How to Clean Engine Bay With Wd40
If you’re like me, you take pride in the appearance of your vehicle. A clean engine bay is one key to a well-kept car. WD40 makes it easy to clean your engine bay without scrubbing. However, cleaning the engine bay is not a fun task. It can be time-consuming, and it requires you to use harsh chemicals. Read on to find out how to clean engine bay with wd40.
WD40 is a miracle product that has a million uses. However, there are ways to clean your engine bay without using harmful chemicals or time-consuming methods.
Why Wd40?
WD40 is an excellent solution to clean the engine bay. It is lighter than water, will not leave any spots behind when it dries and can be used for many cleaning jobs around the house. WD-40 Company is a privately owned company founded in San Diego, California. The company’s name comes from the project that was started to find a “water displacement” product. The 40th formulation of the project is what we know today as WD-40.
They initially used it to protect US missile parts. Today, they still manufacture it for industrial uses like rust-proofing tools and machinery and use it on small projects such as cleaning your engine bay or other areas around your vehicle. WD-40 has become very well known by do-it-yourselfers because it can be used for many purposes.
Required Tools and Materials
- WD40
- Bucket
- Rags or Towels
- Water Hose
- Pressure Washer (optional)
A Step by Step Guide on How to Clean Engine Bay With Wd40
Step 1
For best results, clean your engine bay at least once a year. Then, after each track event or car show, you can also do it to keep your vehicle looking good.
Step 2
At first, Cooldown the engine before you start cleaning. This will help avoid any injuries. Next, disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent sparks. Finally, cover up any sensitive electronics with painter’s tape or something else that will protect them from the spray.
Step 3
Before you start spraying WD40 all over the engine compartment, make sure to take out any loose items in your car. These can include car seats, floor mats, and gas bottles, to name a few. Also, ensure enough room around the vehicle for you to quickly move around when spraying down the area.
Finally, ensure that both doors are open when doing this step so that you have adequate working space in front of and behind your vehicle. You’d be surprised how much stuff you’ll find after lifting some panels!
Step 4
Grab your bucket and fill it one-third of the way with warm water. Add 10 to 15 drops (or more) of dishwashing liquid into the bucket and mix well. Grab a towel, rag, or sponge and prepare to wipe down any exposed surfaces you can get to before spraying with WD40.
Step 5
Remove the existing debris in your engine bay. Next, use the hose to spray down all the dusty, dirty areas and wipe them clean with a rag or towel that’s been dipped in soapy water. You can also use a pressure washer at this time if you have one available. The goal is to remove loose dirt and debris before spraying with WD40. This step will help in how to clean engine bay with wd40.
Step 6
Prepare your engine bay for WD40 by wiping down dusty areas with a rag dipped in soapy water. If you’re using a pressure washer, use it on the engine bay at this time as well. Ensure that you avoid spraying wires and other sensitive components of your car.
Step 7
Apply Wd40 on the engine bay. Spray Wd40 liberally over the engine bay and allow it to sit for a minute or two. You can then wipe down any excess fluid with a clean towel. With the car still wet from WD40, spray your water hose directly at all dirty areas and watch as they begin to foam up and dissolve. Scrub any remaining dirt and grime with a brush. If any sites seem particularly dirty, use a brush to scrub them until they’re clean.
Step 8
Rinse off your engine bay with the hose. Ensure to spray all of the WD40 off your engine bay and rinse it clean with the hose. If any stubborn areas still have dirt or grime on them, use a brush to scrub at them until they’re gone.
Step 9
Dry the engine bay off. Use a leaf blower or an air compressor to dry up any moisture left in your engine bay. You can also use towels or rags for this step, but be careful if you plan on using compressed air as it may blow dirt everywhere!
Step 10
Reinstall any loose components and accessories removed before cleaning the engine bay. Once again, ensure that all wires are taped or protected in some way so that they don’t get blown around when drying off the engine bay with compressed air.
Step 11
Replace the battery terminal. You can now reconnect the negative battery terminal so that your car’s electronics are no longer powered down. Congratulations! You’ve now cleaned your engine bay. If there was any dirt or grime that you could not remove, you might want to consider using a steam cleaner or a pressure washer for a more thorough clean.
Step 12
Start your car and let it run for a few minutes. Then, start the vehicle to heat up to the average operating temperature before turning the engine off again. This will help evaporate any moisture left in your engine bay and ensure that all of the WD40 has been removed from the parts.
Check for any leaks. Once everything is installed and reassembled, start up your engine and check for leaks. If you notice any fluid dripping from the engine bay, take it to a mechanic to have it looked at. Otherwise, you’re good to go!
You’ve now successfully cleaned your engine bay using WD40! It’s a quick and easy process that can be done in just a few hours. Just make sure that you follow all of the steps carefully and take your time cleaning. And most importantly, enjoy your clean engine bay!
Tips and Warnings
Tips
- Wipe the engine bay clean using a lint-free cloth.
- Spray WD40 onto the cloth and use it to wipe down the entire engine bay.
- Allow the WD40 to dry completely.
- Reapply if necessary.
Warnings
- Don’t get the WD40 on your skin, and avoid breathing in the fumes.
- Don’t use WD40 near any open flames.
What Not to Do While Cleaning Your Engine With Wd40?
Don’t use a pressure washer – this can force water and contaminants deep into the engine bay and cause severe damage.
Don’t spray or leave WD40 on your engine for too long.
WD40 is a highly flammable product, so don’t smoke while you’re doing this!
Don’t let the WD40 dry on the surfaces – if it does, it can leave a sticky residue that will be difficult to remove.
Don’t get any WD40 on your paintwork – it’s tough to remove and can cause damage.
Don’t spray the WD40 directly onto rubber seals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Other Uses for Wd-40 Besides Cleaning Engine Bay?
Aside from cleaning your engine bay, WD-40 has a variety of other uses. Here are some of the most common:
- Removing adhesive residue: WD-40 can help remove stickers, labels, and other adhesive residues from surfaces.
- Loosening stuck screws and bolts: If a screw or bolt is stuck, spraying it with WD-40 can help loosen it up.
- Preventing corrosion: WD-40 can help protect metal surfaces from corrosion.
- Removing gunk: WD-40 can help remove built-up dirt, grease, and grime from surfaces.
Which Is Better: Spray or Pump-based Cleaner?
There are pros and cons to both spray-based and pump-based engine bay cleaners. Spray-based cleaners are easy to use; spray them and hose them off. However, they can be a little too powerful for some applications and be toxic.
Pump-based cleaners are more challenging to use, but they’re less likely to cause damage. They’re also non-toxic. If you’re unsure which type of cleaner to use, ask your local auto parts store for advice.
Is There a Best Time of Day to Clean Engine Bay With Wd40.?
While it is possible at any time, the best time to clean your engine bay using WD-40 is when the weather is mild, and there’s no precipitation. The wd-40 works by neutralizing salt that accumulates from humidity in cold or wet weather.
And if you live somewhere that gets cold enough for snow/ice accumulation, then you’ll want to make it a priority before the snow starts falling so you can get your car cleaned up while street parking.
You Can Check It Out to: Clean Oil Off Undercarriage
Conclusion
Follow the article on how to clean engine bay with wd40. When you’re wondering what and how to clean the engine bay with, use WD-40! The oil and water-resistant formula are perfect for ridding the engine of dirt and grime.
You can also spray it on tools or bolts that are hard to remove because they will loosen them up without damaging their surfaces. It’s a miracle worker when it comes to automotive projects, and we have shown you how above.
