An important part of car maintenance is having a clean engine. Keeping the engine bay clean can helps ensure the car operates at its optimal performance by identifying potential issues such as corrosion, oil leaks, air flow blockage, and worn-out parts otherwise covered by dirt or grime. A normal wash for a car and the engine involves using water and soap, but there is an alternative method to clean the engine that does not require water. Depending on the engine or vehicle, it could be a preferred option to water and soap.
A waterless engine wash instead uses special cleaning chemicals and solutions to remove the built-up dirt and grime. This method works because of the properties that the cleaning chemicals contain -- a combination of surfactants -- that decrease the surface tension between liquids and solids, detergents, and in some cases, polymers. These work together to clean the surfaces and leave a protective coat, similar to car wax. Compared to using soap and water, using a waterless engine wash has several advantages that make it an attractive option for cleaning; including the simplicity of how it is done, the relatively short time it takes to complete, and eliminating the risk of damaging the electrical components of the engine when using water.