Benefits or issues with power washing a car?

[JHZR2]

I've never power washed any vehicle. I suppose technically I have the three times I've used those car wash bays that run off of quarters. But is there a benefit in terms of dirt removal, how gentle it may be, or how harsh it is on dirt (which could be good if it gets it off before any agitation), etc?

I assume when soap is added, it foams the car nicely. I'd also guess that one can save water, no?

But are there any real benefits to power washing, vs using the house pressure?

 

[qwertydude]

As long as you don't blast your paint up close and peel it right off it's a good way to wash your car without touching it.

But also one problem is it can most definitely strip wax if you pressure wash using a pressurized soap.

And it doesn't really foam the car all that much unless you get a dedicated foamer.

With good wash technique you can save some water but I do find rinsing with pressure washers tends to put a lot of water spots on the car. Use it to touchless wash with a soap gun and then rinse with a normal hose off to reduce water spotting. Then apply a spray wax for protection as the high pressure soap can strip the wax.

 

[dparm]

None of those sprayers are high enough pressure to do anything more than what a hose can. Many recycle the water, FYI.

I use those places for quick rinse-offs, especially in the winter.

 

[qwertydude]

You must have some weak pressure washers in Lombard.

The ones I've used in New Jersey actually would peel your paint off if you went within 3-4 inches of your paint. And if you didn't have a firm grip on the wand it was liable to go flying out of your hand.

The pressure washer will instantly remove dried off bird poop and bugs without touching the paint vs your hose which you can soak all day but they'll still stick unless you scrub them.

And yes many places will recycle their water but just choose the spotless rinse and any built up hardness or salts in the RO filtered water will be rinsed away with pure DI water.

 

[Rolla07]

In winter I will use them all the time since I have steel wheels and dont care beside getting the salt off from underneath the car. Guess it depends though, most ppl dont care that much about their finishes...id rather haveno salt accumulation then dealing with washing in winter although if I had a garage id rather use my own water pressure and do it myself...but not always a great idea. Keep wand not too close to the paint and hope for the best....

 

[Sam2000]

A pressure washer is also great on tires and wheels and inside wheel arches.

And useful on convertible tops which should only see water.

I also have a foam attachment which is cool.

I do my first pre wash rinse with a hose as I don't want to blast any dirt against paint. I then do foam and let it sit and rinse with the pressure washer. I then foam again, let it sit, and gently wipe off with a mitt, constantly rinsing in a large bucket.

I then do a final rinse off with the pressure washer and use plenty of microfiber clothes to pad dry. My whole goal is to wipe as little as possible.

Oh and yes you use much less water.

 

[Hokiefyd]

I just bought an electric pressure washer for various tasks around the house. I, too, would like to start washing the cars with it.

Recommendations for a good foam cannon for not a lot of bucks? I plan to start with the G foam nozzle at Home Depot and go from there. It looks like it doesn't put a shaving cream-type foam on the car, but it's good enough to get a good lather.

I like Sam's idea of foaming then rinsing, then foaming again then agitating with a mitt.

My goal is to reduce how often I touch the paint.

 

[JHZR2]

^yeah your thread about buying one is what prompted my interest. I'm not talking about commercial places really, just a machine to use at home...

 

[Trav]

I only use them in winter and then only at a distance. Be careful with these things around wheels, e brake cables and anything with a seal.
In the engine compartments they can raise hades and cause problems down the road when the connectors begin to corrode.

They can blow water into things you don't want water in like brake caliper pin seals, blow it past e brake end seals, and remove lube from outside pads.
Blowing the paint off painted bumpers and clear coated wheels is not unheard of either.

IMHO they are great to get the abrasive junk of the paint before really washing the car, other than that they are a potential hazard that should be avoided.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: dparm
None of those sprayers are high enough pressure to do anything more than what a hose can. Many recycle the water, FYI.

I use those places for quick rinse-offs, especially in the winter.


Depends on the condition of the paint. You could take off the paint on my Taurus with a pressure washer. Found that one out in a few spots the hard way.

Hope the person that got it after me didn't try to pressure wash it ...