So now that I've spent all the $$$ to get my car serviced, I have a cosmetic question.

I'm considering paying for a professional detailing here in the NoVa area - they have several mobile ones. One of the services offered is "engine detailing" where essentially they make the engine look new. I've heard conflicting opinions on whether or not this should be done. I'm not concerned about "whether it's worth it", I just want to know could this potentially damage anything. Someone told me mechanics like to see the engine "dirty" to give them ideas on how the car is performing.

Any thoughts?

 

If done correctly there's nothing wrong with doing it.

Just do it yourself.

Simple Green (outdoor mix) 50/50 with water

Spray with the engine slightly warmed and have the dizzy and fuse box and battery covered.

Powerwash off

 

^^x2
Cleaning an engine is a good way to see if you have any oil leaks, but I don't know if I would want someone else doing it to my car. There's lots of stuff that if bumped or pulled too hard could break, like electrical connectors. If you trust them to be careful, and want to spend the money, there shouldn't be any problem.

 

Well, unfortunately for me it's abit of an contradiction - do it right, by not by someone else. I have to pay someone because I'm really just starting out trying to know more technical things (outside of checking oil, knowing what a loose belt sounds like and changing a tire) about the car/engine and it's only guys that say "you should do it yourself!" lol.

I'll just let them detail for now, I guess. I don't know whether to trust the detailer or not with that just yet.

Thanks