How to Clean Oil Off a Car Engine Without Causing Any Damage

Contents

Removing oil from your vehicle’s external engine components is a preventative maintenance measure and cosmetic consideration. Although hidden from daily view, you should clean your vehicle’s engine at regular intervals.

Keeping your car’s engine free of oil and other contaminants reduce the likelihood of rust, corrosion, and damaging other parts while making it easier for you to spot leaks.

Items you will need

Tarp
Catch pan
Degreaser
Clean shop cloth
Brush
Plastic bags
Electrical tape
Hose or pressure washer

Instruction Notes and Warning

Always clean your vehicle in a shaded location to prevent cleaners from drying prematurely.

Never allow contaminated water to run off into drainage systems. It is illegal in most states and will result in possible pollution the groundwater and may expose you to fines.

Step 1

Place the protective tarp and catch pan on your driveway, directly under the car’s engine, to protect against oil stains and runoff into drains and groundwater.

Step 2

Start the engine and allow it to run for two to three minutes to warm up and loosen oil and other contaminants. Open the vehicle’s hood.

Step 3

Spray degreaser onto a clean shop cloth. Wipe and brush the oil off of any hard-to-reach areas and electrical components, such as the alternator, fuse box, and battery.

Step 4

Place plastic bags over the air intake, filter, and electrical components. Secure the loose ends of each bag with electrical tape to prevent moisture intrusion.

Step 5

Spray the degreaser liberally over the entire engine. Allow about five minutes for the cleaner to penetrate.

Step 6

Spray the entire engine with a hose or a pressure washer set to its lowest adjustment, working from the bottom up.

Step 7

Clean and brush the engine components not covered by the plastic bags. Wipe off the engine with clean shop towels until the oil a residue is gone.

Step 8

Remove the plastic bags covering electrical components and your air intake devices.

Step 9

Start your engine. Let it run for 5 to 10 minutes. Heating the engine evaporates any remaining moisture in the engine compartment.

Step 10

Take the oil-contaminated water to a center that accepts contaminated water. The exact location varies, depending on local laws. Always verify that you are disposing of this water in accordance with your local laws.