The engine is the heart of the car. Keeping it clean means giving a car the power to perform smoothly.
How to clean car engine bay step-by-step
Make sure your engine is fully cold and do not attempt cleaning if your car has recently been running. Before you begin, disconnect the negative battery terminal. The battery terminal looks like a rectangular box with two posts labelled positive (+) and negative (-).
The positive post may be red while the negative tends to be black or blue. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the nut that’s holding the negative terminal in place, and remove it using your hand. Gently lift the terminal off the post and tuck it somewhere safe to avoid accidental contact.
Don’t forget to protect components such as the battery, ignition wires, alternator, air intake and control unit with plastic bags or waterproof covers.
For celaning:
1. Start by removing large and loose debris such as leaves or twigs with a soft brush or compressed air.
2. Spray degreasing solution like SURAINBOW ENGINE CLEANER to any greasy or oily areas, allowing it to sit according to the product instructions.
3. Use bristle brushes to loosen the set in dirt and grime.
4. Carefully rinse with a gentle stream of water, taking care not to spray directly onto any electrical components.
5. If necessary, neutralise any battery terminal corrosion with a water and baking soda solution.
6. Finish by wiping the entire engine bay dry with a rag or microfibre cloth. Don’t forget to reconnect the negative battery on the terminal and remove any waterproof coverings.
Once your engine is clean and dry, it’s time to reconnect the battery terminal. Simply place it back over the negative post and secure it in place with the nut. When the battery is reconnected, test if it is working properly by attempting to start the car, and check all electrical components are functioning as they should.
