Nasty Hissing Sound when Washing Car

[stevett]

Hi All,

Drove my new-ish C4 home and decided to wash it immediately with a bucket of water/car shampoo. After pouring some water on roof/rear screen,. I noticed a nasty hissing sound for a few secs which sounded like water hitting hot metal.

I am worried the water could have hit the hot engine or whether it was the exhaust. Could an engine/exhaust etc really be damaged by doing this (ie. crack in engine itself) and how can you prevent it when the rear spoiler slats seem to funnel water in the engine bay anyway?

Just wondering if this is something that has happened to anyone else?

Thanks, Steve

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

The slats are to let air in to cool the engine bay, and water gets in just as easily. It will be happening when you drive it in the rain too!

I don't wash mine when it is very hot - only because the bodywork around the engine bay dries too quickly - but I'm sure it won't do any harm as long as you don't pour a bucketful straight into the engine.