‘You can ruin them’, mechanic warns about essential parts that can be destroyed with water – what to do if they are wet

A HOME mechanic warns drivers about a common but expensive side effect of flushing an engine – and how to fix it if it happens.

Unless the car is on display in a showroom, drivers may not need to worry about cleaning the engine.

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Scotty Kilmer, often considered the “people’s automotive YouTuber,” has gained 6.2 million subscribers on YouTube (@Scotty Kilmer) to publish free DIY maintenance tips, product reviews, and industry news coverage.

In a recent videohe discussed how cleaning an engine with a pressure washer can have costly consequences that many cannot predict.

Many people are attracted to the idea of ​​pressure washing the engine compartment and detailing it with products to make the top of the engine shine.

However, most drivers don’t know how to protect vital parts before cleaning the engine, which can lead to potentially disastrous consequences.

“Under the hood of your car, there are all kinds of electronic components and computer-controlled modules,” he said.

“You can destroy them with water – especially high-pressure water.”

He explained that water can get into vital electrical connections such as the fuse and relay box, any exposed filters such as a cold air intake, and battery terminals.

Water entering the ignition coil connections, for example, can make the car run poorly.

“Water can get in and you’ll have a hard time wondering what’s wrong,” he said.

Kilmer says he avoids pressure washing the engine compartment to avoid electrical accidents.

It also doesn’t provide any benefits to drivers other than looking good.

However, he knows that many drivers clean the engine compartment.

“Let’s say you didn’t hear me or you never saw this video,” he said.

Fortunately, a common household item can help save the day.

“What you want to do is buy a hair dryer and disconnect all the electrical connections,” he explained.

“Dry them with a hairdryer… And often the problem goes away if you get to where the moisture is.”

For older cars that use spark plug wires instead of coil packs, as most modern cars do, it is important to disconnect them and let them air dry.

How often should you clean your car?

Professionals recommend an interval that may surprise you when cleaning your car,

Depending on where you live and what your typical day is like, the suggested interval for cleaning a vehicle is every two weeks.

“Regularly washing your car removes everyday contaminants like tar, road debris, and bird droppings that can ruin your car’s paint over time,” wrote Progressive.

“But there is no right answer to this question – it depends on factors such as your lifestyle, the climate where you live and how you store your vehicle when you are not driving it.”

However, if you apply a fresh coat of wax after each cleaning session or if the vehicle is parked in a garage, cleaning may not need to be done as regularly.

“Waxing your car creates a barrier between the clear coat – the top layer of paint – and the outside elements, so it won’t be able to absorb and affect your car’s exterior,” the website continued.

Source: Progressive Auto Insurance

However, be sure to keep the plugs organized to put them back in their original places, as putting them in the wrong plug can cause a misfire.

The engine compartment can be safely cleaned without a high pressure washer.

If a garden hose is used to loosen the dirt and a soft brush is used to remove it, the hose can be used to rinse it off without fear of damaging the electrical components as all parts are slightly water resistant.

This is high pressure water that engines are not prepared for.

If pressure washing is still necessary, these items can be protected with shower caps or plastic bags secured with tape.

It’s also important to keep the pressure washer nozzle at least 12 inches away from the engine compartment.