Engine cleaning made safe, effective, and done right at your home or office
It’s easy to forget about your engine bay. You rarely see it, and unless you’re checking oil or adding washer fluid, the hood stays shut. But over time, grime builds up, and it shows.
In Dorr and surrounding areas, we see a lot of engine bays that have barely, if ever, been cleaned. Dust, grease, road grime, and debris like leaves and twigs settle into every corner. This not only affects appearance, it can also hide leaks, wear, and damage.
Our engine bay detailing service is designed to clean the visible, upper section of your engine. It helps make maintenance easier, improves the look of your car, and is perfect if you’re prepping for a sale or just want everything under the hood looking sharp.
We keep things simple and safe, no lifting the car or deep degreasing underneath. Our goal is to clean what you can see and make sure everything looks fresh, tidy, and presentable.
While we’re at it, we can also restore your headlights. If they’re hazy or yellowed, we’ll bring back clarity and improve nighttime visibility.
Looking to take your exterior to the next level? We also offer paint correction and ceramic coating.
Cleaning under the hood makes a big difference, but it has to be done with care. Water near electronics, sensors, or wires can cause damage if handled the wrong way. That’s why we stick to a method that’s low-risk, thorough, and tailored to your vehicle’s needs. Here’s how we clean engine bays the right way:
Step 1: Inspection and Prep
We start by opening the hood and taking a look at your setup. We identify and cover sensitive areas like the alternator, fuse box, or battery terminals. Older vehicles might have more exposed parts, so we take extra steps to shield them.
Step 2: Clear the Debris
Twigs, pine needles, and leaves like to collect in corners around the engine. We brush and vacuum out all loose debris before we apply any cleaner. This helps prevent clogging drains or smearing dirt across the surfaces.
Step 3: Spray and Scrub
We apply a safe, high-powered degreaser to the engine bay. After letting it sit for a few minutes to break down buildup, we agitate everything with detailing brushes, getting into all the tight corners and around every curve of the engine.
Step 4: Gentle Rinse
This is where most people get it wrong. We use very light water pressure, or in some cases, no water at all, to rinse off the dirt. The goal is to remove grime without soaking anything. The amount of water used depends on how dirty your engine is and how it’s designed.
Step 5: Dry and Wipe Down
We use a combination of towels and a high-velocity air blower to dry the engine bay completely. Getting moisture out of hard-to-reach spots is key to keeping things safe and dry.
Step 6: Condition Plastic and Rubber
Once everything’s clean and dry, we apply a plastic and rubber dressing. This adds some shine, prevents drying or cracking, and gives your engine that crisp, finished look.
Our process works especially well on modern vehicles with plastic covers, which tend to keep most of the engine protected. For older vehicles, we adjust with more hand cleaning and less water. Every car gets a custom approach based on what it needs.
Best part? We’re mobile. Whether you’re at work, home, or even parked out front of your favorite coffee shop in Dorr, we come to you and get the job done.
Nearby Auto Detail offers more than just engine bay cleaning. We provide a curated lineup of mobile detailing services to help you keep your ride looking sharp, clean, and protected, inside and out. Here’s what we currently offer:
Your paint deserves to shine. With paint correction, we remove swirl marks, haze, and light scratches to bring out that rich, deep gloss. Perfect before applying a ceramic coating or selling your vehicle.
Looking for long-term protection and low-maintenance shine? Our ceramic coating service gives your paint a durable, hydrophobic barrier that lasts for years and makes every wash easier.
Need a quick cleanup for the inside of your car? Our express interior service includes vacuuming, surface wiping, and interior glass cleaning, great for regular upkeep.
For a deeper clean, our complete interior detail gets into every surface: carpets, seats, crevices, leather, vinyl, and plastic. We remove stains, buildup, and odor for a full reset.
Want to give your exterior a quick boost? Our express exterior detail includes a safe hand wash, wheel cleaning, and paint protection to keep your car looking great between full services.
This is the full package for your vehicle’s exterior. We wash, clay, decontaminate, seal, and dress every inch, from wheels to glass, giving you a brilliant, protected finish.
Yellowed headlights don’t just look bad, they’re also a safety concern. We sand, polish, and seal your headlights to restore clarity and brightness for safer driving.
We proudly serve Dorr, MI and neighboring towns. If you’re in the area, we’ll meet you where your vehicle is parked and get to work.
We care about more than just clean vehicles, we care about giving you a great experience. From booking to final wipe-down, our goal is to make everything simple, professional, and worth your time.
Check out what other customers in Dorr are saying. You’ll find glowing reviews across Google and social media from people who trust us to take care of their vehicles.
“Cody was great! My car had gotten overspray all over it and he did an amazing job with it. Thank you!” – Samantha Selby
“Cody is awesome!! He did a spectacular job on my car! Took his time and every inch looked brand new and bonus, smelled like a new car again!!! He was easy to get a hold of and A+ with communication!!!! I do appreciate that!!! I would recommend this man to anyone, on top of that he is a veteran and he gave back to me by allowing me to support his livelihood!!! Thank you Cody!! I will definitely be booking again!” – Frances Sietsema
“Cody was great! We had an unexpected car issue and he was able to accommodate a schedule change. He was punctual and took great care of our car while at our house. The car looks brand new! Thank you, Cody!” – Latricia Kadrlik
Can you clean up oil spills or major leaks?
We focus on light to moderate grime and buildup. If there’s a heavy oil leak or deep contamination, you may need mechanical repair or a more advanced degreasing process.
How long does the service usually take?
Most engine bay cleanings take 25 to 45 minutes. If your engine has a lot of buildup or exposed components, we’ll take a little more time to clean everything by hand.
Is this a mobile service, or do I have to come to you?
We are 100 percent mobile. We bring everything to you, whether you’re at home, your workplace, or another convenient spot in or around Dorr.
If your engine bay needs a little love, or a complete refresh, we’re ready to help. Our process is safe, effective, and done at your convenience. Whether you’re prepping for a sale or just want a cleaner car under the hood, we’ve got you covered.
Reach out today to book your appointment. Call us or fill out our quick online form and Nearby Auto Detail will come to you, no hassle, no waiting room, just clean results where and when it works for you.
