is it safe to use pressure washer to wash car?
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Firehouse Mike
Member
- Feb 17, 2014
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I use a 2400psi Karcher and make it a rule to use the 15* tip (yellow) and to stay at least 20" from the surface. Any closer and you do chance blowing paint off; maybe not on a new car, but anything with older paint it's way too easy to do. I've seen it happen before!
Or just use a lower pressure electric, or a standard hose.
Or just use a lower pressure electric, or a standard hose.
oldmodman
New member
- Sep 25, 2007
- 2,563
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I have a gas powered washer with 4400 psi and have no problem using it for removing mud and heavy dirt build up.
As was already said just be sure to use the wide nozzle to keep the amount of average pressure hitting the paint down to a safe level. Even a 1200 psi washer can harm paint if used with the pin point nozzle.
As was already said just be sure to use the wide nozzle to keep the amount of average pressure hitting the paint down to a safe level. Even a 1200 psi washer can harm paint if used with the pin point nozzle.
never seen or used a yellow.Is it wider than white?
FUNX650
New member
- Dec 1, 2010
- 21,057
- 1
•It appears to me that you
already have used the pressure
washer to wash your vehicle...
•So...What if the answer really is:
-No!...it is not safe to use a
pressure washer to wash a car?
Bob
Cuts so much time with wheels nasty mats and door jambs.A must to have in all aspects.This is why guys are spending 3 hrs to clean wheels.your saving 2 hours easily.
Maestro Sam
New member
- Jun 6, 2015
- 386
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A pressure washer is a must if you are detailing professionally. Saves a lot of water and plus can clean wheels, glass, and paint faster. Also, great for soiled mats.
Eldorado2k
Well-known member
- Nov 9, 2015
- 14,426
- 526
I bet a pressure washer would be nice to have if you're ever in a parking lot and see a pit bull without a leash running towards you. I wonder how that would turn out. Lol.
I cleaned wheels that had 7 years of brake dust on them in 45 minutes without a pressure washer. So I don't know why it would take 3 hours?
(Yes the car was never washed for 7 years the rims had clear coat failure on them too as a result of the neglect.)
I'm sure it would have been easier, but I don't really see the point in getting one for just wheels.
Sonax Full Effect + dwell, + brushes, + diablo gel, plus buckets with car soap. Get it all done. Repeat a second time, third time if needed. ! wheel is done in 10 minutes. Dump water, add more soap, and repeat. Each wheel gets a fresh new bucket of soap and water.
I'll probably add ONR into that mix in the future as I ordered some of that. 
45 minutes is to long.Replacing the soap bucket is time wasted and added labor.There is no comparison as far as quickness.Everyone believes in there way of doing things.If it works for you than that's all it matters.I cleaned wheels that had 7 years of brake dust on them in 45 minutes without a pressure washer. So I don't know why it would take 3 hours?
(Yes the car was never washed for 7 years the rims had clear coat failure on them too as a result of the neglect.)
I'm sure it would have been easier, but I don't really see the point in getting one for just wheels.
Sonax Full Effect + dwell, + brushes, + diablo gel, plus buckets with car soap. Get it all done. Repeat a second time, third time if needed. ! wheel is done in 10 minutes. Dump water, add more soap, and repeat. Each wheel gets a fresh new bucket of soap and water.
dcjredline
New member
- Mar 26, 2012
- 3,340
- 0
PW saves water plain and simple. Secondly it initially gets more gunk off everything allowing less touches on the car. I can do a whole car W a PW and there is very little run off in my driveway. Just wheels with a regular hose being conservative uses more water.
Maestro Sam
New member
- Jun 6, 2015
- 386
- 0
I cleaned wheels that had 7 years of brake dust on them in 45 minutes without a pressure washer. So I don't know why it would take 3 hours?
(Yes the car was never washed for 7 years the rims had clear coat failure on them too as a result of the neglect.)
I'm sure it would have been easier, but I don't really see the point in getting one for just wheels.
Sonax Full Effect + dwell, + brushes, + diablo gel, plus buckets with car soap. Get it all done. Repeat a second time, third time if needed. ! wheel is done in 10 minutes. Dump water, add more soap, and repeat. Each wheel gets a fresh new bucket of soap and water.
In the future, do not purchase diablo gel. Seems like a waste of money and using Meguires APC or Degreaser seems more effective!
Jeremy1976
New member
- Apr 13, 2015
- 978
- 0
Use common sense and discretion. I power wash all customer cars. I use the white 40 degree tip on everything. Do not power wash around chipped paint or bubbling paint.
Also be careful around decals.
Also be careful around decals.