washing a frozen body hot water under pressure leads to a strong temperature difference, as a result of which the paintwork is overstressed and covered with microcracks. After the car leaves the box in the cold, the water in the cracks freezes, destroying paintwork. For this reason, in cold weather, the car body must be pre-warmed before washing, dried well after finishing, and not rush to immediately leave the warm box.
As for whether the engine is washed in winter, the answer will also be in the affirmative. Moreover, this procedure it is advisable to carry out it more often in winter, since engine compartment is not sealed. This means that if moisture, dust and dirt accumulate in the engine compartment in the summer, but the water dries out quickly, then in the winter moisture under the hood is constantly present, mixing with chemicals from the roads, the same dirt and engine oil (if there are leaks) . As a result, corrosion processes are very active, electrical contacts are oxidized, rubber elements are destroyed, etc. Next we will talk about whether it is possible to wash the engine in winter, as well as how to wash the engine in winter so as not to harm the engine and electrical equipment.
Read in this article
How to wash the engine in winter
It is well known that keeping the engine compartment clean helps to avoid overheating. power unit As a result of the accumulation of thick layers of dirt, it is much more convenient to maintain or repair a clean engine. In case of emergency malfunctions (for example, oil leakage), after eliminating the source of the problem, the engine must also be washed.
Let us add that in cold weather oil leaks through oil seals and gaskets occur noticeably more often, and the probability of leakage is high technical fluids through connections using clamps, cracking of pipes appears, etc. The individual rubber parts under the hood will last longer if they are kept clean. Taking into account the above, many drivers regularly wash their engine in the summer, while adhering to the basic recommendations and rules.
However, in winter, most car owners prefer not to wash the engine at all and try to wash the car body less often. Cause- paint protection, the desire to minimize the amount of moisture under the hood and avoid problems with electrical equipment during startup. Many people believe that in winter it is much more difficult to dry the engine after washing. Let us immediately note that there are no fundamental differences between engine washing in summer and winter. The only thing is that it is simply impossible to wash the unit outside in cold weather with your own hands. Do-it-yourself engine washing in winter requires the presence of warm box or garage. Also, the issue of drying should be given increased attention. It turns out that if there is a need to wash the engine in winter, then it is better to contact a car wash or specialized services that provide this service.
General rules when washing an engine in winter:
- remove the terminals from ;
- reliably protect electrical equipment from water ingress;
- apply a special chemical solution to remove contaminants;
- wash off the applied cleaner with a stream of water under low pressure;
You can also use the steam engine cleaning service. This method washing is more in demand compared to a conventional one, since less moisture gets into the engine compartment, and the cleaning result is better.
In parallel, during the winter washing of the engine after drying, you can additionally apply anti-corrosion compounds to those areas where the appearance of pockets of corrosion is noticeable, as well as for preventive purposes to undamaged areas.
Let's sum it up
Although washing an engine is a complex and quite responsible procedure, in winter it is possible and even necessary to wash the power unit in case of urgent need. As you can see, there is no need to be afraid negative consequences after washing the engine in winter. The right approach will allow you to successfully implement this procedure both independently (provided you have a warm box) and with the help of specialists. Main feature The correct way to wash an internal combustion engine in winter is that you must first protect all elements of electrical equipment from moisture, as well as take a number of other precautions. This is done by securing plastic bags with tape and other methods of isolating individual elements under the hood from water ingress.
It is also very important to thoroughly dry the power unit and blow out all areas under the hood with compressed air. Complete removal of moisture from electrical contacts after washing the engine will avoid possible problems during startup and further operation of the power unit.
You should not immediately drive the car out into the cold and park the car open parking or in an unheated garage. The fact is that the remaining water in the engine compartment will quickly turn into ice, which is undesirable. To minimize risks, it would be optimal to start the engine after washing directly in the box, warm up the engine for 5-10 minutes, and then start driving slowly until full exit power unit to operating temperatures. Then it is recommended to operate the car for another couple of hours, avoiding idle time with the unit turned off in the cold for more than 10-15 minutes. For full confidence Then you can leave the car in a warm parking lot or garage overnight (if possible).
Read also
The engine does not start after washing the engine: the main reasons why the power unit cannot be started. What can be done in such a case.
Any car enthusiast regularly washes his car, since a clean body has an aesthetically pleasing appearance and is less susceptible to corrosion. Over time, all car owners face the question of washing the engine to clean all the dirt that has accumulated under the hood. Opponents of this procedure are not unreasonably guided by the principle of “do no harm,” which is due to the capriciousness of electrical equipment when in contact with moisture. But there are many more arguments in favor of washing; it can and should be done, but with precautions.
Why wash the engine and engine compartment?
A serviceable engine with no oil or coolant leaks requires periodic cleaning based on the following considerations:
- An engine without dirt deposits is not prone to overheating. Layers of dust serve as a heat insulator, creating unnecessary load on the cooling system.
- A clean engine is easier and more pleasant to maintain. Replacing oil, spark plugs, filters or process fluids at a service station with a dirty power unit can cause the technician to treat the car carelessly and reduce the quality of its work.
- A dirty engine compartment is a greater fire hazard. There are known cases when oil leaking onto the engine and other parts of the compartment caused ignition due to the ignition of flammable vapors from a spark, overheated or damaged exhaust manifold, exhaust gas breakthrough.
- A clean engine allows you to immediately detect the location of the leak and quickly fix the problem without waiting for it to worsen.
- When selling a car, the likelihood of finding a buyer faster with a clean engine is higher.
Preparing to wash the engine
Before starting the procedure for washing the engine compartment, certain preparatory actions are performed to prevent the negative effects of moisture on wiring, electrical appliances and parts sensitive to wetness. The procedure is as follows:
- Disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery.
- Removing the engine compartment protection.
- Protect sensors, connectors and wires with joints with tape and plastic film. Water-repellent aerosols used to treat connectors and electrical contacts have a good effect.
- Disconnecting parts and assemblies that interfere with access to the engine.
How to wash a car engine at home
When choosing detergent for the engine, they are based on the density of the units under the hood. In simple and relatively old machines, it is not filled too tightly, which allows the use of bottles with a manual sprayer. This design ensures accurate dosing of the product and its savings. For new cars with tight engine compartments, aerosols are more suitable, allowing you to treat all hard-to-reach places.
Concentrated detergents are available in automotive cosmetics stores. They are not very convenient to use, but they are indispensable when heavily soiled, allowing you to get rid of a large layer of accumulated dirt at one time. To wash the engine, it is prohibited to use products intended for the body due to the acid content that damages metal parts. The use of diesel fuel and gasoline is unacceptable, as it threatens instant ignition in the engine compartment.
See which external engine cleaners do the job better:
How to wash a car engine yourself
The engine is washed in the following ways:
- Pressure washing unit. This method is not the best, since a powerful jet of water can damage the insulation on the hood and knock off the information stickers located in the engine compartment. Also, water under pressure penetrates inside the connectors, where it does not dry out for a long time, causing electrical equipment failure and causing corrosion.
- By rinsing off the pre-applied cleaning composition with a weak stream of water or pouring from a bucket.
To thoroughly remove dirt deposits and leaks of process fluids when washing the engine compartment, special detergents are used. Depending on their type, the method of application and preparation differs, described in detail in the instructions on the package. You cannot wash a hot engine, as the product will dry out on the unit body. The procedure itself is performed in the following order:
- After preparatory work Apply detergent to the engine and wait for the time specified in the instructions.
- Using a brush, the most contaminated, hard-to-reach and problem areas engine.
- Rinse off detergent. The operation is repeated until foam and dirt are completely removed from all areas.
- Removing previously installed insulation from film and tape.
- Drying the engine with compressed air. Particular attention is paid to spark plug wells, contacts and depressions where water collects.
- Start the engine and check its smooth operation.
Engine washing carried out in disregard of the above rules is dangerous due to its consequences, the most harmless of which is the engine not starting due to water getting into the electrical wiring connectors. Sometimes car owners do not take into account the significant temperature difference, which leads to deformation of the cylinder head. For this reason, it is better to postpone washing in winter until summer.
During the procedure itself, you must not use a strong jet or work with the battery and use detergents not intended for this purpose.
Bottom line
When everything is done correctly, and the washing is carried out with all precautions, the result of the efforts made will be a clean engine compartment, pleasing not only appearance, but also the absence of certain technical problems. If you are unsure about own strength, it is better to resort to the services of a specialized service that will not only do its job perfectly, but also guarantee that it will be fixed possible problems power unit caused by washing.
Every driver sooner or later thinks about how to wash a car engine. But this is preceded by reflection on the topic of whether it is worth washing the engine at all, because there is a risk that its operation will be disrupted. Let's weigh the pros and cons.
Why you should wash your car engine
- a dirty engine heats up faster;
- dirt and can damage electrical equipment;
- oil stains can lead to fire;
- a dirty motor interferes with troubleshooting;
- A clean engine has a better presentation when selling a car.
Why you shouldn't wash your car engine
- strong water pressure can damage rubber seals and wiring;
- there is a risk of moisture getting on electrical equipment, even protected ones;
- Engine cleaning products are highly flammable;
- not all services wash the engine correctly;
- poor quality drying self-wash may short out the wiring.
So it’s worth weighing these pros and cons to decide whether to wash the engine. If the decision was made in favor of washing the car engine, then here's how it's done.
How to wash a car engine
Of course, you can turn to a specialized car wash for help. But if they offer you a high-pressure water jet there, it’s better to leave there immediately. And the warning that the car wash is not responsible for engine malfunction after a car wash, which appears at many stations, does not add confidence. But in principle, it is quite possible to wash a car engine with your own hands.
Do not wash the engine while it is hot. It is recommended to wash when the engine is slightly warm.
Before washing the car engine, you need to protect the alarm system, air intakes, and electrical equipment from moisture by covering them with polyethylene and securing them with tape.
To wash the engine yourself, you need to apply a special detergent to it and wait a while (indicated on the product) for the dirt to soak. Then carefully wash hard-to-reach areas and rinse the engine. Remove polyethylene and thoroughly dry the engine compartment. Check if the motor is working normally.
Why doesn't the engine start after washing?
If after washing the car engine the car stops starting, the problem is most likely due to careless drying. The wiring may have been exposed to moisture and needs to be dried with a compressor. If after washing, it means that water has got into the candle wells, you will have to remove the candles and dry them along with the wells.
How to wash a diesel engine
A diesel engine is much easier to clean than a gasoline engine, since it is quite difficult to damage it by washing. This can only happen if water under high pressure knocks down the fuel hoses and moisture will enter the system. Another danger is the risk of oxidation, but this can occur if the engine was poorly lubricated during assembly. Otherwise, no difficulties should arise, you just need to thoroughly dry the battery, generator and starter.
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12.04.2018, 11:49 42581 0 Assembly of Motorists
How often should it be done car engine wash, and is it worth doing it at all? There is no consensus among car enthusiasts on this matter. Most owners of steel horses note that this operation has positive and negative aspects. Let's try to understand these aspects in detail.
Engine washing technologies
At many car washes that offer engine washing, this operation is performed using a Karcher high-pressure apparatus. Let us say right away that this method is unsafe. For this reason, at such points there is an announcement that after washing the engine its serviceability is not guaranteed. A directed jet of water can damage power unit components. It is clear that it is better not to use such sinks.
Chemical surgery is also a risky operation. car engine washing. Aggressive compounds can damage plastic and rubber parts. Violation of the tightness of hoses, air ducts, etc. elements will lead to leaks, air suction and other problems. It is not surprising that many points offering such a service do not guarantee the serviceability of the motor after the procedure.
The least problematic is steam engine cleaning. This technology allows you to remove any contaminants without the risk of damaging components located in the engine compartment. A jet of dry steam effectively removes oil and tar deposits and dust layers, but does not flood the spark plugs or air intakes. The technology is little known in Russia, so very few drivers use it.
At all, engine wash with guarantee- a rather rare service. For this reason, approximately every third car enthusiast prefers to perform such an operation with his own hands. There is a reason for this - you will try to do everything carefully for yourself, so the risk of damaging something is minimized.
Positive aspects of car engine washing
A clean engine compartment is not only an aesthetic pleasure. Although this factor is also for many owners of modern iron horses is a strong argument in favor of the decision to wash the engine. The operational aspects are much more important.
Optimal heat dissipation
The most obvious benefit of regular car engine wash: Removing dirt improves heat transfer. The further chain of benefits is clear to any driver: the unit overheats less, engine oil retains its working properties longer, increasing the life of the power plant.
Visual diagnostics
The second aspect is clean engine Any leaks of technical fluids are immediately visible. That is, the owner gets the opportunity to notice the malfunction earlier and take action. It is always easier to solve a problem in the early stages, while the scale is not yet so large.
Preventing Electrical Problems
In winter, roads in large cities are treated with reagents that react with snow and ice to form saline solutions. If such splashes fall on a layer of dirt, conductive bridges are formed. Energy losses are possible, which has a bad effect on the operation of the battery, which already has a hard time in winter. In severe cases, short circuits occur.
Clean gasoline and diesel engines are not subject to such problems. It is extremely undesirable to wash engines in winter, but it is not necessary. Even if splashes of salt water and slush get into the engine compartment, they do not linger on the clean surface of the engine. For those who are particularly concerned about the condition of the car, it is enough to wipe the engine compartment with a clean rag.
Ease of maintenance
Everyone understands that it is more pleasant to perform all maintenance or diagnostic procedures in a clean engine compartment. It’s even more convenient to simply measure the oil level in the crankcase when the engine and other components are clean - you won’t get your hands and clothes dirty. The same situation applies if you need to remove the battery for charging or replace it.
Disadvantages of car engine washing
All the shortcomings boil down to one thing - the engine does not start. The reasons can be very different:
- wet terminals;
- flooding of candles and spark plug holes;
- short circuit.
In particularly severe cases, especially when using high-pressure apparatus, it is possible mechanical damage wiring and other small parts in the engine compartment.
Worth noting: similar problems does not occur when dry car engine wash. A jet of steam, even under pressure, has little kinetic energy, so it is not capable of causing physical damage to parts. It is easy to prevent the terminals and electrical wiring from getting wet by wrapping them in polyethylene and securing the “protection” with tape.
Is it possible to wash the engine compartment components yourself?
Approximately 20% of drivers perform. Some people quite reasonably decide to save money, others simply don’t trust the “heart” of their car to washers recruited from an ad. Whatever the motive, enthusiasts roll up their sleeves and begin to restore order in the engine compartment of their car.
Let's say right away: do-it-yourself engine washing- This is not such a difficult operation. You don't need to have any special knowledge or skills. It is enough to exercise prudence, be careful and follow the recommendations of the detergent manufacturer. We won’t just wash the engine compartment with water.
A few rules
Of course, each car enthusiast has his own preferences on how to perform do-it-yourself engine washing. In addition, the procedure is described in the instructions for using the detergent. But there are rules that must be followed in any case.
Not cold, not hot
Rule one: car engine wash It is recommended to carry out at a unit temperature of about 40-50 °C. Take water at approximately the same temperature (can be 10 degrees hotter). If the surface is colder, oil stains and old dirt will be difficult to clean off. If you pour water on hot motor, the metal can crack or deform due to sudden temperature changes. In this case, you will have to spend money on expensive repairs power plant.
Karcher is evil, although not absolute
Rule two: when do-it-yourself engine washing You should not use an AED. All these Karchers are good for washing the body, wheels and underbody, but in the engine compartment they can cause a lot of trouble. Everything under the hood is protected from splashes of dirt and rain, but a high-pressure jet can pierce seals and flood contacts or some electronic unit.
Protection in the form of plastic film and tape reduces the likelihood that you will damage one of the engine components, but not 100%. The only condition: you can use a high-pressure apparatus if you have good handling skills and are completely confident in your skills. And they are ready to take risks.
Use car shampoos for the engine compartment
Rule three: use special alkali-free products for do it yourself engine washes. Do not try to use washing powder or dishwashing detergent for this - it will hardly do any good, but problems are very likely. It is unknown how this chemical will affect hoses, gaskets and seals.
Washed? Dry it!
After washing the car engine with your own hands It is necessary to thoroughly dry the entire engine compartment. High humidity is an enemy for any metal. It is advisable to use a compressor, but a vacuum cleaner with a blowing function will also work. Blow especially carefully around the terminal areas of the electrical part, otherwise oxidation and deterioration of contact may occur.
People's opinion
We surveyed drivers in the Central region of Russia via the Internet. It turned out that about 46% of car owners never wash their engine compartments. Moreover, half of them simply do not have enough time or desire, while the other half does not do this on principle, supposedly after washing the engine there is a possibility of getting into expensive repairs.
Another 36% of drivers perform car engine wash with your own hands. The majority (16%) wash the engine compartment when it gets dirty. About 15% do this procedure regularly - once or twice a year. Approximately 5% admitted that they washed the engine only before selling the car.
Approximately 18% of motorists go to car washes to clean their engine compartment. If 9.5% regularly order the service, then 6.5% call only when the surface of the motor is very dirty. About 2% more drivers order dry engine wash, preferring to overpay, but be sure that the car will not be damaged.
