Washing the engine: does it really help to improve its performance?

Washing the engine is a procedure that all car owners have to deal with. This important cleaning of the car removes all the dirt, dust, carbon deposits, oil and other contaminants that have accumulated in the internal combustion engine. Car care experts and specialists constantly stress the importance of this procedure to maintain the engine’s efficiency, ensure its longevity and reduce the risk of breakdown. The cleaning procedure consists of several steps, depending on the cleaning method and the type of engine. Of course this procedure is important for the car, but can it really improve its performance?

Importance of engine washing

This procedure is an important part of car maintenance and contributes to the efficiency, durability and reliability of the internal combustion engine (ICE). Despite this, engine washing is often neglected or considered to be non-essential. When carried out regularly, it can help prevent serious problems and save money and time in the future, so why is engine washing important?

Improves engine efficiency

Removal of carbon deposits. In internal combustion engines, incomplete combustion of the fuel creates carbon deposits that can build up on pistons, valves, combustion chambers and other engine parts. Over time, these deposits can reduce the efficiency of the engine by disrupting the combustion process. Regular engine washing helps to remove these deposits, ensuring that the engine runs optimally and burns fuel more efficiently.
Increased combustion efficiency. Removing layers of carbon and other dirt improves the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, which contributes to more efficient fuel use, reduced pollution and increased engine power.

Ensures longevity

Prevents blockages. Carbon deposits and other dirt can clog engine parts such as fuel injectors, valves and other important components. Clogging can disrupt the engine’s performance, reduce its efficiency and even cause serious breakdowns. Regular cleaning helps prevent these problems.
Reduces the risk of corrosion. Dirt, moisture and oil residues build up on engine parts and can cause corrosion, which can eventually damage engine parts and shorten their life. Cleaning procedures prevent corrosion and help keep engine parts in good condition.

Improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions

Reduces fuel consumption. Washing the engine can help reduce fuel consumption by improving the combustion process. A properly running engine will have lower fuel consumption because it will not be compensating for poor combustion efficiency caused by deposits and dirt.
Reduces emissions. More efficient combustion also means fewer emissions of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and other harmful substances. This helps to achieve higher environmental standards, reduce pollution and achieve better fuel efficiency.

Reduces the risk of faults

Preventive measures against serious failures. Cleaning procedures not only remove dirt, but also allow you to check the condition of the engine, detect potential defects (e.g. oil leaks, cracks or worn parts) in time to prevent serious failures.
Reduces damage to pistons and valves. If carbon deposits build up on pistons and valves, it can cause damage to these parts by causing them to move improperly or jam. Regular cleaning reduces this risk and prolongs their service life.

Improves engine reliability

Sounds and vibrations. Dirt and deposits can cause inefficient engine operation, which can result in unnecessary vibrations or sounds. Eliminating these negative factors by cleaning the engine helps to ensure smooth and reliable engine operation.

Maintains engine value

Maintaining the value of your car. Regular engine washing and maintenance can increase the value of a vehicle, as potential buyers will appreciate a well-maintained engine that shows it has been regularly checked and cleaned. This can be important if you are looking to sell your vehicle.

How can washing your engine improve its performance?

Internal combustion engines (ICEs) often don’t burn their fuel completely, which leads to carbon deposits. These deposits can build up on pistons, valves, combustion chambers and injectors. This can lead to reduced combustion efficiency, increased fuel consumption and reduced engine power. Removing these deposits can allow the engine to run more efficiently again, with cleaner combustion, reduced fuel consumption and increased engine power. It also improves the movement of pistons and valves, reducing the likelihood of internal engine friction and wear.

If too much carbon deposits build up on the valves or pistons, this can interfere with the combustion process. For example, valves may not close fully or pistons may leak air and fuel. This can lead to poor combustion efficiency, which reduces power extraction and increases emissions. By removing these deposits, you will ensure that your engine’s combustion process runs smoothly and without interference, resulting in lower fuel consumption and emissions and a more efficient engine.
Fuel injectors, air filters, oil systems and other engine parts can become clogged with dirt, causing interference that can lead to inefficient or uneven engine performance. Clogged systems can reduce the flow of air and fuel, which has a direct impact on engine performance. Cleaning engine components (e.g. fuel injectors, valves, heat exchangers) can help ensure better air and fuel flow, which helps the engine run more efficiently.

Over time, engine oil builds up deposits that reduce its efficiency. Old lubricants can damage engine parts, increase friction and accelerate wear. Cleaning processes that include oil changes and additional engine flushing can eliminate these interferences and ensure good oil circulation. Better oil circulation ensures that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently and that parts are better protected against wear.

When can it be a harmful procedure?

Of course, this procedure is good for the engine and the car as a whole, but there may be exceptions when it is more harmful than helpful. This can occur if the engine is not cleaned correctly. Some methods of washing the engine, especially when using aggressive chemical additives or excessive water pressure (e.g. high pressure sprayers), can cause damage to electrical connections or other parts. Also, some mechanical cleaning procedures may be too harsh and damage delicate engine surfaces.

It is also important to bear in mind that the engine does not need to be cleaned very often. If the engine is running smoothly and has been well maintained, for example by regular oil and filter changes, a “deep” engine wash (especially to remove carbon deposits) may not be necessary. Some modern engines have minimal carbon build-up, so cleaning does not have a significant effect. If you do not know when to clean and how to clean correctly, the manufacturer’s recommendations should be used. Some vehicles are recommended to use certain cleaning agents, but other engines do not.