Clean Your Engine Bay Once a Year

The Problem

Your engine bay is covered in grime. You can't tell if that's a new oil leak or 5-year-old grime.

The Hack

Cover electrical connections (battery, fuse box, alternator) with plastic bags. Spray engine degreaser on warm (not hot) engine. Let sit 5 minutes. Rinse gently with a garden hose. Air dry.

Why It Works

A clean engine bay makes new leaks immediately visible — oil drips, coolant weeps, and power steering fluid are obvious on clean surfaces. It also adds $200-500 in perceived value when selling.

Pro Tips

• Do NOT use a pressure washer — garden hose on low is fine
• Cover sensitive electronics with plastic bags before spraying
• Do it when engine is warm, not hot
• Spray degreaser, wait 5 min, rinse, done