Tag: tips

What Do You Need to Know When Washing the Engine?

Many car owners are afraid to wash the engine compartment, fearing it will harm electrical equipment, and leave the engine dirty. There are numerous stories of problems appearing after the engine washing. But this happens only due to mistakes made in the process. This article will guide you how to wash the engine at home properly so as not to damage the unit and other equipment. read more

Contactless Engine Wash

When there is a lot of dirt and puddles on the roads, all this gets into the engine compartment and settles on the units. Solid particles, including not only soil, but also substances formed during the combustion of fuel, oil, and road chemicals form a residue over the years. Such layering not only does not look aesthetically pleasing but also impairs the operation of some components and assemblies. In this case, a contactless engine wash becomes a solution to problems.

What Detergents Should Be Chosen?

In most cases, the same composition is used as a detergent for the engine, which is intended for contactless washing of the body – a universal alkaline agent in a slightly diluted, concentrated form. This tool does not always wash out all the dirt under the hood, but it can damage paint, rubber, and some polymers including elastic seals in electrical components. That is why it is better to use special tools designed to wash the engine compartment and engine.

For moderately dirty engine compartments that are cleaned relatively regularly, 1-2 times a year, a foam aerosol engine cleaner is best. The active foam adheres even to vertical surfaces, works quickly and is easy to rinse off – even a simple hose with water pressure is enough. Such a product is ideal for regular use, to remove unexpected and not too tenacious dirt (for example, after a road trip), as well as a quick engine wash as part of the pre-sale preparation of the car.

High-Pressure Engine Wash

You should also consider cleaning under high pressure using a compressor, but it’s the most unsafe washing option:

  • Before washing, wait until the engine has cooled down, as a sharp cooling of metal parts will not lead to anything good, in addition, detergent chemistry quickly evaporates from a hot engine.
  • Washing the engine begins with some preparatory measures: you need to seal all the contacts well, first of all, this applies to the high-voltage coil, high-voltage wires, generator and other electronics.
  • Water shouldn’t get into the connectors. Their design protects from moisture penetration, but over time dangerous cavities can form there.
  • After that, wipe the surface of the units with a brush. This must be done to thoroughly wash off all the layers of dirt from hard-to-reach places;
  • Then proceed to wash off all chemicals with water under pressure;
  • After washing, it is necessary to blow all contacts with air using a compressor, and also remove all water from the surfaces.

 

Thus, following the rules, you can quickly, efficiently and safely wash your car engine.

3 Tips on How to Apply Wax at a Self-service Car Wash: Do You Need to Wash It off?

It is well known that the use of wax not only gives a glossy shine to the vehicle but also protects the paint from environmental factors. Specialists recommend applying the substance at least two times a year, preferably in spring and autumn. However, there is also another opinion: to use hot wax for the car after every 4-5 washes. Both theories are correct and have pros and cons. But not all car owners know how to use the product correctly.

 

What Is Car Waxing?

Liquid wax is intended for car surface maintenance. The use of this substance helps to extend the life of the vehicle coating, makes it easier to wash with a car detailing steamer by Fortador, and accelerates the drying process. Moreover, waxing the body prevents moisture and dirt from sticking to the body. As a result, the car becomes smooth and shiny. After rain or washing with a steam cleaner for cars, drops of liquid do not spread over the surface, but roll down.

 

When and How to Apply Wax?

The wax is applied after washing the car. It is necessary not only to clean the machine from dirt with the help of an auto detail steam cleaner but also to remove the polish remaining from the previous treatment. Each type of product provides its application technology – manual or the use of special devices:

  1. The spray is applied by spraying and is characterized by low resistance (it is usually washed off after 1-2 washes).
  2. Liquid wax has a thicker consistency and is rubbed over the body surface with a sponge, due to which it retains its protective properties for 4-5 washes.
  3. A hard coating is applied to a dry surface, and the process itself is quite tedious, but the protective film lasts for 3-4 months.

Having dealt with the properties of wax, you can now consider how to properly apply it at a self-service car wash. The technology for applying a wax coating to a car is quite simple, but several conditions must be observed: 

  • The surface of the body must be cleaned either with a steam machine for car detailing or any other method, and when using hard wax, it must also be dry.
  • The procedure should not be carried out in the open sun since its radiation prevents the formation of a film on the body.
  • Before use, liquid wax or spray must be thoroughly shaken so that its particles are evenly distributed throughout the volume of the emulsion. 

Many car owners ask if the wax needs to be rinsed off after application. In no case, because this will damage the protective layer. The coating will gradually come off the surface by itself after each subsequent wash with auto detailing steamers, so over time, you will have to repeat this procedure.