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Apply the Degreaser or Car Shampoo to Your Dodge Charger's Engine Surface

Apply your chosen cleaning agent to the engine surface, ensuring every inch is covered with either the car shampoo or degreaser. You don't need to go overboard with the quantity.

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Allow the Cleaners to Do Their Job

Once the cleaning solution is applied, let it interact with the dirt and contaminants. Leave it for a good 3-6 minutes to do its magic.

Proceed with Manual Engine Cleaning

After giving the cleaning agents their due time, it's time for some elbow grease. Based on the type and level of dirt, you might need a brush or rag to thoroughly clean your Dodge Charger's engine.

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Proceed with caution to avoid any damages, and remember, the exhaust manifold may still be hot, so protect yourself from burns.



If you come across stubborn contaminants, don't hesitate to use WD-40. Known for its wide range of applications, including cleaning parts from rust and ingrained dirt, it can be a real lifesaver. Simply apply WD-40 to the problematic spot, let it sit for a bit, and then scrub away.

Rinse Your Dodge Charger's Engine

Once the manual cleaning process is done, it's time to move to the final stage of rinsing the engine with water.

For this, use the lowest possible water pressure (if you're using a pressure washer) to avoid damaging the engine bay. Clean carefully, ensuring all the chemicals are thoroughly washed off. Remember, residual cleaners can leave stains.

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Blow Out All Electrical Contacts with Compressed Air

Even with the best precautions, water can still find its way to the engine's electronics.



To protect the contacts from corrosion, it's recommended to blow them with compressed air after unwrapping the electrical elements. The force of the air will remove any residual water droplets.

Thoroughly Dry the Engine and Its Components

Once the wash is completed, it's time to dry the engine. You can use paper towels or dry rags for this task.

Be sure to wipe down all the nooks and crannies within the engine compartment. If water makes it to the electrical contacts, ensure they are dried as well.

Now, it's time to remove the protective plastic bags and duct tape. Carefully inspect every area within the engine bay to ensure it's dry and clean.



After reconnecting the battery terminals, start up your Dodge Charger and verify everything is running as it should.

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Is it Safe to Clean a Dodge Charger's Engine at a Car Wash?

For many Dodge Charger owners, especially those new to the scene, the thought of cleaning their engine at a car wash can be a nerve-wracking one. The high-pressure jets of water and chemicals used at these facilities work great for parts of the car where there's no risk of dislodging pipes or disrupting sensitive components. However, when it comes to the area under the hood, this approach can be seen as less effective or even potentially harmful.

The challenge lies in reaching those tucked-away areas without risking short circuits, saturating the air filter, or dislocating sensors and nozzles. This makes it tricky to adequately clean your Dodge Charger's engine at a self-service car wash, where your tools might be limited.

However, professional detailing centers often provide specific services for thorough or surface-level engine cleaning. These services are more nuanced, with the quality depending on the specific techniques, tools, and cleaning agents used.

Options for Cleaning a Dodge Charger's Engine at a Car Wash

While each detailing center may use different terms for their services, the expected outcome remains largely the same. Here are two common options:

Surface Cleaning. This method is akin to a standard car wash. The mechanic will pop the hood, apply a foam solution to the engine, and rinse it off following a set protocol. This mostly improves the engine's outward appearance.

Thorough Cleaning. This service is notable for its comprehensive approach and the high quality of cleaning it provides, often costing as much as, if not more than, a full body wash. All surfaces and hard-to-reach areas are meticulously cleaned, sometimes even by hand using sponges, rags, and brushes. Components that may interfere with the cleaning process are often removed ahead of time. The result? An engine bay that's as clean as the day it left the factory.

In Summary

Cleaning the engine might seem like a trivial task, but it's an integral aspect of proper maintenance for your Dodge Charger. It's crucial to remove any dirt, dust, grease, and debris from the engine surface and its components.

Before starting the cleaning process, it's important to properly protect any vulnerable components like wiring, contacts, and the fuse box to avoid contact with water and chemicals.

Proper and diligent engine cleaning aids in better cooling, prevents corrosion of components, and ensures everything under the hood stays clean and in top condition. This contributes to the longevity and optimal performance of your Dodge Charger.