Engine Wash

Professional engine bay cleaning and detailing

Safe and thorough professional engine wash service. Remove dirt, oil, and grime from your engine bay while protecting sensitive electrical components.

What is Engine Wash?

Professional engine wash is a specialized service that safely cleans your engine compartment using professional-grade degreasers and specialized techniques. Our experienced technicians carefully clean all accessible areas of the engine bay, removing years of accumulated dirt, oil, grease, and road grime while protecting sensitive electrical components, sensors, and connections. The result is a clean, fresh-looking engine compartment that not only looks better but also runs cooler and makes mechanical issues easier to spot.

Benefits of Engine Wash

  • Better Cooling

    A clean engine dissipates heat more efficiently. Removing dirt and grime layers allows the engine to run cooler, improving performance and longevity.

  • Easier Diagnostics

    A clean engine makes it much easier to spot leaks, cracks, worn hoses, and other potential problems before they become major issues.

  • Increased Resale Value

    A clean, well-maintained engine bay significantly improves the impression on potential buyers and can increase your car's resale value.

  • Fire Prevention

    Removing oil, grease, and flammable debris from the engine compartment reduces the risk of engine fires caused by accumulated fluids.

Washing Process

1

Preparation & Protection

Protecting all sensitive electrical components, air intake, battery terminals, and other vulnerable areas with waterproof covers.

2

Degreasing

Application of professional engine degreaser to break down oil, grease, and stubborn grime throughout the engine compartment.

3

Careful Washing

Gentle pressure washing or steam cleaning to remove all dirt and degreaser while avoiding water damage to electrical components.

4

Drying & Dressing

Thorough drying with compressed air and microfiber towels, followed by application of protective dressing to plastic and rubber components.

When to Wash Your Engine?

  • Every 6-12 months for regular maintenance and optimal engine condition
  • Before selling your car to improve its appearance and value
  • After off-road driving or exposure to mud, dirt, and road salt
  • When preparing for major service or repairs to make mechanic's work easier
  • If you notice oil leaks or fluid stains to locate the source of the problem

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, professional engine washing is completely safe when performed by experienced technicians using proper techniques and equipment. Modern engines have numerous electrical components, sensors, and computer systems that require special care during cleaning. Our specialists are trained to protect all sensitive components before washing, using waterproof covers for the alternator, battery, air intake, fuse boxes, and other vulnerable areas. We use appropriate water pressure and cleaning methods that effectively remove dirt without forcing water into sealed components. The key difference between professional engine washing and DIY attempts is knowledge of what can and cannot be exposed to water, proper protection techniques, and experience with different engine types. We've safely washed thousands of engines without causing any electrical or mechanical problems.
A thorough professional engine wash typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the engine compartment and how dirty it is. The process cannot be rushed because proper preparation, protection of electrical components, and thorough drying are essential for safe results. For heavily soiled engines that haven't been cleaned in years, we may need additional time to apply multiple rounds of degreaser and carefully remove stubborn accumulations. The process includes preparation time (15-20 minutes to protect sensitive components), degreasing application and dwell time (10-15 minutes), washing (15-20 minutes), and thorough drying and dressing (20-30 minutes). While you wait, you're welcome to relax in our comfortable waiting area or we can notify you when your car is ready if you prefer to step out.
No, engine washing will not fix oil leaks or any mechanical problems, but it can help identify them. One of the major benefits of having a clean engine is that it makes it much easier to spot new leaks when they occur. On a dirty, oil-covered engine, it's nearly impossible to tell where a leak is coming from or even if there's an active leak versus old residue. After a professional engine wash, any new oil, coolant, or fluid leaks will be immediately visible, allowing you to address them quickly before they cause serious damage. This is why many mechanics recommend engine washing before performing diagnostics or repairs—it provides a clean baseline to work from. If you currently have known leaks, we can still wash your engine, and in fact, it's recommended to clean it before repairs so the mechanic can work in a cleaner environment and properly assess the extent of the problem.
Yes, you can drive immediately after professional engine washing because we thoroughly dry the engine compartment before returning your vehicle. However, we recommend letting the engine run for 5-10 minutes before driving to allow any residual moisture to evaporate from warm engine components. Our drying process includes using compressed air to blow water out of crevices and hard-to-reach areas, followed by careful drying with microfiber towels. We also start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature, which helps evaporate any remaining moisture. For the first day or two after washing, it's normal to see some steam rising from the engine bay when you first start the car—this is just residual cleaning product and moisture evaporating from hot surfaces and is completely harmless. You should avoid driving through deep water or heavy rain immediately after engine washing if possible, though normal rain is fine.
For most drivers, we recommend professional engine washing every 6 to 12 months, though the ideal frequency depends on your driving conditions and environment. If you frequently drive in dusty conditions, on unpaved roads, or in areas with harsh winters where road salt is used, you should consider washing your engine every 6 months. Cars driven primarily on clean paved roads in mild climates can go 12 months or even longer between engine washes. Regular engine washing is particularly important for cars you plan to keep long-term, as it helps prevent corrosion of metal components and deterioration of rubber hoses and seals caused by accumulated chemicals and debris. It's also essential before selling your car, as a clean engine bay significantly improves buyer confidence and can add hundreds of dollars to your car's value. Signs that your engine needs washing include visible oil or dirt buildup, difficulty seeing component labels or part numbers, or if you haven't had it cleaned in over a year.

Ready to Clean Your Engine?

Contact us for professional engine wash service. Our specialists will safely and thoroughly clean your engine compartment!