does anyone bother cleaning under the hood? if so what do u use? I have 03TLS and I wash it every week, but i know in time the engine will start to get dirty with layers of gunk/dirt/etc.

Also, I ran my car through one of those "touchless" carwashes at exxon just to see how good of a job it does ... the guide rails for the tires jacked up my rims on driver's side ... just fyi in case u ever think about doing it ... i knew better especially when i saw the guide rails but lots of cars already behind me.

 

I know the name GUNK doesn't sound good, but they make a good engine degreaser. It's citrus based, but will only work on warm surfaces. If you do use it, run your car until its hot, then wait 10 minutes and spray the GUNK stuff on, then let it sit for about 10 minutes and rinse off. Some of the electrical sensor operate at high temps and can be damaged if cold water or cleaner contacts them, that's why you should let it cool for 10 minutes before starting the process. Have fun

 

Try a product called "Simple Green." It won't harm anything and it is very effective.
Jerry

 

Try to use a mild treatment first, unless you live in a very dusty/rainy area your car should only have dust and don't need anything heavy to clean, I use before the cheapest degreaser from wal-mart same procedure, warm up your engine and spray. Everything should come off easy. After that, I use STP to spray all over to bring the black out and protect from dust, makes it look like new.