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Engine Bay

Degrease, rinse light, dress while wet — and keep water out of the places marked “do not spray.”

About 15 minutes

What you’ll need

  • Degreaser (F15) in a spray bottle
  • Pressure washer
  • Engine dressing — poly-based vinyl dressing
  • Detail brushes for heavy grease
  • Microfiber towels
  • Safety glasses and 5-mil nitrile gloves

Before you start

  • Inspect the engine bay. Make sure nothing is broken, missing or uncovered. If something is, report it before you touch it.
  • Look for “do not spray” areas. They’re marked with an icon of a pressure washer gun with an X through it. They’re usually round, pipe-looking air vents or intakes. Do not spray those areas.
  • Engine should be cool. Degreaser on a hot engine dries fast and streaks.
  • Hybrid or electric? Orange cables are high voltage. Ask your manager before you wash it.

Cleaning steps

  1. Spray degreaser (F15) around the engine, on the inside of the hood, and across the engine compartment.
  2. Brush any heavy grease spots.
  3. Pressure wash lightly from about 1 foot away, rinsing off the degreaser and the grease. Stay away from the “do not spray” areas.

Dressing steps

  1. While the engine is still wet, spray the engine dressing (poly-based vinyl dressing) over the engine and plastics.
  2. Spray from different angles so every surface gets covered.
  3. Wipe off any dressing that lands on painted surfaces.

Quality check

  • No grease or white degreaser residue left
  • Even dressing, no dry or missed spots
  • Inside of the hood clean
  • “Do not spray” areas stayed dry
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