Don't Be Dirty!

Dirty engines can cause trouble down the road.  The greasy grime that tends to coat some engine parts increases the change that at some point the car will overheat.  Dirty engines also fall out faster.  Overheating causes the oil to reach higher temperatures which decrease its effectiveness as a lubricant. 

Dirt and grime around electronic components tend to hold in moisture which can eventually cause the components to fail. 

Dirty engines are also a safety risk.  A car can overheat and catch fire in some cases.    

So how do you clean a dirty engine?   Our advise would be to take it to a professional.  Cleaning an engine yourself could cause damage to the vehicle or to yourself.   

Several degreasers are petro based and can catch fire if the car's engine isn't completely cool.  You could cause damage to the electrical system if cleaner or even water were to get on the parts.   Steam cleaning which is a common degreasing method may also damage engine parts if not performed by a professional.

A professional clean can cost around $50 to $80 .  It's well worth the price considering the mess and possible dangers you face by attempting the job yourself.