When it comes to vehicle maintenance, many are familiar with washing the exterior, but the topic of engine cleaning often raises eyebrows. However, is it true that it is safe to wash a vehicle’s engine?
VERDICT:
TRUE
Yes, but with precautions.
The engines at the heart of our mechanical companions are like any other machinery –prone to dirt and grime accumulation.
Engine cleaning is a practice rooted in both necessity and pride of ownership.
Air-cooled engines, for instance, require cleaning to ensure efficient heat dissipation as they rely on air to maintain efficient operating temperatures and dirt buildup can lead to overheating and reduced efficiency.
Conversely, water-cooled engines are less dependent on external cleanliness as they use liquid coolants to transfer heat away from the engine, making them less dependent on external cleanliness for effective cooling.
Of course, there's a pride of ownership aspect to engine cleaning. Being that a clean, well-maintained engine reflects the owner's commitment to preserving their vehicle's condition, which could also contribute to higher resale values when the time comes.
The safety in engine cleaning largely hinges on the automotive standards governing the design of electrical connectors and plugs as well as cleaning methods.
For instance, the USCAR2-7 specification by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the United States Council for Automotive Research outlines extensive testing requirements for automotive connectors, including tests for mechanical stress, vibration, immersion in automotive fluids, thermal cycling, and electrical resistance, ensuring they can withstand the engine cleaning processes.
Furthermore, automotive electrical connectors are often designed with sealing measures to prevent ingress of water and other contaminants. These practices ensure that connectors and plugs within the engine bay are sealed to withstand moisture, making engine cleaning a relatively safe practice when done correctly.
However, engine designs vary. While modern engines come with better sealing, their older counterparts might be more susceptible to water ingress from the lack of sealing or due to compromised seals.
Cleaning methods significantly impact safety too. For example, low-pressure water or gentle spraying is preferable over high-pressure washing which risks forcing water into sensitive areas, like the alternator, a crucial component generating electricity for the vehicle's systems.
Although they are built robustly, alternators are not designed to withstand direct water exposure, which can lead to short circuits or corrosion, eventually causing failure.
Preventive measures such as covering the alternator and other sensitive parts, or avoiding these areas while cleaning, is good practice to avoid damage.
Utilising appropriate chemical degreasers, with a thorough rinse, stands as a safe and effective cleaning method, while incorrect chemicals or high-pressure water may cause damage.
All that said, leaving an engine unwashed is still a common practice and may not immediately harm the engine.
Although over time, accumulated dirt and grime can lead to reduced efficiency due to hindered heat dissipation, especially in air-cooled engines, and the potential masking of leaks or other issues that could be easily spotted during maintenance or cleaning.
Moreover, a dirty engine can decrease the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, which might not sit well with owners who take pride in their vehicle's appearance.
Reference :
https://www.sae.org/standards/content/uscar2-7/
