Greetings folks. Wasn't exactly sure how to search for an answer to this since the phrasing can be tricky to describe what I'm asking about. Basically, yesterday I removed the OEM fenders and inner wells from my black '08 JKU and mounted Smittybilt XRC fenders instead, and opted to not reinstall the wells due to some cutting involved. I personally like the look while others may not. The rears still show quite a bit of black metal still whereas the fronts however basically show the whole engine compartment opened up. I'm wondering if it's safe to go through an automatic car wash - the kind that pushes your left rear wheel through different stages - with the engine compartment exposed like this. Fear the block cracking or something radical like that could happen with jets of water spraying directly on it.

Any thoughts as to pro's / con's? Would you do it? Am I just be irrational? I'd rather err on the side of caution is what I'm saying but looking for feedback from you all. Thanks so much.

 

I can't help you on the your question. But I quit going to automated washes after seeing a fellow jeep have his licenses plate bracket get ripped off his new jeep.

 

Many people go through cold streams submersing the engine block without cracks. A lot of car washes use warm water to clean better and there is not going to be that much contacting the engine. I don't see it posing a problem for you.

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Im with u, i quit taking my jeep thru automatic car washes after my Delta light bar was pushed into the winshield and shattered the glass. Was not a good time.

 

I have had my liners out for a few years now and have had no problems. As mentioned before most car washes use warm water, and if not, it would be room temp water. No car wash water should be cold enough to crack a block.

 

I take mine through car washes at least once every 2 weeks (whether it needs it or not...because I likes my Jeep clean) and don't have any problems with the exception that the blower/dryer tubes at the end of the wash rub the top of my windshield and have put small rub marks on the paint there.

Now the trick is prepare the Jeep before going in. I would fold down light bars. I also remove my spare tire mounted license plate. Past that it's fine. I don't think you have anything to worry about on the sides of the engine. However, I would recommend you consider putting the liners back in. I trimmed mine and put them back after I installed the PSC narrows. Glad I did as it keeps the engine bay much cleaner.