Washing & Detailing Engine Covers, How & What?

[iMak]

I have a 2011 Nissan Maxima and under the hood you see these plastic covers...



What is the best way to wash and detail it. I have Ultimate Wash & Wax for washing but what product for detailing and making the black plastics glowing?

Thank you in advance.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Washing & Detailing Engine Covers, How & What?

The wash mitt and soap used on the car would work very well on covers like that. Just be sure to gently rinse it off afterward.

As for making it black, there are a slew of products from each product line that will work, with latest and greatest being Ultimate Black. Basically any trim detail product will work, so take your pick!

[Kubbie]

Re: Washing & Detailing Engine Covers, How & What?

I would not take your wash mitt into the engine bay.
I suggest a different one, or just a terry rag.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Washing & Detailing Engine Covers, How & What?

I would not take your wash mitt into the engine bay.
I suggest a different one, or just a terry rag.

May I ask why not? Are you just suggesting not to contaminate the wash mitt and then use it on the paint?

[Merlin]

Re: Washing & Detailing Engine Covers, How & What?

I have a 2011 Nissan Maxima and under the hood you see these plastic covers...



What is the best way to wash and detail it. I have Ultimate Wash & Wax for washing but what product for detailing and making the black plastics glowing?

Thank you in advance.

I would suggest...
Clean - Spray a old cotton towel with Simple Green and wipe it all down.
Rinse - Take a damp (H2O) cotton towel and wipe off any Simple Green.
Dry - Use a clean dry cotton towel and wipe dry until all moisture is removed.
Gloss - Use Megs Supreme Shine Hi-Gloss Protectant on vinyl, rubber & plastic.

[Kubbie]

Re: Washing & Detailing Engine Covers, How & What?

May I ask why not? Are you just suggesting not to contaminate the wash mitt and then use it on the paint?

Correct, or am I off here? I know he mentioned just the plastic engine cover, but once you have the hood popped, wouldn't you be tempted to clean some more areas?

This 2011 looks clean, but I would say as a general practice the engine is not cleaned everytime the exterior is washed, and typically has more dirt and rocks, oil and just grime in general.

[Kornercarver]

Re: Washing & Detailing Engine Covers, How & What?

I went a slightly different route with the plastic engine covers on my Nissan. I painted them red and since then, I haven't had to worry about brightening them up.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Washing & Detailing Engine Covers, How & What?

Correct, or am I off here? I know he mentioned just the plastic engine cover, but once you have the hood popped, wouldn't you be tempted to clean some more areas?

This 2011 looks clean, but I would say as a general practice the engine is not cleaned everytime the exterior is washed, and typically has more dirt and rocks, oil and just grime in general.

I see what you mean, I was taking him literally and judging by the pic he provided a wash mitt would be fine.

If you really want to go at it in there, I prefer a soft brush - I use a discontinued Meguiar's grey bristled brush to agitate after using either APC+ or the new Engien Cleaner. Works great!

[LS1BERLINA]

Re: Washing & Detailing Engine Covers, How & What?

I personally remove the engine cover on my car to wash. On the painted parts i use a sponge and NXT wash, then apply some NXT with an old applicator (that i dont use on the paint) and buff off with a microfibre I dont use on the paint. For the black plastic parts i just use ultimate protectant to give it a bit of shine. Put the cover back on and your done!

[JoeDirt]

Re: Washing & Detailing Engine Covers, How & What?

I use reduced Meg's hyper dressing on mine. I have less plastic though...

before:




after: