Pressure Washer or no?

R

reyo

New member
Hi, I'm new to detailing and am deciding whether or not to get a pressure washer.



So far I've been just using a regular nozzle head, and using the "jet" option. However, I'd prefer a "flat spray" pattern as I feel it's better for car washing.



So is a pressure washer really THAT much more effective when it comes to car washing? I can probably find an electric one on sale for ~$100, which is about 1400-1600 PSI. However, I am thinking that it can also wash off the wax if used too much (I wash my car bi-weekly).



Or is it just like the polishing machine (a more professional tool, but there's nothing wrong without it)? If this is the case, then I'd prefer to find a nozzle-head with a "flat jet" spray option.
 
yea pressue washer is a must. great for cleaning wheels and wheel wells. also great for blasting dirt off really dirty cars, before you wash.
 
So, would an electric one (around $100 when on sale), producing 1200-1600 PSI enough? I don't have that much money to buy a "good" one ;(
 
IME cheap pressure washers (and "cheap" isn't always "inexpensive" ) are a waste of money because they die at the most inconvenient times. I've been without one for ages as I got sick and tired of buying supposedly decent ones that didn't last. I'd say to buy a good one or save up until you can.



They *ARE* incredibly handy things to have around though (when they work). Not just for detailing either.
 
Just be prepared for the electric one to only last 1-2 years. At least the cheapo ones that i've owned have only lasted a short while. I have a gas one now, but it is more necessary for stuff around the house than needed for the cars (powerwise). I use it for cleaning engines, wheelwells, door jambs, etc... THe bonus of it is it doesn't put out super amounts of water, but cleans up VERY well with the amount of water that is used.
 
While there are several threads on the topic already, I sure wouldn't mind seeing any recommendations for pressure washers that've proven to be durable.



And yeah, gas models can be great for jobs where you're not running them indoors.
 
Accumulator said:
They *ARE* incredibly handy things to have around though (when they work). Not just for detailing either.
Click to expand...



This has been my experience, too. I bought a mid-range Karcher for $150 years ago. I can't believe the things I've used it on around the house including some highly specific things around the vehicles, but certainly not for weekly "washing".
 
LOL. That thing is still going strong - - I can't believe it myself! To say I got my $$$-worth from it would be an understatement!



My father bought a heavy-duty type of unit (gas Honda engine) from Home Depot a few years ago. That sucker has a lot of power. Maybe it's rated around 2000psi??? Far more than I'd want around my tasks. He probably spent $500 on it.
 
Having used a pressure washer to

detail with for over 21 years now, I can't imagine NOT having a pressure washer to detail cars with.



Those cheap box store pressure washers are not very good either. They're kind of like buying a car stereo amp at Wal-mart...it may say 1000 watts of power, but we all know it's more like 50! :)





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I've been through a few electrics and most are cheap chinese products. There is little QC with them but, if you know this and buy an extended warranty you are covered. My latest unit is a Husky 2000S going on two seasons and it has held up well. The unit has two on-board tanks. I use one for soap and the other for APC. I love the time savings afforded by the PW. Also great foaming action. I didn't want another gasoline engine to maintain and winterize so I kept trying the electrics until I found one that could handle the job.
 
Brandon1 had a old electric one from Northern Tool, said it's been running great for years. OK, I went and bought my own, it's NT's brand - NorthStar, it was about $450 and worth every penny. Best thing was it works on my 15amp circuit in the garage. Like others have said, I can't see not using a PW in detailing, it just saves so much time.
 
Yeah, pretty helpful with engines and wheel wells for sure. I'm a firm believer in blasting off all the heavy grime from your car before laying a hand on it. A PW'r is way more important to a marr-free regiment then the 2 bucket method IMHO.
 
David Fermani said:
Yeah, pretty helpful with engines and wheel wells for sure. I'm a firm believer in blasting off all the heavy grime from your car before laying a hand on it. A PW'r is way more important to a marr-free regiment then the 2 bucket method IMHO.
Click to expand...



Great....I have to add a pressure washer to my wishlist which has a CR spotless system on it already..$$$$$
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top