Welcome to the opening installment of our comprehensive series on cleaning car parts. In this article, we'll take a high-level look at seven major components of your vehicle that
require regular cleaning and maintenance. Discover why keeping these parts in pristine condition is essential for the overall performance and longevity of your car, and learn some valuable tips and tricks that can be used across the board to achieve that showroom shine.
The Critical Cleaning Seven
While a regular trip to the car wash is good practice for keeping your vehicle’s exterior, undercarriage, and interior clean, there are many other components, both visible and hidden, that require periodic attention to ensure optimal functionality and safety.
Below are seven major categories of component that demand regular cleaning and maintenance. To help you remember the list, we’re going to call them the ‘Critical Seven.’
Battery.
The purpose of battery cleaning is to ensure optimal electrical energy for essential functions, such as starting the vehicle and powering accessory items. By maintaining a clean battery, you can enhance the performance of these primary mechanical and electrical processes.
Wheels & Tires.
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your vehicle's wheels and tires is essential for safety, appearance, and longevity. By removing debris, monitoring tread wear, and addressing any damage promptly, you ensure optimal traction and reduce the risk of punctures. Keeping your wheels and tires clean and well-maintained also enhances the overall look of your vehicle, and helps extend tire lifespan, saving you money on replacements.
Brakes.
Over time, brake dust and debris can accumulate on brake components, compromising their effectiveness and potentially causing premature wear. By regularly cleaning your brakes, you remove this buildup, ensuring proper brake function and enhancing overall safety.
Electrical System.
Cleaning the electrical system components is important for ensuring reliable electrical connections and preventing potential issues caused by dirt, corrosion, and oxidation. By cleaning them regularly, you maintain good conductivity and reduce the risk of electrical failures.
Alternator.
The alternator generates electrical power to recharge the battery and power the vehicle's electrical systems when the engine is running. While designed to last for many years, alternators can accumulate a buildup of dirt, dust, oils, and debris over time, reducing vehicle performance and lifespan. Keeping the alternator clean helps to maintain its electrical connections and prevent corrosion, ensuring reliable power generation and electrical system performance.
Starter Motor.
The starter is responsible for starting your engine by cranking it. Like the other car parts listed here, dirt, grease, and other contaminants can accumulate on the starter components over time. This buildup can impede performance and lead to starting issues or even starter motor failure. By keeping the starter components clean and well-maintained, you can improve the connections and function.
Fuel System.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of fuel system components, through the use of fuel additives and periodic fuel system flushes, helps remove contaminants. This can improve fuel flow and promote better combustion, resulting in smoother operation, improved fuel efficiency, and the reduced risk of engine problems.
Why Parts Cleaning Is a Must
Proper parts cleaning and maintenance is an essential aspect of vehicle care that should not be overlooked. Now that you understand what components are targets for proper cleaning, let’s look a little closer at why regular scrubbing is important.
Prevention of corrosion.
Corrosion occurs on all metal surfaces, including battery terminals, brake components, and electrical connections. Corrosion marginalizes proper functions throughout the engine complex.
Prevention of electrical issues.
Electrical components relating to battery terminals, alternator components, and starter motor components can be affected by dirt, grime, and corrosion.
Improving fuel efficiencies.
Fuel system components involving components like fuel injectors, pumps, and/or filters, can be clogged with debris, and fuel deposits.
Enhancing safety.
For example, in the case of brake components, dirty brake pads or rotors can reduce braking efficiency.
Extension of component lifespans.
Keeping primary components clean extends mechanical life-cycles.
In short, keeping various components of your vehicle clean and well-maintained not only ensures their longevity but also contributes to the overall performance, efficiency, and safety of your vehicle.
Cleaning Product Recommendations
In order to make the most of the parts cleaning process, you’ll need to use the proper products.
Here are some commonly used ones:
Degreasers.
Formulated to remove grease, oil, and grime from different parts of the vehicle, these products usually come in both spray and liquid form and are designed to penetrate and dissolve tough contaminants. There are various types of degreasers available, such as solvent-based, water-based, or biodegradable options.
Solvents.
Mild solvents (such as isopropyl alcohol) can be used to clean specific car parts like electrical connectors, terminals, and switches. They effectively remove dirt, dust, and residue without leaving behind any residue of their own. Harsher solvents – like petroleum-based mineral spirits or kerosene – are more aggressive and can be very effective at breaking down particularly stubborn greases, oils, and other gunk. However, they are very flammable, toxic if inhaled, and can react poorly with other materials (including your skin!).
Parts Cleaning Solutions.
A catch-all term, but for our purposes here, this just refers to products that are specially formulated to break down parts-specific contaminants. For example, CRC Brakleen is an aerosol brake parts cleaner designed to remove brake fluid, grease, brake dust and oil from brake parts while leaving no residue behind. (However, it can also be used to clean other car parts and even shop machinery.)
Brushes and Applicators.
Different types of brushes, such as stiff bristle brushes or detailing brushes – even old toothbrushes – are useful for scrubbing and reaching into tight spaces. Microfiber cloths or foam applicators can be used for gentle cleaning and product application.
Compressed Air.
Compressed air can be handy for blowing away dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas and crevices.
Cleaning Car Parts: Tips & Tricks
When it comes to cleaning car parts – any car part -- there are some general tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best results, while ensuring the safety of both yourself and the components you're working on.
Keep these high-level bits of advice in mind:
Start gentle.
In general, it’s best to begin cleaning methods with milder solutions and softer brushes or cloths to avoid damaging delicate parts. Gradually increase the strength or abrasiveness if needed, but always prioritize gentle cleaning methods.
Be safe.
Before starting any cleaning task, make sure to wear appropriate safety gear such as gloves, eye protection, and, if necessary, a respirator. This will protect you from potential hazards associated with cleaning products and debris.
Follow instructions.
Different car parts may require specific cleaning methods or solutions. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines to ensure you're using the recommended products and techniques for each component. This also applies to disposal of cleaning products, as some formulas can be very damaging to animals and the environment.
Disconnect power.
When cleaning electrical parts, such as connectors or switches, always ensure the power is disconnected before proceeding. To clean battery terminals and cables effectively, disconnect them from the battery. Start by removing the negative (-) cable followed by the positive (+) cable.
Go slow.
Remember, rushing leads to error. Cleaning car parts (or really anything) can be a tedious exercise, but it’s also one with satisfying, measurable results. You start with something dirty, invest some time and elbow grease, and end up with visual improvement. Take your time and enjoy the process.
Now that you know the benefits of regular cleaning and maintenance, it’s a good idea to set a schedule for your vehicle so you can catch potential issues early and keep things in optimal condition. And remember to check in with this series here on Parts Via, as you’ll find more detailed guides on cleaning each of the “Critical Seven.”