If you usually wash your car's body and rims, what about the engine? Yup, car engines need to be cleaned too! But make no mistake, washing an engine is not the same as washing a car body. If you use the wrong technique, you could cause the engine to short circuit or even break down.

Why Does the Car Engine Need to Be Washed?  

Even though it’s hidden under the hood, that doesn’t mean the engine is free from dust, dirt, and oil residue. If left unattended, dirt can accumulate and reduce engine performance. Here are some benefits of washing your car engine that you should know:  

1. Makes the Engine Last Longer

Accumulated dirt and oil can cause the engine to overheat and break down. By regularly cleaning it, you can extend the engine’s lifespan and prevent premature damage.

2. High Fuel Consumption? It Might Be Due to a Dirty Engine

A dirty engine impairs airflow and combustion efficiency. As a result, fuel consumption becomes more inefficient. Cleaning the engine can help maintain efficiency and save fuel.

3. Reduce the Risk of Fire

Oil or grease residue can easily catch fire when the engine temperature is high. Washing the engine can minimize this risk.

4. Increase the Resale Value of Your Car

A clean engine is a sign that the car is well-maintained. If you plan to sell your car, a shiny engine can be a plus in the eyes of buyers.

5. Make Mechanics' Work Easier

During servicing or repairs, a clean engine makes it easier for technicians to identify issues without having to clean it first.

However, Washing Your Car Engine Isn't Something to Be Done Haphazardly. Here Are Some Tips!

Since the parts being cleaned are vital components, there are some important things to consider to ensure safety and avoid issues:

• Ensure the Engine Is Cool First - Do not immediately spray a recently used engine. Water can cause the hot metal to crack due to sudden temperature changes.
• Protect Electrical Components - Cover sensitive parts like the alternator, ECU, and similar components with plastic. The goal is clear: to prevent water from seeping in and causing a short circuit. 
• Use Special Cleaning Fluid - Use engine cleaning products that are safe for your vehicle. Typically, this fluid is applied, left to sit for a moment, then rinsed off slowly.
• Use Low-Pressure Spray - Avoid using high-pressure water spray. It’s safer to use a sponge or running water with low pressure to clean the engine parts.
• Dry Completely - After finishing, ensure the engine is completely dry. You can use a dry cloth, blower, or compressed air to speed up the drying process.
• Check Before Starting - Ensure all components are back in place and no water remains before starting the engine.

Not Confident Washing It Yourself? Leave It to the Experts!

If you're unsure or trying to wash the engine for the first time, it's better to take it to a trusted workshop. They have the tools and experience to ensure the process is safe and the results are optimal.

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Cuci Mesin Mobil: Aman Nggak, Sih? 

Kalau biasanya kamu rajin cuci mobil bagian bodi dan pelek, gimana dengan mesinnya? Yup, mesin mobil juga butuh dibersihkan, lho! Tapi jangan salah, cuci mesin itu nggak bisa asal semprot seperti cuci bodi mobil. Kalau salah teknik, bisa-bisa bikin mesin korslet atau malah bikin mobil mogok.

Kenapa Mesin Mobil Perlu Dicuci?

Meski letaknya tertutup di balik kap, bukan berarti mesin bebas dari debu, kotoran, dan sisa oli. Semakin lama dibiarkan, kotoran bisa menumpuk dan bikin performa mesin turun. Nah, berikut beberapa manfaat cuci mesin mobil yang wajib kamu tahu:

1. Bikin Mesin Awet

Kotoran dan minyak yang menumpuk bisa bikin mesin cepat panas dan rusak. Dengan rutin membersihkan, kamu bisa memperpanjang usia mesin dan mencegah kerusakan dini.

2. Boros BBM? Bisa Jadi Karena Mesin Kotor

Mesin yang kotor bikin aliran udara dan proses pembakaran nggak maksimal. Akibatnya, konsumsi bahan bakar jadi lebih boros. Bersihkan mesin bisa bantu jaga efisiensi dan hemat BBM.

3. Kurangi Risiko Kebakaran

Sisa oli atau grease yang nempel bisa gampang kebakar saat suhu mesin tinggi. Dengan cuci mesin, risiko ini bisa diminimalisir.

4. Naikkan Nilai Jual Mobil

Mesin yang bersih itu tanda mobil dirawat. Kalau kamu berniat jual mobil, mesin yang kinclong bisa jadi nilai plus di mata pembeli.

5. Bikin Mekanik Lebih Mudah Kerja

Saat servis atau perbaikan, mesin yang bersih memudahkan teknisi buat cari masalah tanpa harus bersihkan dulu.

Tapi, Cuci Mesin Mobil Nggak Boleh Asal. Ini Tipsnya!

Nah, karena yang dibersihkan ini bagian vital, ada beberapa hal penting yang perlu kamu perhatikan biar aman dan nggak bikin masalah:

• Pastikan Mesin Dingin Dulu - Jangan langsung semprot mesin yang baru dipakai. Air bisa bikin logam mesin yang panas jadi retak karena perubahan suhu mendadak.
• Lindungi Komponen Elektrik - Tutup bagian sensitif seperti alternator, ECU, dan sejenisnya dengan plastik. Tujuannya jelas: biar air nggak nyelonong masuk dan bikin korslet.
• Pakai Cairan Pembersih Khusus - Gunakan produk pembersih mesin yang memang aman buat kendaraan kamu. Biasanya, cairan ini diaplikasikan, didiamkan sebentar, lalu dibilas pelan-pelan.
• Semprot Pakai Tekanan Ringan - Jangan pakai semprotan air bertekanan tinggi. Lebih aman pakai spons atau air mengalir dengan tekanan ringan untuk bersihkan bagian mesin.
• Keringkan Total - Setelah selesai, pastikan mesin benar-benar kering. Kamu bisa pakai lap kering, blower, atau udara kompresor buat mempercepat proses pengeringan.
• Cek Sebelum Dihidupkan - Pastikan semua komponen sudah kembali pada tempatnya dan nggak ada air tersisa sebelum kamu menyalakan mesin.

Nggak Pede Cuci Sendiri? Serahkan ke Ahlinya!

Kalau kamu nggak yakin atau baru pertama kali mau coba cuci mesin, lebih baik serahkan ke bengkel terpercaya. Mereka punya alat dan pengalaman yang cukup biar prosesnya aman dan hasilnya maksimal.