Hi Group,

I'm not sure if these questions are more appropriate for the detailing group, but I think they fit better here. Anyway, I just got transmission fluid service done at a local MB shop. I asked the tech about washing under the car to prevent rust. He recommended against it becuase he felt spraying additional water under the car may actually promote more rust. I live in a costal area, so I have some concern about airborne salt, but it rarely snows here, and when it does they don't salt the roads. Should I clean under the car?

Second question:

The tech suggested that I may want to clean my engine using the Castrol product and then hosing the engine down. He told me to stay away from the battery, but not to really worry about other components (just don't hose in one place too long). Does this sound like a good idea?

Thanks,

Rick

I tend to agree with the first assessment.

I don't believe that cleaning with detergents or chemicalls does long term good for the engine compartment or underneath. I have no experience with salt, either road or sea. We live far enough from the coast that it is no problem. If there is a problem in your area that might change things on the under carriage.

Under the hood, numerous switches and unprotected metals do much better with a light film of oil than the harshly dry exposed position they get after chemical or detergent cleaning. We always locally clean any mess made from leaks and coat with a product like WD40 and leave it alone otherwise.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician