Car engine wash

Over time, oil, dust and bugs turn into an unattractive layer of grime in your Focus's engine bay, which not only lies on the engine and other parts, but can drastically reduce radiator performance. Thus, washing the engine solves not only aesthetic, but equally technical problems. A dirty radiator grille can cause the engine to overheat and consequently cause serious engine damage. In addition, the past winter does not pass without a trace for the units under the hood. Make it a habit to start your spring cleaning with a thorough engine wash.

Old salt crusts accelerate corrosion

Salt not only successfully beats ice and snow, but equally the inside of your Focus. Salt penetrates deep into the engine compartment through cracks and shafts and is deposited on the radiator. body seams and edges, as well as on wiring harnesses, electric drives and plug connections. In addition, salt crusts bind moisture and facilitate the development of corrosion. Engine washing may only be carried out where an oil separator is provided. The best way to do this is to do it yourself at a self-service car wash or on the washing platform, or entrust this work to a specialized workshop. After washing the engine, check if the components under the hood are running dry (throttle and clutch cable, servomotors, swing arm, etc.). Wherever you see a lack of oil or grease on moving parts, add oil from a grease can or apply a sufficient amount of grease.

Stages of work

The engine must be as cold as possible, otherwise the engine detergent will evaporate before it can take effect.


Turn off the engine and ignition.

Cover sensitive parts such as ignition, alternator and fuel system with rags or plastic bags. Otherwise, failures in the operation of the ignition and on-board electrics will be programmed.

First, grab the inside of the hood washer. Soften the dirt with plenty of water, then rinse with a sponge and shampoo and rinse again with water. Don't forget the edges of the double profiles, there are always nests of dirt.

Rinse the radiator grille with plenty of water from the engine side to the outside. Pre-sprinkle insect remains with a protein-dissolving agent (e.g. dishwashing detergent) and also wash from the side of the engine compartment. Be careful not to brush the radiator grill with hard brushes - deformed plates reduce cooling power.

Pour water into the engine compartment in all folds, supports and unprotected places.

Pour heavily contaminated parts of the engine and engine compartment with cold cleaning agent. After a while, wash it off with a strong stream of water.

Carefully dry the engine compartment, engine and all accessories with compressed air. Self-service car washes or certified washing sites most often have equipment with compressed air. They also rent compressed air guns.



Wash the engine compartment with a hose.

Protective varnish for the engine

Immediately after washing, think about the next engine wash and therefore seal the engine, including peripheral parts, with a particularly heat-resistant protective varnish. The subsequent film of dirt will certainly stick less intensively than the one just removed. Preservation spray or conservation wax is sufficient for the rest of the engine compartment.