How to Clean Your Engine Bay

You know the 'why', now it's time for you to discover the 'how'. Sure, cleaning your engine bay is a daunting task, but it needs to be done. Cleaning the rest of your vehicle while leaving your engine bay dirty is like taking a bath without brushing your teeth. A spic and span engine bay helps the engine operate efficiently, stay cooler, and keeps the resale value high. So without further ado, here's what you need to do.

Step 1

The first order of business is to gather the following cleaning materials.

  • Engine degreaser
  • Plastic bags
  • Water hose
  • Scrubbing brush
  • Rubber gloves

Before you start cleaning, ensure your engine is cool to the touch. A hot engine will cause the cleaning agents to evaporate quickly, which could leave unsightly dried spots all over. If you just came from driving, allow the engine 30 minutes to one hour to cool down before you begin.

Step 2

After the engine has cooled, use the plastic bags to cover fuse panels, spark plugs, air intakes, and other sensitive components that you need to keep dry. Zip lock bags are good for his purposes, as will extra grocery bags for large components such as the battery terminals, alternator, or coil.

Step 3

Once you're sure that you've wrapped up all sensitive parts in plastic, use the water hose to pre-rinse the engine bay. A quick and light pre-rinse will help get rid of loose dust and grit while enhancing the effects of the engine degreaser. Make sure to cover the entire engine bay with the rinse.

Step 4

Now it's time to spray the engine degreaser liberally, especially on the dirtiest, oiliest parts. Let the solution sit for 10 to 15 minutes depending on the directions on the bottle. Use a scrubbing brush on stubborn dirt while spraying the degreaser to really loosen the stuff.

Step 5

Rinse the degreaser using your water hose, and check your progress. If it still looks dirty, you may need to hit it with the degreaser again. If there are problem areas, focus on them with the degreaser and scrubbing brush, then rinse with water again.

Step 6

After everything is clean and rinsed, it's time to dry the engine. You can use any dry cloth, or a vacuum set on reverse to blow the water droplets dry. After the engine has dried, removed the plastic bags. If the plastic-covered components need cleaning, put on your rubber gloves and clean them using a damp cloth.

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Ford PH: no price increase for Ranger as of Jul. 2025
    Ford PH: no price increase for Ranger as of Jul. 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 04, 2025
  • MG Motor PH to launch D90 early next year
    MG Motor PH to launch D90 early next year
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 04, 2025
  • BYD Cars PH launches limited-run Seagull in Seashell Pink hue
    BYD Cars PH launches limited-run Seagull in Seashell Pink hue
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 04, 2025
  • Mazda PH launches driver development program
    Mazda PH launches driver development program
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Honda Cars PH extends ‘Style Up & Drive Promo’ with special deals for City, City Hatchback, BR-V
    Honda Cars PH extends ‘Style Up & Drive Promo’ with special deals for City, City Hatchback, BR-V
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • 3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 03, 2025
  • Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 02, 2025
  • Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
    Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 02, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 05, 2025
  • Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
    Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
    Cesar Miguel . May 21, 2025