Who uses pressure washers and what do you think about them?

I just purchased a 1300 PSI pressure washer - Mike at Detailingdynamics advised not to buy ones over 1250 PSI to prevent future spider webbing but I could not find any under 1300.

I'm not sure if this is bad for your car's paint over time... I tried it on my hands and it hurts!!! haha...

Anyone else use pressure washers? What kind? Whould you recommend them?

 

soft lamb mitt in suds is the best thing to do, after soaking the car off with a normal hose and sprayer....

 

I always use a regular hose whenver possible. This is pretty hard to do once winter hits and everyone turns off the outdoor taps, so then I'm stuck using whatever is available. I would recommend against user high pressure water hoses whenever possible though. From what I have heard, they are just too harsh on the paint and unnecessary. If I could use a regular hose year-round, I definitely would.

 

if its bad for your skin...It's prob bad for your car... Remember that your car does not heal itself like your skin can...

 

I wouldn't do it. Seems like you would just drive dirt into the clear coat.

 

I detail cars and I usually shy away from using a pressure washer. Bucket washing with a regular hose is usually your safest bet.

 

What about the Patricks..... they havn't posted....

 

Since you were purchasing a pressure washer, my suggestion was to not use it over the 1250psi setting. If used correctly, it will not cause damage. Most DIY and consumers will not need a pressure washer for their detailing projects. No recommendations on brands available but the ones we use in our shop cost around $1300 for industrial/commercial use.

 

I just don't think they are necessary to use on a car. What can possibly be stuck to the car that needs such high pressure for it to come off? Usually some good elbow grease and the right products give you the results. I can only really see people using pressure washers for things like spraying chemical cleaners on a patio or brick or something, but not for use on a car.

 

Thanks Mike - I guess the stream is 1300 PSI then? I've been using the spray and it gets all the dirt right off...

I like the pressure washer but I've only used it once...

 

~One man’s opinion / observations~

Pressure Washer:
Electric powered high-pressure washer's (Karcher K520 Pressure Washer ) can be used everywhere that a normal mains pressure hose would be used, but you should take a few precautions with there use. Adjust operating pressure directly at the wand (use 800 PSI<). Be careful when working with the pressure hose nozzle close to the vehicle paintwork, or while working in confined places like engine compartments as it could recoil and cause impact damage They are an ideal tool for the cleaning of fender wells and undercarriage, and for the removal of road salt from these areas.

Notes:
1. Beware of forcing water into areas were it might be unable to drain.
2. Don't hold the nozzle too close to paint surfaces for as well as impact damage an excess of water pressure could damage paint surface.

~Hope this helps~

Knowledge unshared is experience wasted
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon

 

I use one all the time and im sure you seen my car at mikes on detailing day.

I use mine mostly for the wheels and underside and lower portion of the car. For the body of the car just remember to keep it at a safe distance when washing 3 to 4 feet works for me or just test it as Mike had said at detailing day by feeling how close you can get to the nozzel before you feel pain. If you are worried then just use a hose to be safe.

 

use QEW in the winter time.

 

I just hook up the hose to the slop sink in the laundry room in my basement and run the hose through the garage and use lukewarm water in the winter when I wash the car. For some reason the sink downstairs is threaded and the house screws right onto it.

When I was 17 I used to use the hottest water, it was kinda cool to watch the ice and snow melt off and felt nice and warm that soft hot hose in my hands (wow that sounded gay) but I think I read somewhere using hot water on a cold car is NOT good, so I just use lukewarm water.