Getting the dirt off your car's engine

Published on April 30, 2008

Like most Thais, during the Songkran festival I travelled to my hometown, Chai Nat, to meet my family.

pattanadesh asasappakij

For the trip, I borrowed my son's 4-wheel-drive, Isuzu Mu7, which is capable of cutting easily through traffic.

This time in Chai Nat I had lots of free time. So I grabbed a hose and began to wash the SUV. I opened the bonnet to check the oil level and inspected various other components.

I also poured some water on the engine and used a towel dipped in water and detergent to clean the engine room.

While I was doing this, a relative walked in and stood watching. Suddenly he asked "Didn't you mention in your book and TV show not to pour any water in the engine room? So is it okay to wash the engine with water or not?"

Every time someone asks me about cleaning the engine and engine room, I always suggest that in case it is dirty, they should just use a wet towel to clean it. Spraying water directly into the engine room can damage the electrical system.

I have a lot of readers with a wide range of understanding about engines. Since I do not know how well they can fix an engine problem, it is better to be on the safe side.

But washing the engine with water is okay for those who know enough about engine parts. You just need to pour water into the right places - never over plugs and important electrical components. Also pour the water and let it flow down. Do not spray high-pressure water, either from high-pressure nozzles or by closing the end of the water hose with your thumb.

After pouring the water, follow up with a towel - do not allow the water to flow to important parts. Once you have finished washing the vehicle, take it out for a drive to dry up any water that may have collected in the gaps and let the engine heat help the water evaporate.

Do this only if you are knowledgable about engines and are careful enough. But if you are not sure whether you know engines well enough, then I will suggest that you stick to using a wet towel.