Most exterior car detailing work in Melbourne is done primarily to improve the aesthetic appeal of a vehicle, with any improvement to the functioning or condition coming in secondary. Engine detailing, however, has reversed priorities. This area is usually hidden from view under the hood, and so appearance is not a major concern. Of course, serious car fanatics will no doubt compare engines, but that’s another story. Engine detailing is much more commonly performed as it can help to extend the life of your engine and help your car run smoothly. The individual components of the engine will last much longer, and additionally, when something does go wrong, the source will be much simpler to diagnose.
It is fine to perform the task once or twice per year, with occasional checks and touch ups if needed. Like with many DIY projects, an improper detailing job can actually end up doing more harm than good, so make sure that you know what you’re doing before popping the hood.
The first step is that of preparation. Make sure you’re wearing old clothes, as engine grease is not going to come out in the wash. Gather some basic household cleaning supplies and a low pressure water source. If you are completing a DIY job, then a common garden hose on a low setting should do the job. You will also require a specialist degreasing agent as well as cleaning materials, including several rags or microfiber towels, a few sheets of plastic, and various brushes. An old toothbrush might come in handy.
Next, you want to spray your front bumper and fenders with the hose. This wetting will help the next stage in diluting the degreaser and prevent it from causing irreparable damage to your paint finish. Pop the hood, and tightly cover the alternator and battery with your plastic sheet, as these two parts are very sensitive to moisture and should not get wet if you can help it. Garbage bags will do the job. Wet the engine indirectly with the hose, as well as spraying the underside of the hood. Once the engine is sufficiently wet, it is a matter of applying the degreasing agent and allowing it to work its magic for a few minutes before getting to work with the brushes. Scrub all parts of the engine, steering clear of any electrical connectors. In order to get to every little spot, you will need some different sized and shaped brush tools. Use common sense as to how much pressure you apply to which areas, as paint can be quite easily scratched and may require finer brushes.
All this grease is messy work, so grab the hose and thoroughly rinse down anything covered in grease, including yourself. The trick is to not leave any residue behind, as this will get sticky and cause all kinds of problems. It is best to allow the engine to air dry if the weather permits and your have the time. Mop up any excess moisture with a dry towel so that the bay is completely dry. Spray the entire bay with engine dressing or rubber and vinyl protectant. You will want to find an aerosol that evenly coats all surfaces, leaving a glossy shine. Close the hood and turn the engine on for ten minutes or so. Now your at-home engine detailing job is complete. Of course, this level of job will hardly compare to that of trained professional detailers, so if you want a real wow factor then you could visit your local detailer. Get in touch with Unsurpassed Vehicle Image for a premium car detailing service in Melbourne in a league of its own at http://www.uvi.com.au/.
It is fine to perform the task once or twice per year, with occasional checks and touch ups if needed. Like with many DIY projects, an improper detailing job can actually end up doing more harm than good, so make sure that you know what you’re doing before popping the hood.
The first step is that of preparation. Make sure you’re wearing old clothes, as engine grease is not going to come out in the wash. Gather some basic household cleaning supplies and a low pressure water source. If you are completing a DIY job, then a common garden hose on a low setting should do the job. You will also require a specialist degreasing agent as well as cleaning materials, including several rags or microfiber towels, a few sheets of plastic, and various brushes. An old toothbrush might come in handy.
Next, you want to spray your front bumper and fenders with the hose. This wetting will help the next stage in diluting the degreaser and prevent it from causing irreparable damage to your paint finish. Pop the hood, and tightly cover the alternator and battery with your plastic sheet, as these two parts are very sensitive to moisture and should not get wet if you can help it. Garbage bags will do the job. Wet the engine indirectly with the hose, as well as spraying the underside of the hood. Once the engine is sufficiently wet, it is a matter of applying the degreasing agent and allowing it to work its magic for a few minutes before getting to work with the brushes. Scrub all parts of the engine, steering clear of any electrical connectors. In order to get to every little spot, you will need some different sized and shaped brush tools. Use common sense as to how much pressure you apply to which areas, as paint can be quite easily scratched and may require finer brushes.
All this grease is messy work, so grab the hose and thoroughly rinse down anything covered in grease, including yourself. The trick is to not leave any residue behind, as this will get sticky and cause all kinds of problems. It is best to allow the engine to air dry if the weather permits and your have the time. Mop up any excess moisture with a dry towel so that the bay is completely dry. Spray the entire bay with engine dressing or rubber and vinyl protectant. You will want to find an aerosol that evenly coats all surfaces, leaving a glossy shine. Close the hood and turn the engine on for ten minutes or so. Now your at-home engine detailing job is complete. Of course, this level of job will hardly compare to that of trained professional detailers, so if you want a real wow factor then you could visit your local detailer. Get in touch with Unsurpassed Vehicle Image for a premium car detailing service in Melbourne in a league of its own at http://www.uvi.com.au/.
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