Keeping your engine clean is essential for extending the life of your vehicle. Regular maintenance, such as engine cleaning and degreasing, can help to prevent problems from developing and keep you safer on the road.
Benefits of Cleaning Your Engine
Cleaning your vehicle's engine is essential to maintain its performance and longevity. Not only does engine cleaning give you a better-looking engine bay, but it can also increase the lifespan of your engine components over time. When dirt and debris build up in the engine’s moving parts, it can rub against the components and wear them down more quickly. For best results, use an engine cleaner or degreaser to remove dirt and dust without damaging rubber or plastic seals. Engine cleaners contain detergents that dissolve grime on the surface of your engine while degreasers help get rid of oil and grease residue that accumulates from leaking fluids. Both are designed to be used in tandem with one another for optimal cleaning results. The type of degreaser to use depends on the type of dirt you’re trying to remove. If you’re dealing with grime, oil, or grease build-up, opt for an oil-based degreaser for best results. For less-intense jobs like light dust or dirt buildup only, you can use a water-based cleaner or detergent instead.
How do engine cleaners & degreasers work?
Engine cleaners and degreasers perform a two-step process: first, they loosen grime and oil deposits, then they help clean them away. The active ingredients in these cleaners are surfactants—substances that bind to dirt and grease, making them easier to remove.
The best engine degreaser for you will depend on the type of dirt you need to remove. For small parts, an aerosol-style engine degreaser is best; it contains a low concentration of surfactants that effectively break down dirt particles without damaging sensitive areas. For larger engine components, such as cylinder heads or exhaust manifolds, a heavy-duty engine cleaner is most effective.
Once you've identified the right cleaner or degreaser for your needs, it's time to apply it. Simply spray the product onto the surface and let it sit for a few minutes—long enough for the surfactants to do their work but short enough so they don't start evaporating—then use a damp cloth to wipe away the dirt and grime.
Canadian Tire also carries Brake Cleaners and Carburetor Cleaners to help keep your vehicle under the hood running smoothly.
