When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
What is the best/easiest way to clean under the hood? I have lots of water spots I have tried several cleaners nothing seems to work great. I finally got the outside of the car looking good surprising tip I have tried almost everything from wax to polish and something told me to try an inexpensive Turtle wax product "Ice" so far I'm thrilled! Now I have set my sights under the hood so any tips welcome. The engine it self is clean it is inside near the fenders that need help.
For water spots on painted surfaces I've found that detail sprays melt them away. Regular car wax doesn't work but for some reason the detail spray softens the water spot edge and then it vanishes. For metal surfaces I've been told that CLR works but have yet to buy it or try it. Supposedly CLR is sold in your local grocery store. I have not looked but soon will.
I use the Griots Garage on most everything under the hood. Chrome polish on the shinny stuff and wax on the painted surfaces. WD40 works great on the black and rubber as well.
I just have been using detail spray and while it seems to work on some of the surfaces it is the painted sides that have the worst spots and I have trouble getting it to look clean. Most people open their hoods a car shows I keep mine closed. I would consider adding some nice dressing or chrome but it this point I won't waste the money being I don't like the way the bay itself looks. Not horrible just not great!
Your cleaning suggestions here will be all over the board here.
However, I recommend to new C7 owners to frequently wipe down your new engine compartment with a little Windex or general purpose cleaner (takes about 5-10 minutes) and blow-dry the small amount of water that get under hood during exterior washing.
I've found it's MUCH Easier to keep your engine compartment clean and like-new than it is to clean it after it's already become dirty-greasy-water spots etc..
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
For a general cleaning of everything under the hood, I'll cover the alternator and underhood fuse box, and then spray the engine bay down with a hose (engine is cold). Then use an old longer Daytona speed brush and a light blend of water and whatever car wash soap is around to gently probe most of the crevices and areas where you can't seem to get thoroughly with your hands. Then hose off again, and then forced air to blow everything dry. I use a handheld ShopVac blow dryer but a MasterBlaster or leaf blower is good too, prevents anything from water spotting and the engine bay looks fresh afterwards. Touch anything up or proceed to detail with product of your choice. I do this on the daily drivers as well as the Vettes and never had an issue afterwards.
The "pointy" ones work best for getting into the small crevices. I also collect custom knives and antique lever action Winchester rifles and the pointy end is a must in for cleaning those !!!!
Last edited by Kevin A Jones; 10-22-2017 at 01:14 PM.
I would love to find some of those pointy ones they would be great for cleaning the slides on my guns! I use a pliers on regulars one to make them skinny enough to work.
I would love to find some of those pointy ones they would be great for cleaning the slides on my guns! I use a pliers on regulars one to make them skinny enough to work.
Wait you mean to tell me I'm supposed to check the oil? Why would I do that I get emails telling me if my tires are low in air pressure I'm sure it would tell me if it needed oil as well. The other day I received an email that I was at 17% oil life it even offered to make an appointment for me. The least I can do it keep it clean!
Dried Water spots?
Being residual mineral deposits, most likely, from dried faucet water - Distilled White Vinegar to dissolve the minerals, followed by some kind of cleaner wax to help seal.
10-21-2017, 06:57 PM
How to Clean Engine compartment?
