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I know this is going to sound like a silly question but I am more so curious on the practices that different owners use to wash their c8's given the open aspect of the engine bay. Obviously, don't think taking it through regular car washes is an option and hand wash would likely be the only choice, but are you guys doing anything special at the rear to prevent water going into the engine bay? Or, just being careful to avoid water going in as much as possible?
Been washing -- and driving in the rain - a 328 Ferrari for more than a decade... engine's going to get wet, as does my C8 engine, oh, wait, all my other cars engines have gotten wet too.... Audi, MB, BMW, Porsche..... don't worry about a problem that isn't a problem. Just wash it, go drive it.
I start with a pressure washer to knock off as much dirt as possible. I the spray on soap and hand wash with a microfiber towel. I Change towels as they get dirty then blow the car dry with a leaf blower, followed by wiping any water I missed with a clean damp microfiber towel.
Last edited by Rocketmanwpb; Jul 2, 2025 at 09:40 AM.
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I think there have been threads posted in regards to the topic so definitely search the forum if you can. I don't think you're really going to hurt the vehicle as long as you're gentle and delicate and I wouldn't really stress it too much with some water going through the vents around the engine bay. All my Corvettes see rain and everything seems to work fine and steady. It doesn't ever hurt to be delicate though and prevent excess water.
Been washing -- and driving in the rain - a 328 Ferrari for more than a decade... engine's going to get wet, as does my C8 engine, oh, wait, all my other cars engines have gotten wet too.... Audi, MB, BMW, Porsche..... don't worry about a problem that isn't a problem. Just wash it, go drive it.
Its a NON-ISSUE, engine bays have been getting wet since the Model-T, protecting engine components from water intrusion has been an evolving AND improving process for years...engines do not melt...hand wash your C8 with confidence.
I pick these up on a recommendation. Like others have said, you’re not gonna do any damage to the engine with water. But sometimes it’s nice to just keep it out.
I’ve been a lurker of ceramic but having a black car I made the investment. My first suggestion would be ceramic because you wash less! Yesterday car was dusty, got caught in a rain, came home and I thought gee no wash needed!
As far as water in the engine bay, just towel it out, not that much of an effort.
I have run mine through touchless auto washers no problem. When hand washing I lay a towel over the engine under the openings and the use it to wipe down the engine afterwards. Very little comes in the openings.
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Good suggestions above. There have been plenty of threads in this topic - a search should bring them up. The water is not going to hurt anything - just do a quick detail in the engine bay if having water in the engine bay bothers you.
If it passed the factory water test I wouldn't be concerned about water the engine bay, just drive it and enjoy it, water spots can be cleaned up later.
I've had my C8 for 6 months now and haven't washed it yet, It's not a daily driver so I just give it a quick next day detailing and it's good to go.
Its a NON-ISSUE, engine bays have been getting wet since the Model-T, protecting engine components from water intrusion has been an evolving AND improving process for years...engines do not melt...hand wash your C8 with confidence.
Yes .... every mid/rear engine car I have owned gets dirty/dusty engine bay...goes with the territory, can't avoid it....so when I wash the car I spray off the engine bay....... I wash my cars like I wash my pickup ...... I understand ODC is a product of toilet training.....Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Google Search
Thanks for the comments guys, it puts my mind to ease. I did try searching 'washing c8' etc., and hadn't seen anything so must have missed it. I wasn't even thinking washing to be an issue until one YouTube video mentioned it and I started thinking.
So is it safe to run it through touches washes? I am too lazy generally and hand washing is a pain. Touches washes soap and stuff is sprayed and then rinsed etc., so if all that is fine then that would be my preference for ease purposes. And they have dryers in the end so I don't need to hand dry that way.
^ That one doesn't appear to be a touchless wash. I would never go on those washes where there is any physical contact of the brushes with the vehicle in general.
I have always used the two buckets and washing sponge/cloth. With the C8 there a lot is areas that the cloth doesn’t get into, like the various air intakes / grills,. I bought a Chemical Guys Foam Cannon that hooks up to a electric power washer. I have used it a couple of times and still learning how to use it. My car is a Z51 and even with the wheels being ceramic coated, they are a real pain to get clean. The foam cannon seems to work on getting the lingering brake dust off.
I know this is going to sound like a silly question but I am more so curious on the practices that different owners use to wash their c8's given the open aspect of the engine bay. Obviously, don't think taking it through regular car washes is an option and hand wash would likely be the only choice, but are you guys doing anything special at the rear to prevent water going into the engine bay? Or, just being careful to avoid water going in as much as possible?
I put an old quilt over the engine and close the hatch. Quilt absorbs 95% of the water, wipe off the excess around then perimeter. Takes 5 minutes. Obviously, engine is cold when I do it. Why waste time wiping down the engine that gets soaked?
Washing the C8?
