Top motoring mechanic Scotty Kilmer has admitted washing cars in a certain way could “destroy” petrol and diesel engines in a major concern for road users this Autumn. The popular online YouTube mechanic admitted washing under the bonnet could damage key components and vital electrics.
It could leave motorists facing expensive repair bills, with Scotty admitting engine bays don’t even need to be polished up. Water can be sucked into the engine’s cylinders, possibly seizing the pistons and leading to a blown head gasket. Water may also cause components to short circuit, and lead to corrosion in a major blow to motorists.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Scotty said: “Today I’m going to tell you why it’s a stupid idea to clean the engine of your car with any kind of cleaner and then hose it off. Under the hood of your car there [are] all kinds of electronics, computer drive modules. Water and cleaners do not mix with electronics.”
“Over the years, I’ve had many customers power wash under their engine, the their check engine light comes on, they bring it to me and I find all kinds of damage was done. Let’s face the facts, do you eat on your car’s engine, do you even look at your car’s engine, why do you care if it’s dirty?
“A little bit of grease actually keeps things from rusting, it doesn’t hurt anything, if you do want to do some cleaning, clean the inside of your car as you’re looking at it all of the time.”
Motorists were quick to react to Scotty’s advice, with many admitting they have previously made the error and since changed tactics.
@MTDixonSr posted: “Spot on! I made this mistake when I bought my first new car back in the 90s. And yes, messed up a bunch of components. So…never wash your engine!”
@galvdude549 said: “I use a leaf blower for all the dust, leaves, and seeds that find their way under the hood. Clean battery top dirt off by wiping.”
@BloodHedgeKSK remarked: “I always use clean wipes for like car plastics and oil. No problem so far, I only wipe the surface of the engine bay and make the engine cover shiny.”
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