Why You Should Keep Your Engine Bay Clean

You love cruising the streets of Orange County in your beautifully maintained classic ride. That shiny, vintage shell attracts the looks and steals the sighs of passers-by. They talk about it, take pictures, and admire it wherever you go.

But, only true car connoisseurs know that it’s not about the looks only. It’s what’s under the hood that matters. And when you leave people in awe with a pristine engine bay, well – that’s when you know you’re doing everything right. That’s exactly why it’s essential to hit an engine bay detailing shop in Orange County every once in a while. You have to make sure the motor purrs and the crowd stirs whenever you appear.

Is it bad to have a dirty engine bay?

You might have heard that a dirty engine bay can cause some critical issues, like overheating, for example. Let us put your mind at ease. There’s nothing to it than empty talk. However, although it cannot cause severe damage, dirt buildup can have some long-term consequences. Some of them are:

• Rust: Moisture paired with dust and gunk that accumulate over time can cause corrosion damage to that magnificent vintage chassis

• Accelerated wear: Plastic and rubber parts will deteriorate much faster in a dirty engine bay

• Difficulties detecting serious issues: Dirt buildup can sometimes conceal and make it hard to detect brake fluid, coolant, or oil leakage.

Left unattended, these small problems can grow into critical ones. Therefore, it’s an excellent idea to detail your engine bay once every few months. In the long run, you’ll save a significant amount on repairs.

How does an engine bay get so dirty, anyway?

Contrary to popular belief, once you close the hood, you don’t isolate your engine bay from the outside influence completely. It remains exposed to the elements, albeit partially. Nevertheless, this is quite enough to allow dust and dirt to get under the hood. Over time, this can lead to a significant buildup.

Next, there’s the inside influence. Cars today aren’t particularly clean machines, to say the least. Engine and conjoining systems can also leak small amounts of oil, water, or coolant. Combined with all the dirt coming in from the outside, it becomes a great recipe for gunk.

How often should you clean your engine bay?

To keep your engine shiny as new, you should schedule detailing once every three to six months. The exact frequency largely depends on environmental factors. For instance, the warm and dry climate of Orange County makes detailing once every six months quite optimal. However, for someone living in, say, Louisiana, the state with the most rainfall in the US, this period is on the lower end.

Another thing to consider is road conditions. These, too, will impact the frequency of detailing. If you off-road a lot, the chances are you’ll need it more often. Of course, if you’ve customized your engine bay for better protection, you can safely extend the time between detailings.

Where can I find the best engine bay detailing in Orange County?

If you want the best engine bay detailing that Orange County can offer, look no further than Chimera Motors. Here, at the heart of Huntington Beach, you’ll find the best care for your vintage ride.

Whether you want to go off-roading through Trabuco Canyon or glide through the streets of Orange County, our experts will make your car ready to endure it all. Contact us today and ensure your timeless classic is ready to serve you for years to come.