Temperatures

[USNLT]

Just wondering what is a good outside air temperature range to wax the car?

Also, when cleaning the engine bay, what does the manual mean when it says not to put cold water on a hot engine? Do they mean hot engine as in one that has been running for a while? Or do they mean hot engine as in one that is hot from the weather?
Thanks.

[Mustang Matt]

Here is Meguiar's suggested temp range: 52 - 90 F
Be sure to keep in mind that the temp of the paint surface could be much higher, so wax in the shade.

Ford's suggestion means to not put cold water on an engine that has been running. Meaning the engine itself might be more than 120 degrees. It's not a given that something will crack if you did it, but it is possible.

[Ralph Greene]

Why would you run water in the engine bay? I just clean everything with "Son of a Gun" and that keeps all the black plastic parts looking new and shiny. That type product (there are other similar products) keeps all the hoses, black pannel in front of the windshield, rear view mirrows, tires, and all the black rubber trim around the windows black also. it just takes a few minutes to go over everything once in a while. The engine heat causes one to have to redo it pretty regularly. Don't forget to wax the wiper blade arms also. Any cheap wax works just fine.