Pressure Washer?

[lancerplayer]

I was wondering how many of you guys use pressure washers to wash your car? I've always used a normal garden hose, but I recently saw a video on the "world's best car cleaner" and I noticed he used a pressure washer. Would it be too harsh on wax? What are your thoughts?

[gb387]

I use it if there is alot of dirt on the vehicle then follow up with a hand wash.

[bernard78]

I don't mind using it on the wheelwells but not so good on the wax. I think. As I notice while at car wash centre using the pressure washer usually causes my wax to be clean off. But I think you can select the type of spray pattern that are not so powerful one. Don't go full blast on the paint.

[TripleDES]

I don't have one yet, but I plan to get a pressure washer and add a DI system to it. I think it's important to have an adjustable nozzle so you don't wash off the wax.

[Tom Weed]

I used to hand wash my vehicles, but bought a DI water systems that needs regulated, so I use my electric power washer with it and just turn the pressure down a little, works great and have never had a problem with it. It's also great for wheels, wheel wells and tires.

Tom

[Tom Claessens]

I use them only on really dirty wheels and wheel wells but since APC is such a lovely product, I don't use the press. washer at all.

On paint, I think it has too much force and actually is able to push dirt in the paint and thus scratching the finish.

[Jeepster04]

I only use one if Ive been offroad in mud. Ive got to do the under body and everything so it would take awhile with just a normal water hose. I DO NOT use it on the entire Jeep. Just the fender wells, rims, and some of the sides depending on how much mud was slung up on the sides. :coolgleam

[Detaillab]

I use one, but I have the pressure really low.

[Jeepster04]

What do you all mean by you turn the pressure down. Do you all use electric ones or something? I have a troy built and I cannot do that. Its pure 2,450 psi of paint ripping power. I have different ends I can use but thats about it. :xyxthumbs

[TripleDES]

I'm considering the Karcher 1750psi electric model. It has an adjustable nozzle that allows me to reduce the pressure.

[PaBlkBrd]

I use one, but only to clean my Dayton wire wheels. Never on my vehicles painted surfaces

[Tom Weed]

TrippleDES,
I have the Karcher 1750 electric model, it does work well, and you can adjust the pressure with the wand, but, the first one I had, wouldn't' shut off just after the one year warranty on it ran out. Only way to get it fixed was to do it yourself or pay more than the things worth, I was told it could be one of two switches inside that at least one of them was kind of pricey. I was in need of one, so I trashed that one and bought another, 6 months later it did the exact same thing as the first one, only this time it fell under the replacement warranty and they sent me another unit just like mine that was refurbished and you just have to send your broken one back, no charge. So, I'm now on my 3rd unit in 2 years and I only use it on the occasional weekends mostly when I am either washing our vehicles or detailing someone else's car.

Tom

[PaBlkBrd]

I'm considering the Karcher 1750psi electric model. It has an adjustable nozzle that allows me to reduce the pressure.


Thats the same one I have, a nice unit :xyxthumbs

[Tom Weed]

I used to hand wash my vehicles, but bought a DI water systems that needs regulated, so I use my electric power washer with it and just turn the pressure down a little, works great and have never had a problem with it. It's also great for wheels, wheel wells and tires.

Tom

I should correct this statement from earlier, when I said I've never had a problem with it, meaning harming the paint, it works great with the DI system, but as I just mentioned in my previous post, I'm on my 3rd Karcher in 2 years.

Tom

[TripleDES]

TrippleDES,
I have the Karcher 1750 electric model, it does work well, and you can adjust the pressure with the wand, but, the first one I had, wouldn't' shut off just after the one year warranty on it ran out. Only way to get it fixed was to do it yourself or pay more than the things worth, I was told it could be one of two switches inside that at least one of them was kind of pricey. I was in need of one, so I trashed that one and bought another, 6 months later it did the exact same thing as the first one, only this time it fell under the replacement warranty and they sent me another unit just like mine that was refurbished and you just have to send your broken one back, no charge. So, I'm now on my 3rd unit in 2 years and I only use it on the occasional weekends mostly when I am either washing our vehicles or detailing someone else's car.

Tom

I should correct this statement from earlier, when I said I've never had a problem with it, meaning harming the paint, it works great with the DI system, but as I just mentioned in my previous post, I'm on my 3rd Karcher in 2 years.

Tom

It sounds like an extended warranty is a good idea for these consumer model Karchers then. I'll pick mine up at Sears with the 2 year warranty.

[Black Bart]

I bought one several years ago but rarely use it. By the time I hook up the hose to it and the electric I can have my car already washed. If you use it you still need to wash by hand the pressure washer will not get it clean.
I find it is more useful for cleaning the garage floor and the siding on the house than using it for the car.

[Tom Weed]

I bought one several years ago but rarely use it. By the time I hook up the hose to it and the electric I can have my car already washed. If you use it you still need to wash by hand the pressure washer will not get it clean.
I find it is more useful for cleaning the garage floor and the siding on the house than using it for the car.

I takes me less than a minute to hook it up with quick connects to the hose and I have an electric outlet right next to the hose in the garage. Yes, you still need to use soap and hand wash it, I wouldn't' think of trying blast away the dirt with just the sprayer. It regulates the water pressure so you use less water, my DI system needs regulated so it works perfect and for wheels, tires and especially wheel wells and under body it can't be beat. I spray the wheel wells with APC, hit it with the Karcher, and then squirt them with Hyper Dressing 3:1, no scrubbing whatsoever and this is the result:
http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/510/DSCN0707-1.jpg

[Sergei]

Now that is a detail job! Just washing and waxing is not good enough. You have to do the wheels, tires and WHEEL WELLS! Along with door jams and engine. To me it doesn't look right and it isn't a detail worth over looking.

[2003zinc4.6]

I use one off and on. Sometimes I feel that some dust and dirt is still on the car when i wash with just a hose. My pressure washer is also very weak and you can adjust the end to spray light or a full on jet of stream.

PS. I also saw 'the world's greatest detailer video' and I think the guy is kind of a joke. He waxed with his hands! Cmon, waxing with your hands???? Wiping on clean clearcoat with your figer will haze it pretty easily. I wouldn't trust him with my stang even for his 6month billion dollar jungle wa:db: x

[TripleDES]

Thanks Tom. I purchased the Karcher 1750psi model K3.92 and used it to wash my driveway, BBQ grill and my Integra. Soon I'll be purchasing the CR Spotless to comliment the Karcher.

[MotorcycleDetailing]

Only on trail bikes and farm atv's

Trev

[lancerplayer]

I washed my car with a Cub Cadet electric pressure washer today. I do not know the model number or the psi output of water, but I used it on my whole car. On the wheels/tires it worked very well. Same with under the wheel wells. However, on the paint it was a different story. Even though I sprayed the car 1-2 feet away to lessen the impact, it was no use. It was too powerful. It stripped the wax right off :wall:

I am now only using the pressure washer on the wheels/tires.

[Vincent]

I use garden hose with an adjustable noozle, never use a high pressure washer. Somehow more or less it would demage the paint work for sure....

[Robert the Car Cleaner]

I have a car cleaning business and only use the pressure washer when cleaning a muddy vehicle. I feel it is overkill using it on the typical vehicle, a garden hose, Meguiars Car Wash Soap and a soft brush is more than adequate.

[dude]

I use the garden hose and control the pressure hitting the car with my finger...I know, ancient, but good enough for me.

For the wheels and wheel wells, definitely a stronger spray to dislodge mud and dirt and stuff, but for the paintwork, I change the pressure to something like a sprinkler to remove the top layer of dust and stuff.

Then, it's the mitt and shampoo handwash show.....

[SA Detailer]

I use a pressure washer thru out the entire wash and rinse. Saves tons of time and water.

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/9220/ferr360gt3mediumaq0.jpg

[rascal]

I'm considering the Karcher 1750psi electric model. It has an adjustable nozzle that allows me to reduce the pressure.

I have one of those and it *****. The damn thing doesn't want to turn on half the time when you squeeze the trigger. You have to turn the "on-off" switch to get it to reactivate. My Dad purchased it instead of gas model and even he regrets it now.

[TripleDES]

I have one of those and it *****. The damn thing doesn't want to turn on half the time when you squeeze the trigger. You have to turn the "on-off" switch to get it to reactivate. My Dad purchased it instead of gas model and even he regrets it now.

Yes, I've read the dependability issues. I still bought it...along with the replacement warranty from Sears so if it does decide to break down on me, I can just get it exchanged.

[kellyinkc]

I have been debating getting one. If it is really dirty I go to the car wash.
Then head home and hand wash it. Works for me.
The expense and storage I am wrestling with.

[the3dwizard]

I have the Karcher 3.96 M that I got at Costco. I use is all the time. The hoses and detergent bottle fit inside the unit. I use it to rinse off the car. Then apply the detergent for hand washing. The unit is really great for this. I can set it to more or less foam the detergent. Then the final rinse. I use it on full power when rinsing but I keep the end of the hose at least 12 - 18" away.

[Tom Weed]

I was at Big Lots today, buying a new telescopic creeper seat for $25.00, which I thought was a good deal, but then I saw a Karcher 3.86 for $99.00 which also seemed like a good deal.

As has been mentioned previously, spraying your car with a pressure washer can be bad news if you hold it too close. I keep mine at least 3 feet away from the paint unless I am cleaning underneath or in the wheel wells. On the gas units that are more powerful, I'm not sure you can adjust the pressure, but on the smaller electric models, you can just turn them down to where water comes out very gently. Dependability seems to be the issues with these units though as I had mentioned previously, I am on my 3rd unit in 2 years, but the last one was a full replacement due to it breaking with in one year warranty.

Tom

[Ryan L.]

Anythoughts on putting a pressure washer nozzle onto a regular hose with a 3/4 pipe?? My dad upgraded the pipe to 3/4 inch and I have plenty of pressure put I want the water pattern that most pressure washer's produce?

Would this even work?

[Jeepster04]

Anythoughts on putting a pressure washer nozzle onto a regular hose with a 3/4 pipe?? My dad upgraded the pipe to 3/4 inch and I have plenty of pressure put I want the water pattern that most pressure washer's produce?

Would this even work?


The household pressure probably wouldnt be enough to do anything..

[gorin002]

at gas sation we have old one

[butkelbut]

You are banned!

Tim

[hispeed]

I've bought two Karcher Electrics in three years before I worked out this routine:
I just take it back to Sam's Club yearly, prior to it's warranty expiration date, and trade it out for a new one.
If I didn't have a couple of attachments that won't work on anything else, I'd throw it in the trash.
Normally, I would feel guilty for this borderline scam. But with Karcher & WalMart, I'll make an exception.

[TripleDES]

I just found the Karcher 3.96 @ Costco. Too bad I already purchased the 3.92 from Sears! :mad:

[gorin002]

I just found the Karcher 3.96 @ Costco. Too bad I already purchased the 3.92 from Sears! :mad:

you know how its going today you buy something good tomorow same product is better.

[hondaprelude98]

i have one and to me i only use it when my car is really dirty, but just a garden hose does the same trick

[gorin002]

i have one and to me i only use it when my car is really dirty, but just a garden hose does the same trick

yes me to

[Ryan L.]

I have been looking at getting the Husky 1800PSI Residential power washer. It has the abilty to adjust the pressure and spray pattern right on the wand. Two tanks for detergants/cleaners and the abilty to use one, both or neither.

Do you think this a good machine? Price is $179 at Home Depot.

Would it be okay to use on the paint if the pressure is adjust down to about 1000?

[TuffPoo]

last time i used a pressure washer it kept blowing fuses in my house and it was my neighbors funny thing is when he uses it it dont blow fuses at his house

[Jeepster04]

1000psi would be just fine.

[doctorfro]

Anything over 8 lbs. of pressure on the paint can scratch the surface (albeit microscopically). You should rinse your car only with the natural fold of water, no pressure. Pressure washers are great for cleaning wheels and fender wells and other undercarriage places. And of course they are great for cleaning engines and compartments. Of course they are also invaluable in cleaning floor mats both carpeted and rubber.

[George Wax]

I do not believe a pressure can scratch a paint surface on a microscopic level...please post your reference or research material to support your statement.....

[George Wax]

I do not believe a pressure washer can scratch a paint surface on a microscopic level...please post your reference or research material to support your statement.....

[doctorfro]

Tidy Car University. It's really not scratching the paint as much as it is the finish surface.

If you want to know about residential PWs go to Pressurewashersdirect.com

I'm still using the same PW that I bought from Northern 16 years ago. It's more industrial but it's the bomb!

[MTBPATH]

for those of you that purchased the unit from Biglots. is that a good price?
$99

[JoesSHO]

Guess I don't see what the benefit is of all that hooking up, worrying about blowing paint off, etc, etc...

I've always used a garden hose- and a lot of people seem to be using a hose to wash 'afterwards' anyway- why not just use a hose in the first place?

When I'm done, in order to get my wash product to sheet off correctly, I need to use an open flow from the hose anyway...

Am I just naive? :confused:

[oldmodman]

I had to vote "YES", but I must say that it is used only in wheel wells and on very greasy underbody areas. NEVER on tires, paint, or under the hood.

However they are very useful on horse trailers to remove the "droppings".

[alfa_164s]

I always use pressure washer and it is very usefull like previously said, to clean carpet ful of salt but also engine bay without getting it too wet.

[MWAUTOPRO]

We always use a pressure washer for washing cars, but we never turn ours up anywhere near its full pressure. It’s a lot easier to control water out of a pressure washer then it is out of a hose.

I think the debate on your car's safety is debatable either way, if you pre-soak and pressure wash a car rather then rinse your car with a hose, wouldn’t you reduce the amount of loose contaminants that have the potential to scratch your car during your washing?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://meguiarsonline.com/forums/<o:p></o:p>

[Silverado12]

I've used to use it to clean out the fender wells, but after experiencing the insane cleaning power of APC+ scrubbed in with a fender well brush, it isn't even worth the time to hook it up. Plus, APC+ seems to get it cleaner. With that said, a pressure washer is still a great tool to have for cleaning floor mats, cleaning the underbody of the car, etc.

As far as using it on the paint, I would never take the chance on any color but white. I've used it before on white truck's and it worked fine, but I believe the wax protection was sacrificed and I wouldn't be surprised to see some fine scratching had it been done on a dark car.

I think the debate on your car's safety is debatable either way, if you pre-soak and pressure wash a car rather then rinse your car with a hose, wouldn’t you reduce the amount of loose contaminants that have the potential to scratch your car during your washing?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://meguiarsonline.com/forums/<o:p></o:p>

Rinsing the car down thoroughly with a solid jet of water coming from a pressurized nozzle removes most if not all loose contaminents from the finish without the trouble (or potential risk) of pulling out the pressure washer. Using a quality car wash soap and mitt during washing eliminates any other risk of scratching. I'm still too leary about using a pressure washer on a clear coat; the machines are simply too powerful, even on a low RPM setting. Even if they don't truly damage the finish, a soft coat of wax could easily be removed under such pressure. Just my opinion.

[Nappers]

older thread, but considered buying one, not just for cars but for our walkways and other machinery around the house or blasting the ick off of our house.

Aaron

[Tom Weed]

I just used up my third electric Karcher pressure washer in 4 years, needless to say, I don't have anything good to say about them! Has anyone had good luck with any electric models other than Karcher?

tom

[AutoNova]

Always used about 2500 PSI, never a problem, actually I can't imagine going a car w/o a pressure washer!

[Tom Weed]

I got a reconditioned Campbell Hausfield 1800 PSI electric from Pressure washers direct, so far, so good!

[RaskyR1]

I've been using pressure washers to wash cars for over 18 years and I have never had any problems with paint other than some clear that peel off a newly painted panel...and that was a result of poor prep work by the Mickey Mouse body shop.

I see a lot of people that say it scratches the paint or strips the wax off, is there any evidence/proof of this? I've never noticed anything like this before but I would difinitely think twice about using one if I can see proof.

Thanks,
Rasky

[TimG]

Been using PW for 10 yrs or so. I find it faster to clean my cars and also it helps to clean molds off the patio, drains, etc. Good stuff.

Tim

[PuDeN]

I think it is good to test the pressure on our hands first. . . if you feel it's ok then use it on the body paint. But if its to harsh on your hand so it will be on your car. Just my 2 cents

[b2bomber]

mostly for the undercarriage or wheel wells

[jmitch8011]

I wouldn't advise that unless your pressure washer has very little pressure because I believe just about any pressure washer can cut your skin if not careful. I know mine can but that said, i would never use it to take a shower either. I believe it's just like a buffer or any kind of equipment you use on your paint. You have to respect it at all times and use good judgement. LIke they said abover, i'm going 4 years with no problems.

[Rip]

I use a Pressure washer on the tires and wheels but back up 10 feet and spray down the paint Love the great bead job

[jfelbab]

I've use a PW for wheels, wheel wells and tires but only if they are really dirty. You do need to use a lower power unit on the tires or you could damage the sidewall. I recently ordered a PowerWasher model PW1800U and it arrived DOA. The manufacturer sent out a replacement GFI (took two weeks) so I had to repair my "NEW" PW before I could use it. Next, the tolerances were so poor that the pressure hose cross threads when you try to remove it for storage. The manufacturer said that's not a problem. As long as the hose isn't blowing off the unit it's fine. I just sent it back under under the 30 day return limit. I've read a lot of reviews and find most of the electrics are a mixed lot. Some users have good results but a large number of people have major problems with all of the consumer grade electric models. As mentioned previously, it's probably a good idea if you buy an electric consumer grade model, to buy it at a place where you can also purchase an extended warranty like Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, etc. You are more likely than not to be using that warranty as these are seeming all cheaply designed and constructed units made in China.

I have a 10 year old "Black Cat" model that still works well but the power nozzle developed a leak. I believe that company is out of business now and had a major safety recall on some of their models.

For me, I like the concept of an electric PW as I don't have to maintain another gas engine for as seldom as I use the pw. I use a PW mostly for cleaning my three deck surfaces (trex), house, and my pond, waterfall and fountains. I seldom use it on a vehicle and then only on the wheels, wells, tires and undercarriage if needed.

[barry]

I have always used a pressure washer to wash cars and wouldn't have it any other way,I just don't believe that a low psi pressure washer will scratch the paint.I always wet down the whole car first for a pre-soak,then go back wet down so much of the vehicle soap it down then rinse it off.I believe the rinse before soap will remove anything that could scratch the paint as your soaping the car.I use a 2050psi B&S I bought 3 years ago and I bet it has at least 150 or more hours on it.never found a electric pressure washer that would last more than 7 or 8 months.To me a low psi gas model will last alot longer in my experience