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Audi: How to Clean Your Engine Bay

You won't need a professional detailer to help you boost the shine of your engine bay. Read these quick tips and improve the look of your engine today.

By Charlie Gaston - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi Q5/Q7, A3, A4 B7, A4 B8, A6 C5, A6 C6.

Even light deposits can quickly diminish the level of shine underneath the hood of your Audi. While you might not care how sparkly your engine bay appears, it's always a good idea to keep all areas of your car well maintained. This is true not only if you plan to sell your car later on down the line, but also to ensure rust and other corrosive agents don't work to diminish performance or cause further electrical problems as the years pass by. Keep reading to discover the no-nonsense tips for cleaning and maintaining your engine bay all year-round.

Materials Needed

  • Plastic bags
  • 2800 PSI pressure washer
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Engine bay degreaser
  • Bristled brush
  • Protectorant
  • Air compressor (optional)

Step 1 – Cover exposed electrical components

It's highly recommended that you use plastic bags to cover all exposed electrical components (e.g., electrical wires, alternator, engine control module, etc).

Figure 1. Protect exposed electrical components.

Step 2 – Blast away deposits

Use a 2800 PSI pressure washer to blast away grease, debris, mold and dirt and other deposits.

Using a pressure washer
Figure 2. Use a pressure washer to clean the engine bay.

Step 3 – Apply an engine degreaser

Spray the entire surface of your entire engine bay with your chosen degreaser. Next, allow the product to activate and begin to effectively lift stubborn deposits without destroying your engine. Meguiar's, Simple Green and Sonus are all trusted brands among many Audi owners.

Depending on the brand you use, you may need to leave the product on for longer. However, never allow the degreaser to dry on your engine. Use a bristled brush to help lift especially stubborn deposits.

Rinse the degreaser from your engine when you are done. Repeat the application, as needed. Or, simply spot clean troublesome areas.

Spray on an engine degreaser.
Figure 3. Spray on an engine degreaser.

Pro Tip

In many cases, waiting approximately five minutes should suffice. However, always follow the manufacturer's instructions when allowing a degreaser to work.

Step 4 – Add a little shine (or a lot!)

Many Audi owners swear by a product called Vinylx. It offers a high degree of protection from future contaminants and boasts shine. Easy to apply, simply spray the product onto your engine bay, working it in with a microfiber cloth, and then wiping away any excess product to eliminate surface residue. Don't forget to add the product to hoses and plastic areas, where spots can appear most noticeable.

Step 5 – Blow excess water out of spark plugs (optional)

If you own an air compressor, it's highly recommended that you use it to blast away any water that may have become trapped in the holes of your spark plugs.

Check your spark plugs for water
Figure 4. Check your spark plugs for water.

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