How To Degrease An Engine
Have you ever noticed your engine looking particularly greasy? Well, you could get a professional to carry out engine bay maintenance, but if you like to think you’re pretty ‘hands-on’, why not give it a go yourself? Learning how to degrease an engine may seem like a tricky task, but this simple how-to guide is here to help!
With WD-40’s Specialist® Fast Acting Degreaser Spray, there is no need for elbow grease. Simply follow our quick step-by-step guide below, and you’ll be on your way to a better performing engine in no time!
Things you will need
Bristled Brush
Hosepipe
Microfibre cloth
Step 1
Preparation is key!
First things first, before you start to degrease your engine, always ensure you are wearing eye protection. Also make sure that you have covered all of the electrical components with a plastic cover.
Next, before you can degrease and clean the engine, it’s important to prepare it first. You can do that by giving it a quick pre-degreasing.
Firstly, remove any debris that might be present in the engine bay. You should do your best to remove all debris as they can cause issues in the engine overtime. It will also make maintaining the engine properly easier once the debris is removed.
Step 2
Run the engine for five minutes
It is easier to get rid of grease when the engine is heated, so keep the engine running for about five minutes or so to make the removal of any grease and grime easier.
Always ensure your engine has cooled to an appropriate temperature before beginning any work.
Step 3
How to degrease an engine
Once your engine is free of debris and warmed up, it’s time to get started. To do this, grab that handy degreaser spray, WD-40 Specialist Fast Acting Degreaser Spray.
This fast-acting, solvent-based degreaser can effectively remove grease and grime from your engine without leaving residue. When applying the WD-40® Specialist Fast Acting Degreaser, it’s important to avoid getting it onto the painted components, as it will remove the paint from the surface of your car. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines before using any products on your engine. However, it is perfectly safe to degrease metal components and engine blocks.
Apply the WD-40® Specialist Fast Acting Degreaser to the engine. The dirtier the engine, the more time you’ll need to leave the WD-40 formula on to allow it to work its magic. Most of the time, letting the formula sit on the engine for about three to five minutes should do the trick.
Step 4
Release the grease
Next, use a bristled brush to scrub it off the grease. Then, rinse the engine with a hose afterward.
While you’re at it, why not wash the entire car as well? This will ensure that any engine degreaser that might have found its way onto your car’s painted exterior is washed off immediately. Once you’ve washed it, why not finish the job off properly by following our guide on How To Wax & Polish Your Car By Hand.
Step 5
Check the rest of your engine components
After you’ve degreased the engine, we highly recommend you clean the individual parts as well. For example, maintaining the terminals of your car battery with a wire or bristled brush is an important step. Remember, your car will only stay in good condition if you maintain it properly.
Now you know how to degrease an engine!
Now you have a well performing, de-greased engine. Now that you know how to degrease an engine, it’s time to find out How To Treat Rust On A Car, or How To Use WD-40 To Maintain Your Car – you’ll thank us later!
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
Contact Us
© 2025 WD-40 Company.
All Rights Reserved