There is a lot to consider when shopping around for the perfect pressure washer for your car. It can often be overwhelming, especially getting accustomed to new terminology and understanding what makes a good pressure washer.
Never fear though, as we will lay out all the information you need to make your purchase with confidence.
There are several distinguishing things that pressure washers have. For example, different types of nozzles can be used on specific surfaces.
You will also need to consider whether or not you need an electric pressure washer or gas-powered pressure washer before making any purchases so that there are no surprises later on down the road.
Table of Contents
How A Car Pressure Washer Works
Pressure washers contain an engine which powers a water pump and a pressure regulator.
The water pump does what the name suggests and literally pumps water towards the nozzle. The pressure regulator is used to control the amount of pressure that reaches the pressure nozzle.
There are a variety of nozzles available that allow the pressure to be customized for different tasks. Some pressure washers come with a set of nozzle types while others will require you to purchase some separately.
Pressure washers work by using water to remove dirt and debris from a surface. The pressure of the washer will affect how aggressively (or not) the dirt is cleaned off. A high-pressure jet is able to cut through mud, or grime from your car easier than lower pressure.
A low-pressure nozzle will not be as good at removing dirt from all of the paint due to the lack of power behind it.
The highest-pressure nozzles are very powerful and can handle pretty much anything you aim to clean. These tend to require some form of external power to operate effectively, e.g. electricity or gas.
It’s important to be aware that anything stringer than a medium strength nozzle will risk causing damage to you ain’t work and bodywork.
Factors to consider when buying a pressure washer
There are some key factors people should consider when buying a pressure washer:
- Number of lances (nozzle attachments) it comes with - this will help you clean various surfaces on your car such as wheels, headlights, bumpers, etc.
- Pump type - if you're in an area with a lot of dirt or debris then make sure the pressure washer has a water filter to help protect it from damaging your pump.
- GPM - The number of gallons per minute that is pumped out by your pressure washer will determine how much time it takes for one tank of water to be consumed.
- Water hose length - some people may need their hose to reach up high and find themselves constantly moving around, whereas others might not have these problems so they would want a shorter length.
- Price Range - This depends on what type of car washing abilities are needed but prices can range from $40 upwards.
- Directional nozzle - this is a great feature to have when trying to do the car but also be aware that it can affect how much water pressure you are able to use.
- Corner spray head w/ rotating jet nozzles - These types of heads would allow for more coverage on your vehicle and make sure every area has been reached.
- Pressure washer hose length - Make sure the length allows you to wash all sides of your car easily. Around 20 feet is usually sufficient.
- Pump size - The higher the pump size, generally speaking, will give more pressure but the higher the price, as well.
- Pump type - Reciprocating pumps are simple to maintain and can be less expensive than a gear pump if it doesn't need repairs often.
- Pressure washer power supply - If you will not have electricity near by or your car is in an inconvenient spot then consider getting a gas powered unit so it isn’t necessary to drag around a long hose with limited length!
Gas Vs Electric Pressure Washers
Pressure washers are available gas or electric
Gas-Powered Pressure Washer
Gas-powered pressure washers are a great option for people who want the power than an electric pressure and are cordless.
A downside of these types of pressure washers is that they tend to be noticeably larger than the electric equivalent, although they may also come with a trolley-like system to help you move this around easier. This is something to look out for if you intend on getting one of these.
The extra power provided by the gas-powered pressure washers means that more PSI and GPM will be provided. This will help you to cover more surface area and clean the car more effectively and in less time.
Gas-powered pressure washers may also have more advanced features such as turbo nozzles, adjustable angle lances, retractable hoses, quick release couplings, and adjustable handles making them quite versatile.
The downsides of gas-powered pressure washers are that they usually cost more to buy than electric models, are louder, and require more maintenance and servicing long-term.
However, they are more heavy-duty making them able to handle very challenging tasks, and a lack of power will not be an issue with these.
Pros
- More powerful
- No cords
- Generates more PSI and GPM allowing it clean larger surfaces well
- Heavy duty - able to handle tough jobs more efficiently
Cons
- Larger and heavier than electric pressure washers
- More expensive
- Requires more regular servicing and maintenance
Electric Pressure Washers
Electric pressure washers are great for those who need a smaller, quieter machine or want something less expensive but still effective.
They require much less long-term maintenance than gas-powered pressure washers and can be used indoors due to the absence of exhaust fumes.
They are also less powerful than gas pressure washers which means that they will take longer to complete tasks due to the reduced PSI and GPM which equates to less water being generated per minute.
However, they are usually much cheaper and are lighter making them easier to move around freely. Also, the reduced need to regularly service electric pressure washers is also attractive for those who prefer not to deal with this.
Pros
- Smaller and quieter
- Less maintenance required
- Cheaper than gas pressure washers
Cons
- Less power
- Will clean less efficiently than gas pressure washers
Pressure Washer Nozzle Types
Pressure washer nozzles are an extremely important part of the apparatus. They dictate the spraying angle and the intensity of the jet. This is important because using the wrong nozzle could cause damage to the surface if it’s a powerful nozzle type.
They are usually supplied in a color-coded system. This is a standard method used by manufacturers to identify the type and power of the nozzle.
The color-coding system works as follows:
- Black – 65-degree angle - low pressure. Typically used with detergent to lather the car.
- White – 40-degree angle – Recommended for vehicles, and other potentially delicate surfaces around the house.
- Green – 25-degree angle – All-round general cleaning tasks.
- Yellow – 15-degree angle – For heavy-duty work.
- Red – 0-degree angle – highest pressure setting.
Alternatively, pressure washers may come with an all-in-one nozzle that allows you to change the nozzle type without replacing the actual nozzle.
Advantages of pressure washers
The advantages of pressure washers are as follows:
- They can help clean tough surfaces like dirt and mud from your car.
- helps when you're washing a vehicle in an area where there is no access to water
- Useful if the pressure of tap water isn't enough
- They will work on vehicles of any size as long the hose allows it
- They don't requires soap which saves time
- They usually come with some form of warranty
Disadvantages of pressure washers
The disadvantages of pressure washers are:
- They can require a lot of water
- Some can take time to set up
- They can be quite large and so require storage space
- Pessure washers can be quite expensive with some models costing over $400
What pSI pressure washer do I need to wash car?
For a car wash, you’re going to want somewhere between 1200-2000psi.
Keep in mind that the less pressure produced, the slower dirt will come off. But this is all relative and it also depends on how dirty your car.
Is 2000 psi safe for washing a vehicle?
2000 psi is more than enough pressure to wash your car and is considered on the border of safe. Indeed any more than this could be dangerous to car paint.
It’s still a good practice to test the pressure of the nozzle and keep an eye on it as you’re washing. Anything more than 2000psi could lead to the removal of things like wax coating and sealant.
To mitigate this risk the high pressure can be managed by using wider angle nozzles types.
These nozzle types will act to spread out the pressure of the spray stream and thus reduce the chances of damaging our paintwork.
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