We can’t say it enough: a clean car is a happy car. A happy car is going to last longer, look better, and function better than one that’s in dire need of some TLC.
Many car owners focus on the visible portions of their vehicles, but what about the places that people don’t see?
Underneath the hood of your car resides its most important component by far – the engine. If not cleaned and maintained, you could be reducing its serviceable life and setting yourself up for some costly repairs down the road.
This is where engine degreasers come into the picture and why they’re so important.
In this article, we’re going to dive a little further into the world of degreasers. We’ll reveal what to look for when buying one, how they work, how to use them, and also introduce you to 6 of the best engine degreasers on the market.
Quick Links to Our Top Recommendations for the Best Engine Degreasers
- Meguiar’s D10801 Super Degreaser
- This high-quality degreaser is our top pick if you’re dealing with next-level under-hood dirtiness!
- Simple Green 19128 Crystal Industrial Strength Cleaner and Degreaser
- Environmentally friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable, and a none-too-shabby cleaner, too.
- Gunk FEB1 Foamy Engine Brite Engine Cleaner
- This fast and effective foaming degreaser is the most user-friendly on our list.
- KRUD KUTTER KK326 Original Concentrated Cleaner/Degreaser
- A water-based, biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-flammable formula that can be used on just about any surface. The most versatile of the bunch!
- Chemical Guys CLD_201_16 Signature Series Orange Degreaser
- A citrus-based formula that is specifically designed to clean everything in your garage, from the floor and worktops to your tools, engine, tires, and wheels.
- SuperClean 311001 Purple Super Clean All-Purpose Degreaser
- Powerful, eco-friendly, versatile, and, all told, one of the best all-purpose degreasers out there.
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
- 1 Quick Links to Our Top Recommendations for the Best Engine Degreasers
- 2 Best Engine Degreaser – Reviews of Our Top Recommendations for 2023
- 3 What Exactly Is an Engine Degreaser?
- 4 Why Is Using an Engine Degreaser So Important?
- 5 Can Using an Engine Degreaser Hurt Your Car?
- 6 What Types of Engine Degreaser Are Available?
- 7 How Do I Choose the Best Engine Degreaser for My Car?
- 8 How to Use an Engine Degreaser to Clean Your Engine Bay
- 9 Is There Anything Else I Need to Know Before Using an Engine Degreaser?
- 10 Conclusion
Best Engine Degreaser – Reviews of Our Top Recommendations for 2023
Let’s have a detailed look at what we believe to be some of the best engine degreasers of today, some of which professionals in the field use for engine detailing purposes.
Meguiar’s Super Degreaser
To start our list off, we have the Super Degreaser from Meguiar’s. This product has strength, is fast acting, and is capable of breaking down some of the toughest grease you could possibly test it with. We’re talking about the kind that’s been plaguing you for years.
Power is the name of the game with this super degreaser. The second it touches grease, it gets to work on breaking it down. Simply leave it on for a couple of minutes to work, and then wipe down or wash away with clean running water.
One of the main features of this registered engine degreaser is its streak-free formula. We all know how disappointing it feels when a newly cleaned engine is full of white stains left behind by the cleaning product. But, thanks to Meguiar’s specially formulated product, you won’t be left with any residue.
This product also seems to be multi-purpose. While it’s advertised as an exterior cleaner, many motorists say they use it on the interior as well – and they swear by its effectiveness.
By diluting the solution with water, they have successfully applied it to seats, dashboards, and upholstery. Of course, always read the instructions thoroughly before trying something like this out, and do a test run on a small area first before going all out.
This product comes in a 1-gallon container, but is meant for use as a spray-on solution – so you’ll have to transfer it to a spray bottle.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 1-gallon container.
- Fast and strong formula.
- Residue-free, spray-on solution.
- Fresh herbal fragrance.
What We Like
- Super easy to apply and works fast.
- Will remove grease, soot, and dirt, among other things.
- By diluting it you can use it on different surfaces.
- Won’t leave white stains or streaks.
What We Don’t Like
- The herbal fragrance isn’t a favorite with everyone.
Summary
If you’re looking for a tough degreaser that will do the job thoroughly, without leaving streaks, then this might be just the one for you. It’s easy to apply and wipe down or wash away – plus, you can even use it on the interior.
Click here for more information about this product.
Simple Green Crystal Industrial Cleaner/Degreaser
For our next product, we’re taking a trip to the other end of the spectrum with a biodegradable degreaser. This example from Simple Green is very different from what we’re used to seeing.
First things first, as opposed to the usual green color you see with engine degreasers, this one is crystal clear.
In fact, it’s called “Crystal” because it has no added colors or fragrances and is water-based. This is certainly a huge plus for users who work inside garages or other poorly ventilated areas, where fumes can have adverse effects.
But the main attraction of this product is that it’s an all-purpose cleaner. For example, you can use it on your truck and then bring it to the kitchen to clean a greasy countertop. Because the formula is biodegradable and non-toxic, it won’t cause corrosion and it isn’t flammable.
Despite its green credentials, this doesn’t take anything away from how effective it is. It has a high concentration, so it’s recommended that you dilute it to suit your needs.
It works fast and seems to get most, if not all, of the grime and grease away.
You can use it on almost any type of metal and even stainless steel. Follow the instructions and dilute the solution in a spray bottle for the best results. This makes for easy application, as well as making the most out of the product.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 1-gallon container.
- All-purpose degreaser and cleaner.
- Fragrance and color free.
- Non-toxic, non-corrosive, biodegradable, and non-flammable.
- Highly concentrated formula.
What We Like
- You can use it for a range of purposes, from a car engine to a kitchen surface.
- No added colors or fragrances.
- Biodegradable and easy to rinse off.
- Easy application.
- Highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
- Helpful dilution chart on the back of the bottle.
- Ideal for medium to heavy cleaning.
What We Don’t Like
- Some users found that it wasn’t as effective as the original Simple Green engine degreaser products.
- Only for use on washable surfaces, as you’ll need to rinse it off afterward.
Summary
This product is a major step for Simple Green, away from their usual scented and colored products that not everybody appreciates.
It’s effective on nearly all grease-covered surfaces and isn’t too heavy on the wallet, which is a huge plus considering that it’s eco-friendly.
If you think this might be a good choice for you, click here for more information.
Gunk FEB1 Foamy Engine Brite Engine Cleaner
This foaming engine degreaser is both fast and efficient, and works well dissolving the grime and grease build-ups under the hood and other places. Gunk has been producing engine degreasers for over 55 years now and is the number one brand for many.
It will work to dissolve and remove grease, grime, soot, and road dirt. Basically, you can rely on it to work on removing just about all of the components that can corrode an engine if left unchecked.
You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to use, too. Because it’s a foam-based degreaser, it will leave the area covered in a white foamy solution when sprayed. Leave it to work for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse it off. Depending on the area, you won’t need much scrubbing to clean away the grime. In fact, it’s advertised as a spray-on, wash-off product with no scrubbing required.
Another major plus is that it sticks to vertical surfaces – you know, those hard-to-reach places under the hood. A lot of products out there seem to slide off before taking effect, but Gunk’s formula really seems to stay put until you’re ready to clear it off.
It can also be used on a variety of vehicles and machines – this includes cars and trucks, ATVs, RVs, lawnmowers, bikes, and watercraft.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 17-ounce bottle.
- No-scrub formula.
- Safe on all parts of the engine.
- A foam-based solution that sticks well to vertical surfaces.
- Removes grime, grease, and dirt.
- For use on engines with plastic covers.
- Easy to rinse away with water.
What We Like
- You can use it all over the engine.
- Very easy to apply and rinse off afterward.
- Works efficiently.
- You can apply it to plastic covers.
- For use on a range of different engines and vehicles.
- Will stick to vertical surfaces.
What We Don’t Like
- The product is flammable, so rinse thoroughly with water afterward to avoid a potential fire hazard.
- Although it cleans well, it’s not a heavy-duty cleaner. For tough spots, you’ll need some elbow grease.
- The spray nozzle is quite small and doesn’t cover a large area when spraying.
Summary
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use everyday product, then this might just be it.
This foam-based degreaser from Gunk is milder than some but effective enough at getting the grease, grime, and dirt off your engine.
Krud Kutter Original Concentrated Cleaner/Degreaser
The next product on our quest for the best engine degreasers is a little bit different from the rest. This option is not specifically made to degrease engines, it’s rather a good option for grease just about anywhere. We’re talking about the Krud Kutter concentrated cleaner — and it’s a popular choice for a good reason.
This product is water-based, so it’s a biodegradable formula, non-toxic, non-flammable, and free of xylene. It doesn’t contain any of the harmful chemicals found in petroleum solvents, ammonia, or bleach. This isn’t without its drawbacks, though, as this also makes it quite mild when compared to some of the other products out there.
Nevertheless, you can use it on almost all surfaces. It’s meant for use on ladders, tiles, and other building materials, but it also works very well on a greasy engine, without leaving a trace of harmful chemical residue.
This may not be the perfect product for the car enthusiast looking for an engine-specific formula, but this degreaser is nonetheless an excellent choice for the everyday driver.
This will not only cut through grease but should also be able to take care of that crayon mark your kid left on the upholstery in the backseat. It can even be used on carpets in certain situations.
As a regular cleaning product for difficult stains, this degreaser is very user-friendly. You simply spray the solution on the area, leave it to work, and then use a brush to scrub it clean away. Several different sizes are available, from a single 32-ounce spray to a 5-gallon bucket. Some packs even include a 2-in-1 brush.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- Various sizes to choose from, ranging from a 32-ounce spray bottle up to a 5-gallon container.
- 2-in-1 brush included in some bundles.
- Multi-purpose formula.
- Water-based, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.
- Safe for home and work.
What We Like
- Excellent for multiple cleaning purposes—engines, children’s “artwork,” tiles, and many others.
- Free of toxic chemicals and biodegradable.
- You’ll receive an included brush.
- Easy to apply and scrub off.
What We Don’t Like
- Mild formula may not be the best option for tough cleaning jobs.
- Requires quite a lot of elbow grease at times.
- Some people mention that it’s not so good at dissolving oil stains.
Summary
If you’re looking for a product that you can use for different purposes, then look no further. Because it’s water-based and non-toxic, you can use it on the engine as well as on indoor surfaces.
If you’re keen for some more information, click here.
Chemical Guys Signature Series Orange Degreaser
Our next recommendation is the Signature Series Orange degreaser from Chemical Guys. As opposed to the multi-purpose product above, this one is specifically made for everything in the garage. When we say everything, we mean everything — the garage floor, tools, engine, under the car, the tires, wheels, fuel tank, fuel injectors, and other vehicle surfaces.
As the name suggests, this degreaser screams orange, but that’s not just for decorative purposes. You might have guessed it already, but if not: this product is mainly based around natural citrus.
Citrus extracts are helpful in many ways, and, when combined with the right chemicals, create a grease-cutting formula. As you apply it to the area, it will penetrate and readily separate the grime from the surface. It can cut through motor oil, hydraulic fluid, diesel, coolant, and more. It also has a pleasant smell!
Additionally, it can clean your tires from dirt, mud, and whatever else they manage to pick up on the road. You can even use it on the undercarriage and suspension if need be.
This is one of the most heavy-duty products on our list. Whatever grease, dirt, or soot it touches dissolves fast and effortlessly.
Some of you will also appreciate that it’s safe to use on other surfaces as well, such as chrome and titanium exhaust tips. Still, tread carefully and do a patch test with a tiny amount on a new surface before applying all over. To use it, you simply spray some solution on the area and let it sit for a while, then rinse with water and the grime should fall off.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 16-ounce spray bottle.
- Citrus-based formula.
- Works to remove grime, grease, dirt, and debris.
- Good for use on engines, tires and rims, the undercarriage, machinery, tools, and more.
- Fast at loosening and emulsifying oil, grease, and grime.
- Highly concentrated, to be diluted as needed.
What We Like
- Super citrus formula.
- Works fast and effectively to remove even the toughest grease.
- Can be used on a variety of surfaces, from floors to titanium exhaust tips.
- Pleasant citrus smell.
- Highly concentrated, but you can dilute it as needed in order to use elsewhere.
What We Don’t Like
- Fumes can be tough on eyes and throat, so it’s best for outdoor use.
- Has the potential to leave a stain on some surfaces, such as the dashboard.
Summary
If you’re on the hunt for a heavy-duty cleaning formula, then look no further than this. The Chemical Guys got it right with this citrus-based formula, being an option you can use on nearly everything in your garage.
Superclean Purple Super Clean all Purpose Cleaner/Degreaser
Tough Task from Super Clean is one of the best all-purpose degreasers many of us strive to have as part of our toolkit and lives up to the brand name.
Depending on how much you dilute it, you can use it indoors for appliances, fireplaces, and even laundry. You can also take it outdoors to tidy up stainless steel grills, concrete driveways, and lawnmowers – but most importantly, it will clean that greased-up engine of yours, or even various other parts of your car, outside and inside.
At its highest concentration, you can apply it directly to your engine, tires, and undercarriage. You simply spray it on, leave it for a while, and then wipe away before rinsing. At a lower concentration, it can be used to clean floor mats, vinyl seats, upholstery, and even chrome surfaces.
This is actually a water-based solution. This means that it’s quite safe, but not necessarily any less effective than some of the other non-water-based solutions on the market. Super Clean also managed to formulate this without phosphate, so it’s biodegradable and won’t cause anything hazardous.
When considering the power of this cleaner, it’s mind-blowing how mild the formula actually is. Super Clean claims that you can dilute it down to 16:1, and still get the surface clean. Still, we would recommend you use gloves when you are handling it.
The last thing we’ll mention is that one bottle of this stuff will go a long way, unlike some of the other products out there that you’ll go halfway through before you even notice it.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 256 fluid ounces in the bottle.
- Twin pack bundle.
- Dissolves grease upon contact.
- Removes oil, grime, wax, tar, and dirt.
- Water-based formula that’s powerful, yet biodegradable and free from phosphates.
- Can be diluted down to 16:1.
- Compatible for use on a range of surfaces including engines, car floor mats, tiles, tools, and RVs, among others.
What We Like
- Powerful yet eco-friendly.
- Excellent for use on almost any surface.
- High concentration, but easy to dilute to suit your specific needs.
- Removes most – if not all – the tough spots such as wax, tar, oil, and grease.
- A little goes a long way.
What We Don’t Like
- You might need some elbow grease on tougher stains.
Summary
For a relatively mild degreaser, this product from Super Clean is amazing. You can dilute it to your requirements and use it on all types of surfaces in the car, from the engine to the vinyl seats.
What Exactly Is an Engine Degreaser?
An engine degreaser is not that different from car wash soap. It’s a compound that’s meant to cut into tough grease, dirt, and even residual gasoline and other types of grime, emulsify it, lift it, and remove it from a given surface.
Unlike car wash soap, though, engine cleaners/degreasers are generally more specific to cleaning components and materials underneath the hood or undercarriage of a vehicle.
The engine block and metal frame aren’t usually as delicate as exterior car paint, which is why normal car wash soap just won’t do the job like a good engine degreaser.
Likewise, engine degreaser usually can’t be used to wash the outside of a car the way car wash soap can.
Why Is Using an Engine Degreaser So Important?
The following is a list of reasons why using a high-quality engine degreaser will make sure your car is the best it can be.
Prolongs the Life of Your Vehicle’s Engine Components
You might think that just because your vehicle’s engine compartment is covered, it stays clean. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Your engine compartment isn’t sealed. Therefore, dust, dirt, and grime can sneak into more places than you might think.
Your engine and its components are also lubricated. This allows for residual oils and gasoline stains in certain places as well. The underside of your engine bay may also be quite exposed, especially if you own an older vehicle.
Grease and grime can decrease the life of various components under the hood, especially if they aren’t made of strong metal materials. Rubber hoses and gaskets are particularly susceptible to soot buildup and will break down quickly if left uncleaned.
Helps You Spot Issues and Leaks
It’s easy to spot a leak when you’ve just cleaned everything. Leaking lubricants becomes much more visible in a clean engine bay.
The most underrated aspect of cleaning your engine with a good degreaser is troubleshooting a problem. It doesn’t just work with oil either. Coolant and even water leaks can be quickly diagnosed just because you took the time to clean up your engine bay.
Helps Your Mechanic
Even if there isn’t a problem or leak, a professional mechanic will always be happy to see a clean engine bay. It’s easier to see everything when parts are well-defined. If you work on your own vehicle, everything will be easier for you to see as well.
Could Increase Your Vehicle’s Resale Value
Another underrated, and often forgotten, aspect of removing the crud from your engine is that it could increase your vehicle’s resale value should you want to sell it later.
Anybody looking to buy a car is going to care about how well its previous owner took care of it. Degreasing your vehicle’s most important parts shows a potential buyer that the car was well taken care of and will last for years to come.
All other factors equal, a clean car can often fetch at least a few hundred dollars more than a dirty one when it’s time to sell. This includes engine bays.
Can Using an Engine Degreaser Hurt Your Car?
Degreasers do have their downsides. Using a particular degreaser incorrectly can cause damage to the components under the hood.
Additionally, overspray from a particularly caustic or concentrated degreaser can do damage to paint and exterior components. In these cases, ensure you’re getting something safe to use on painted surfaces.
Last but not least, using the incorrect type of degreaser for your particular needs will also prevent you from getting the desired results.
What Types of Engine Degreaser Are Available?
There are plenty of types of engine degreasers to choose from and one to fit just about anybody’s needs.
Petroleum-Based
Petroleum-based degreasers are generally considered the best for most people, because they tend to be the most effective in getting rid of most types of grease and grime. They will clean brake dust, oil, and gasoline stains pretty effectively because they contain ethanol and petroleum distillates.
As a result of their contents, petroleum-based degreasers are often more caustic, less environmentally friendly, and more dangerous to handle than other types of degreasers. Nowadays, many are being phased out in favor of other types of degreasers or being made differently to combat the negative effects of their chemical makeup.
Being the more traditional type of degreaser, they are also usually more inexpensive than other available types.
Pros:
- More powerful than other types
- Generally less expensive than other types
- Widely used and easy to find
Cons:
- Less environmentally friendly than other types
- More caustic and dangerous to handle
- Can damage paint and other parts of the vehicle if not applied carefully
- Often contains an unpleasant “chemical” odor
Water-Based
Water-based degreasers are almost the complete opposite of their petroleum-based counterparts. They don’t use harsh chemicals, they’re much more environmentally friendly, and they usually cost more.
Ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and even citrus juices take the place of the caustic chemicals. This generally decreases the product’s grease-fighting ability and drives up cost, but it’s also safer to use for both the consumer and the environment.
Another benefit of water-based degreasers is that you can actually make them on your own at home if you don’t want to buy one. A super-easy homemade degreaser includes 2 cups of warm water, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and some lemon oil. All you do is mix it up and spray where you need to.
Pros:
- Usually safe for a wider variety of components because they don’t contain harmful chemicals
- Environmentally friendly
- Some offer comparable degreasing power to other types due to better technology
Cons:
- Generally more expensive to buy than other types
- Still generally lag behind other types in cleaning ability
Foam
Foam degreasers make up the minority of mainstream engine degreasers, but they can be found.
Foam degreasers aren’t really a separate type on their own, but they do offer a separate set of benefits and drawbacks from other types.
They can be water or petroleum-based, but unlike other types, foam degreasers usually don’t require any kind of rinsing with water. Similar to waterless car wash soap, foam can be sprayed, left to eat away at the grime, and wiped dry.
Another benefit is that foam clings to surfaces better than other types of sprays that need to be rinsed away.
Pros:
- Simple to use: just spray and wipe
- Clings to surfaces better than other types
- Offered in petroleum or water-based formulas
Cons:
- Harder to find
- Can be more expensive than other types
How Do I Choose the Best Engine Degreaser for My Car?
Each vehicle and each person has different needs. Fortunately, there’s always going to be a degreaser that’s right for you no matter what those needs are.
Water-based degreasers are great for those who are environmentally conscious. They work well on newer vehicles that might not have the wear of older vehicles as they aren’t as powerful as non-water-based products.
Petroleum-based products are great for those who need to save a buck or two. They will break down the toughest grime with their chemical makeup. Those who are sensitive to smells may want to stay away, though.
For the simplest and most restricted of folks, there’s the foam option. You can get it, spray what you need to, and wipe clean.
For anybody else, there’s a lot of crossover between all types of degreasers. There are even degreasers that can be used on a wide variety of items, including household objects. This could save you money by allowing you to buy a catch-all cleaning product.
How to Use an Engine Degreaser to Clean Your Engine Bay
Cleaning engines with a degreaser doesn’t have to be difficult. With that being said, extra steps do need to be taken in order to keep the degreaser away from more sensitive parts of the vehicle. If you follow the instructions given by the manufacturer, you will have accomplished the desired results.
Let’s walk through the steps you will need to take to prepare your vehicle and make sure all its components are protected throughout the cleaning process.
Step 1: Read the Instructions and Manufacturer Warnings
It’s important to read all the safety instructions and warnings on the product before you do anything else. When dealing with chemicals or cleaners, this is always a good idea.
Avoid the mistake of assuming you know exactly what to do just because you may have done this before. It may save you time, hassle, and an expensive repair.
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Materials
1) A mat or drip pan: We suggest that you use a pan or a mat to soak up any degreaser that may drip. Not all products will have this problem, though. Using a petroleum-based degreaser will necessitate a drip pan or mat so that harmful chemicals will not get leaked into drains, the yard, or the street.
2) An air compressor: Using compressed air to rid any surface of excess dust can be very helpful, though it’s not necessary.
3) Microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths are a staple of any automotive cleaning job. You can use these for just about anything you need, from drying a wet surface to getting rid of that little extra spot of dirt.
4) Water: Water can be used to rinse any applied degreaser after it’s done its work.
5) A brush: You may use a brush similarly to how you would use compressed air. You can also use a brush to clean spots that are extra greasy or difficult to get to. Depending on the material of the part you’re brushing, a wire brush or one with plastic bristles can be used. Wire brushes are great for metal surfaces and a plastic brush can be used on plastic and rubber.
6) Protective material: Sandwich bags, plastic wrap, or any other kind of protective material will be needed to cover sensitive areas of the vehicle’s engine compartment.
Step 3: Prep the Engine Bay
Engine bays contain much more than just the engine, especially on newer vehicles. There are wires, hoses, sensors, and computer modules all over. It’s important to cover every electrical component and other sensitive parts of the engine to prevent shorts and electrical failures caused by chemicals or water.
If you aren’t sure of each component’s location, just refer to the owner’s manual. Missing a sensor and spraying it with water could easily cost you a few thousand dollars in damage.
Older vehicles are similar and may not have as many electrical components to them. Parts like the distributor and carburetor will need to be masked.
Any kind of intake points, holes, or air filters will need to be covered too. It’s always a good idea to disconnect your battery, starting with the ground first. This will prevent any kind of electrical shorts or major issues.
Step 4: Prep Any Other Areas Susceptible to Overspray
Because the hood will need to be open, be sure to cover any adjacent parts of the automobile susceptible to overspray.
Fenders, headlights, and even the base of the windshield are all places to consider, especially if the degreaser of your choice doesn’t have a concentrated spray nozzle for you to use.
Step 5: Apply the Product
Each product will be a little different, so make sure to apply each product exactly as the manufacturer recommends. Some will need to be mixed before applying to cut the concentration levels, while others can simply be sprayed directly from the bottle.
Be aware of what materials aren’t included in the instructions. Plastic and rubber are widely used and sometimes can’t be sprayed with certain degreasers. Damage could occur.
Step 6: Rinse/Remove the Product
If the product is one that requires rinsing with water, you should always use the most gentle and widest spray setting available to you. Using a hose with a lot of pressure can cut through more delicate portions of the engine compartment and can destroy sensors.
On the other hand, some degreasers don’t require any water at all. Damage can still occur by dislodging components and wiping too hard or bumping them with a part of your arm, though.
You can always “rinse and repeat” as needed depending on the amount of dirt buildup you’re dealing with.
Step 7: Finish It off Right
Degreasers aren’t the be-all, end-all of engine bay cleaning. Finishing the entire job with a coat of engine protectant coats the surfaces you just degreased with an oil or wax to keep grease from sticking again.
Not only will doing this make your bay shine a little brighter, it’ll also make any future cleaning you have to do much easier.
For an example of how to do all this, be sure to watch this video on degreasing your engine bay.
Is There Anything Else I Need to Know Before Using an Engine Degreaser?
There are always a few tips and tricks we have up our sleeves that don’t really fit anywhere else. Here are some of the best pieces of advice we can give on a few miscellaneous items.
Flammable Engine Degreaser
Many chemicals are flammable. Some used in degreasers are the same. It’s always a good idea to let a vehicle cool down before doing anything with the engine, but it’s even more important to do so if you’re using a flammable degreaser.
In addition to burning yourself, you could cause a fire. A good rule of thumb is that if you can touch the engine with your bare hands for three seconds without getting burned, you’re good to go ahead and degrease to your heart’s content.
It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t start the vehicle and run it immediately after application of any flammable degreaser. If you absolutely must do so, make sure that each part of the bay is thoroughly rinsed and wiped down to prevent a fire.
Warm Up the Engine
Despite what we just said, it does help to warm up a cold engine just a little bit. Running the vehicle for 5–10 minutes will go a long way to helping loosen any grime. Heat always makes dirt and grime a little easier to lift.
Not All Engine Degreaser Is Harmful to Other Materials
If you’re 100% sure that the product you’re using is safe on things like paint and plastic, you may not need to cover as many things in the engine bay.
Regardless of the product of your choice, electrical components will still need to be covered if you’re going to be using water at any point.
Degreasers Can’t Get Rid of Engine Sludge
Engine sludge is a little different than the grime that gets caked onto the engine and its components on the outside.
Engine sludge is the buildup of broken down, thickened oil – primarily inside the engine. In layman’s terms, it can build up around the engine, but it usually has a dramatic effect on the actual moving components and performance of the engine itself.
The dirt we have been talking about comes primarily from lubricant leaks, outside sources, and buildup over a long period of time. Getting rid of sludge requires separate additives and products that work to break down the deposits.
Conclusion
It’s essential you get and use an engine degreaser for regular maintenance purposes, both for your vehicle’s performance and well-being, as well as its resale value should you decide to sell it down the line.
Of course, you can always take your ride to a mechanic to take care of all of this for you, but you don’t always need to. All you need to do is choose from the options on our list and get to work!
Do you have any questions regarding engine degreasers? Let us know in the comments section. And if you’d like to share this post with your friends, please do!
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