Self serve car washes: are the engine cleaners safe?

[axelfox]

I've washed my car in the self serve places, where you pump in the quarters and get the foam brush and whatnot to wash your car. They also have a mode for engine degreaser/cleaner, and I was wondering if these were safe to use on the engine. The engine and the underside of the hood haven't been cleaned since God knows when, and I would like to use the spray just to at least rinse the dirt off.

 

[FrysInsider]

those self serve car washes use "reclaimed water"

 

[gygheyzeus]

This isn't what you wanted to know, but:

Don't use the foam brush. It leaves fine scratches on your paint. Those things are the devil. I only use them for bug guts on my windshield.

 

[Thegonagle]

If your plug wires and boots are in good shape, it?s generally fine. Don?t direct the spray on the plugs, wires, distributor, or anything else electrical. I usually buy a can of ?Foamy Engine Brite? and use that instead. It usually works better than the stuff coming out of the hose.



<< those self serve car washes use "reclaimed water" >>


It?s the law in some places. It?s not true everywhere. That?s fine because it is filtered.



<< Don't use the foam brush. It leaves fine scratches on your paint. >>


That?s why you rinse the previous user's dirt off the brush before you use it, silly. Besides, don?t you wax your car? A coat of wax protects the paint and buffing process removes fine scratches.

 

[axelfox]

yeah, i can see the scratches left by the brush...

 

[jlee75]

you can clean your engine. cover the battery contacts, air filter (if it's open, take it off or put a plastic bag over it. I also usually cover the alternator with a bag or rag. then I spray down the interior with simple green. let it soak in, then carefully rinse the engine off. I also use a toothbrush to get in the crevices. Foamy engine brite is also a good cleaner but avoid overspray onto your car.

Those are the only two methods that I use to clean the engine (well apart from a good steam clean).

 

[axelfox]

how much is a steam clean?

 

[jlee75]

<< how much is a steam clean? >>


free for me. friends got one. steam cleaning an engine will usually run you about $50 at a detail shop. but keep in mind that its not only a clean. they dress up the engine as well.