How to Pressure Wash a Car Engine

Materials You’ll Need

Pressure washer
Soap
Water
Bucket
Sponge or brush
Safety glasses

Safety Precautions

Wear safety glasses.
Do not point the pressure washer at yourself or others.
Keep the pressure washer nozzle at least 6 inches away from the engine.
Do not use a pressure washer on a hot engine.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather your materials. Make sure you have all of the materials listed above before you start.
2. Prepare the car. Park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine. Open the hood and remove the battery cables. This will prevent the engine from starting while you are cleaning it.
3. Apply soap to the engine. Use a sponge or brush to apply soap to the engine. Be sure to get all of the nooks and crannies.
4. Rinse the engine with water. Use the pressure washer to rinse the engine with water. Start with a low pressure setting and gradually increase the pressure as needed. Be sure to rinse away all of the soap.
5. Dry the engine. Use a clean cloth to dry the engine. Be sure to get all of the water out of the nooks and crannies.
6. Reconnect the battery cables. Once the engine is dry, reconnect the battery cables.
7. Start the engine and check for leaks. Start the engine and check for any leaks. If you see any leaks, stop the engine and tighten the appropriate bolts or hoses.

Tips

Use a degreaser to remove stubborn grease and grime from the engine.
If you have a lot of dirt and grime on the engine, you may need to use a higher pressure setting on the pressure washer.
Be careful not to get water into the electrical components of the engine.
If you are unsure about how to pressure wash a car engine, consult with a professional mechanic.