This FAQ page was put together to help you better understand our engine cleaning services and what they cover. For further information, please visit our engine cleaning service page here.
Why would I want to clean my engine bay?
The engine bay is frequently neglected since it’s not something you see regularly unless you’re checking on the engine. However, when you pop the hood, would you prefer to see an engine covered in dirt, leaves, and bugs or a spotless, well-maintained engine? It’ll also let you check for possible oil or fluid leaks much better than having a dirty engine bay with debris everywhere.
Can using water harm my engine bay?
If you’re not cautious, damage can happen, just like with many other things. The same principle applies to our paint correction services—lack of expertise can result in burning through the paint.
With that in mind, we carefully protect your engine bay. We don’t flood it with water, but use just enough to rinse off the cleaner and dirt. We keep the wand at a safe distance and cover sensitive areas for added safety.
If you do the opposite—spraying high-pressure water into the electrical components and the intake and holding it close to the parts—you’ll likely have a bad experience.
After cleaning over 100 engines, we’ve never had an issue with engines not starting or triggering check engine lights.
Is engine bay cleaning available as a mobile service?
We no longer offer engine bay cleaning as a standalone mobile service. This service must be paired with a Full Interior Cleaning or a Wash and Wax to have this service done at your location. You can also schedule the service and bring your vehicle to our home location.
Can you clean my engine bay if there's been an oil leak?
Our engine bay cleaning focuses on surface-level grime. If the oil or grease leak is severe and has penetrated deep into the engine bay, we won’t be able to clean it thoroughly. Oil can get into all the tiny crevices, making it difficult to access and wash thoroughly. Long-standing leaks are particularly challenging to remove.
What steps are involved in the engine cleaning process?
In summary: Inspect the engine, cover sensitive areas, rinse the bay, spray and agitate with brushes, dry the engine bay, and apply dressing to plastic and rubber parts.
We use various cleaners, brushes, and sprayers to access all accessible areas.
Are you able to polish the aluminum and painted surfaces in my engine bay?
Certainly! We offer polishing services for your engine bay. If the painted surfaces have a clear coat, we can polish them to restore shine. Whether you have aftermarket or OEM parts that require rejuvenation, we can handle it. We use 1” and 3” polishers for precise work and carefully hand-polish intricate areas for optimal results.
Please feel free to contact us for a custom quote.
How long will it take to complete this task?
Completion time varies based on the engine bay’s size, condition, and complexity. Typically, it’s completed in less than 45 minutes. However, we adjust our approach for different vehicle types, like an original 1970, for example, to ensure proper cleaning methods are used.
We often rely on steamers, towels, brushes, and cleaners for older, original vehicles without using water or pressure washers.
Do you apply a shine to the engine bay?
Yes, we do! After thoroughly cleaning and drying the engine bay, we use a water-based dressing on all plastic and rubber surfaces to give them a polished look. Please let us know if you prefer not to have a dressing applied, and we will accommodate your request.
How long can I expect my engine bay to stay clean?
The duration hinges on your vehicle’s build and maintenance practices. Well-sealed cars restrict the entry of water, dirt, and debris, prolonging engine bay cleanliness compared to cars with more exposed grilles and less sealing.
EXCELLENT Based on 152 reviews Vik M2025-08-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris from TopShine did a stellar job doing an exterior detail on both my cars. He did an exterior detail and wax polish + interior clean on my wife’s car. Excellent attention to detail, very professional, very friendly and knowledgeable. He showed up right on time at my workplace and got to work, wrapped it up all in time for me to head home. Chris really knows his way around detailing and has a real passion for his work. I was so happy that I decided to get a ceramic coating for my own car. Once again a brilliant job, both cars feel factory fresh and gleaming. He even threw in a complimentary follow up wash for both cars. Thanks Chris! mucho casas2025-07-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 10/10. Looks better than when I bought it. Sydney Doidge2025-07-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris did a great job with the interior of my car. He was also kind when I flubbed the time for our appointment and gave him a wrong number - whoops. Very easy to coordinate with once he had the right number and we were able to reschedule! Happy with how everything turned out, my car was very clean afterwards! Christopher Rizk2025-07-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris did a fantastic job. Couldn’t be more happy with timeliness, price, and service P2025-07-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Recently moved to a new area and needed a nice hand wash and detailing for my Mazda so I gave TopShine a try after seeing them detail another car 2 weeks ago. I booked an appointment and Chris was punctual, communicative and he did a phemonemal job! Chris went above and beyond and I couldn't be more grateful. He was an absolute pleasure to work with and the price for the services rendered was more than reasonable! Give TopShine a try, I highly recommend their services; you will not regret it and it was worth every dollar! 💯 Casey Bullock2025-07-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris does amazing work. His work is meticulous and he takes great care to treat your vehicle as though it was his own. I was planning on selling my vehicle and I’m convinced that the detailing work got me top dollar! I would highly recommend TopShine Mobile Detailing! Nikhil Murgai2025-07-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience with this car detailing service! Chris was right on time, which I really appreciated, and kept me updated throughout the process with clear and professional communication. The detailing itself was absolutely fantastic — my 2015 BMW looks better than it did when I drove it off the lot. Every corner, crevice, and surface was spotless. You can tell that they take real pride in their work. Highly recommend if you’re looking for someone reliable, responsive, and truly skilled at what they do! Jerry Zhao2025-07-03Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris did a great job! He was very considerate, kind, and even gave me a nice discount! Highly recommend, and tell your friends! Danielle Nadeau2025-06-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A friend found Top Shine Mobile and after reaching out over the website, I got a courteous call from Chris, with all the details I was looking for. I was able to schedule service, quickly and easily within a week. Chris did an exceptional job on my 16yo car. As far as I know, it's never been detailed. I had significant wear from my 10years of ownership, multiple moves and trips across the country, and a fair amount of staining. The before and after on carpet and headlights alone is stunning (and you gotta get the headlight service!). Chris even got off all the stickers from parking garages and deep into crevices of cup holders. The fabric roof trim was spotless and after only a few hours, the car feels brand new to me. Highly recommend Top Shine Mobile, not only for the amazing detail service, but also for the great customer support and experience. Sau2025-06-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Car detailing was professional. The interior was spotless. Exterior was polished. Pricing was fair for the service!
GET STARTED BY COMPLETING THE FORM
Have questions, comments, or special requests? Don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your input is valuable, and we'd love to hear from you. Have a fantastic day!
Email chris@tsautodetails.com
Mon – Sun 7:00am – 8:00pm
TopShine Mobile Detailing
San Diego
- 7265 Charmant Dr Unit 615, San Diego, CA 92122
- 858-224-2382
Proudly serving the San Diego area — based in the La Jolla Colony district. We bring premium mobile detailing directly to your driveway or office.