Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How do you clean a car engine without water?

I’ve heard horror stories of cleaning engines with water but know mine needs some work, how do I clean it without water?

avatar
Will Baldwin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You definitely want to avoid rusting, so you’ve come to the right place! Start by pulling together these supplies:
  • Engine cleaner designed for your car
  • Non-metallic bristled brush
  • Plastic bags
  • Tape
  • Towel
  • Compressed air
  • Wet wipes
Now that you have the tools, here are the steps:
  • Before you start, make sure your engine is cool enough you can touch it.
  • Cover electrical components (especially the fragile ones) with plastic bags and tape.
  • Remove your battery. Although it shouldn’t be at risk, it’s better to be safe.
  • Now, apply cleaner by spraying it on your engine bay, ideally thoroughly coating the area.
  • Allow the cleaner to penetrate the area for about 5 minutes.
  • Then, use a non-metallic bristled brush on the area, working on the grime and dirt built up.
  • Rinse off the area using wet wipes.
  • When done with the wet wipes, carefully remove the plastic bags.
  • Finish by drying the engine with a towel or compressed air.
If you have worries about your engine causing issues on the road, check out Jerry’s road assistance plan.
Jerry
not only generates competitive quotes from top providers in less than a minute but also offers a roadside assistance membership for as low as $4.16 a month. Call our friendly agents to see if you qualify for a special discount rate of $50 for your first year!
Best of luck with the engine!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings