For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

Here’s a question for you: When was the last time you cleaned your car or truck?

If your answer is within the last month, give yourself a pat on the back. Good job keeping your vehicle looking nice.

Here’s another one for you: When was the last time you cleaned the engine?

Yep. The engine.

It’s important to keep the engine compartment clean for a couple of reasons, and the professional staff at Advance Auto Parts can help you select the products you need, from a quick rinse-off to a degreaser to go after some major build-up.

A clean engine helps keep your resale value high – what prospective buyer wouldn’t love to pop the hood and see a gleaming engine? As the vehicle owner, keeping the engine compartment free of dirt and grime also cuts down on premature wear of belts, hoses and gaskets.

And it helps the engine stay cooler and operate efficiently, too.

Cover the battery, alternator and carburetor with plastic and take care around coil packs and fuse panels. And the engine should be cool before you spray it with a particular product or with water.

Go after the dirt a little at the time, rinsing with low-pressure water and checking progress regularly.

Hand clean around the areas that you covered with plastic with soap, small brushes or a hand mitt.

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.