The Five Step Guide To Cleaning Your Engine Bay

When cleaning your engine bay, it's essential to proceed with caution and use the right detailing products correctly. Engine bays vary significantly in shape, size, and layout, so it's crucial to understand your specific engine bay and identify where to apply masking. For this cleaning process, we chose an Aston Martin DB11 V8, as its engine bay has numerous areas where grime tends to accumulate.

While it may seem like a daunting task, detailing your engine bay is no more difficult than cleaning the rest of your car. With a bit of attention to detail, you can make your engine bay look as impressive as the exterior. Many people worry about damaging or breaking something while cleaning their engine bays, but modern vehicles typically have excellent water protection.

With the proper care and techniques, you can ensure that your beloved vehicle remains unharmed.

Before you start, ensure that the engine is not hot to the touch, as this can be hazardous for both you and your vehicle. We recommend working with a slightly warm engine, as it helps to loosen concentrated dirt build-up more effectively. Simply start your car and let it warm up for 1-2 minutes, then turn it off and proceed with the detailing process.

It’s crucial to protect any components that should not come into contact with water. Areas like air intakes, alternators, coil packs, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD), and other electrical parts should all be covered. A plastic bag works well for this purpose, secured with masking tape or an elastic band. It's always better to be cautious than to risk damage.

Step 1

If you notice any loose dirt or debris, use compressed air to blow it away or a brush to gently remove it from your engine bay.

Step 2

Petrol-based cleaners can damage rubber and vinyl components, so it's advisable to use a non-petrol-based cleaner like Eradicate Engine Cleaner & Degreaser. Spray Eradicate onto the engine, focusing on areas with heavier dirt and grime, and let it sit for about 4-5 minutes. Then, use a detailing brush to agitate the product and effectively break down the grease and grime. Be sure not to let it dry on the surface.

Step 3

After agitating and loosening the embedded grime, rinse the entire engine thoroughly using a hose or a jet wash.

Step 4

With all grime removed, use a microfiber cloth to dry the engine, ensuring a spotless, even finish without water marks. The engine’s residual heat will help speed up drying. Once fully dry and satisfactory, remove any plastic bags and tape, and wipe away any remaining water around those protected areas.

Step 5

With your engine bay now clean and dry, it’s time to dress the rubber and plastic components for a polished finish. We recommend our all-purpose dressing, Dressle. Keep in mind that Dressle needs about 4-6 hours to fully cure, so it’s best not to plan an engine detail right before a long drive. The application technique will vary based on the finish you’re aiming for: spray directly on for a gloss finish, or buff it out for a subtle matte look. For tight or intricate spots, apply Dressle to a microfibre cloth or foam applicator pad before use.