[DennisD]

So, I am moving from Germany back to the US and I'm required to clean every piece of dirt, leaf, bug, etc from my 2006 Odyssey. Over the last week I've been looking for detailers but they are all overbooked and cannot fit me in before my date of 23 May to ship my vehicle.

I'm a little worried about failing the inspection and being turned away so looking for some advice on how to clean the tires and engine compartment.

I've searched the forum but have found conflicting accounts on how to clean certain areas.

Here are the areas I've specifically been warned on:

• Wheel wells
• Engine and engine compartment
• Radiator
• Windshield wiper housing area
• Door jams and seals
• Sliding door tracks
• Storage compartments

I'm told the wheels are especially thoroughly inspected.

I've seen some say pressure hose for engine and others say regular garden hose but then some say only sparingly. I've also heard using windex can be an easy solution and not to use water at all. If I do use some windex, are there any areas in the engine compartment that should not come in contact with windex?

Also, will pressure hose on tires get all or most of the dirt out? Or will I need to get in there with a towel to get all the dirt?

 

[wktjr]

So, I am moving from Germany back to the US and I'm required to clean every piece of dirt, leaf, bug, etc from my 2006 Odyssey. Over the last week I've been looking for detailers but they are all overbooked and cannot fit me in before my date of 23 May to ship my vehicle.

I'm a little worried about failing the inspection and being turned away so looking for some advice on how to clean the tires and engine compartment.

I've searched the forum but have found conflicting accounts on how to clean certain areas.

Here are the areas I've specifically been warned on:

• Wheel wells
• Engine and engine compartment
• Radiator
• Windshield wiper housing area
• Door jams and seals
• Sliding door tracks
• Storage compartments

I'm told the wheels are especially thoroughly inspected.

I've seen some say pressure hose for engine and others say regular garden hose but then some say only sparingly. I've also heard using windex can be an easy solution and not to use water at all. If I do use some windex, are there any areas in the engine compartment that should not come in contact with windex?

Also, will pressure hose on tires get all or most of the dirt out? Or will I need to get in there with a towel to get all the dirt?

Are you civilian or military?. In either case, I would think you would be able to get a more detailed listing of what the inspectors are looking for. It sounds like they're looking at areas were plant or insect infestation could be an issue.

As far as pressuring washing is concerned, I wouldn't worry too much, I've power washed my engines for years with no issues. Common sense would apply here. Just don't blast away in places where water can do damage, i.e. fuse boxes and such. As for the tires, blast and scrub away. Oh, simple green or any other cleaner should work. I'd think windex would be too weak.

 

[DennisD]

I am military, the list I provided was directly from the POV shipping station. Also, the windex was something suggested by the detailer there but I don't have much experience cleaning the engine compartment.

Anyway, thanks for the advice...I'll see if I can get better guidance from some of the inspectors on base. Possibly getting a chance to watch them inspect a few cars before my date comes up.

Thanks again.