Power wash question

[edgemaster]

Guys, I have a, probably, silly question: I'm planning to buy a power washer. Never used one on a car and I am wondering if prolonged usage has any negative effect on the exterior (rubber, paint, clear coat, etc.)?

I'd appreciate any input pro or contra.

[STBEAST]

In my opinion, it is a great way to clean your vehicle. Especially the wheel wells and undercarriage. How much PSI is it? That would tell a lot about your question. 

Depending on how strong it is, you need to learn how to use it and not get too close to certain areas and parts of the vehicle.

[edgemaster]

The one I was planning to buy has 2000 PSI.

[edgemaster]

Any more input on my question?

[Samurai Edge]

I don't see how prolonged use would have any negative effects.  What you don't want to do is hold the pressure wand right up against any part / paint.  That might cause an issue.

 

Great tool as STBEAST already said.  Use common sense and you should not have any problems.

 

ALWAYS be careful if spraying around any electronics

[enigma-2]

I've never had good experience with the electric sprayers, they last a year or two. Have never had a problem with my gas sprayer, has a  Honda engine. 

 

Don't use a high pressure washer in your engine compartment. Followed this video few years ago and never had a problem.

 

[edgemaster]

Well, I have used a Kärcher since the late 90s and it lasted about 20 years, so no gas powered pressure washer for me.

[enigma-2]

I've had several Karcher's. Usually in the 2nd or 3rd year something goes wrong and I get the speed up—slow down, speed up—slow down on the motor/pump. Called Karcher and they told me what was wrong but wasn't worth fixing. 

 

Nonetheless, I'd never use high pressure in the engine compartment. (I have used the battery sprayer in the video and it's perfect.)

 

Gas has several advantages, lot more power, accessories, more flexible (not limited by power outlet.) Just get one with a Honda engine and known pump. 

[SteveMMM]

I asked a Paint and Body Shop, this question. They said to never get the Power Washer Jet any closer to the Paint than you could comfortably hold your hand in the Jet. Also they said Purple Power would remove any wax, and was somewhat harsh on the Clear Coat and Paint. BTW, I asked this for Oil Based Paints, I believe modern paints are made water based. They are great for removing Road Salt, from the Body, and undercarriages. Makes it quick and easy during the winter. I also use a Foam Gun, may modify the Power washer so it has both the Gun and Wand. Gasoline here, much more Versatile for other cleaning projects. 

[SteveMMM]

On 2/27/2026 at 12:06 PM, enigma-2 said:

I've had several Karcher's. Usually in the 2nd or 3rd year something goes wrong and I get the speed up—slow down, speed up—slow down on the motor/pump. Called Karcher and they told me what was wrong but wasn't worth fixing. 

 

Nonetheless, I'd never use high pressure in the engine compartment. (I have used the battery sprayer in the video and it's perfect.)

 

Gas has several advantages, lot more power, accessories, more flexible (not limited by power outlet.) Just get one with a Honda engine and known pump. 

Get a Leader Hose, use it only on your power washer, drain it out after each use. Garden Hoses have a lot of gunk in them. My HVAC Company used a lot of the Karcher’s and we got a Rep. to give us tips on their use. Also never leave it Plugged in with the water shut off, and clean the inlet strainer often 

[edgemaster]

Can anyone recommend a good cleaning brand for car wash?

 

[enigma-2]

In my personal opinion, Honda makes the best engines (found in the better off brands.) 

 

As far as for use on cars, use only the white (or black)   pressure washer tips. 

 

With gas powered pressure washers, the tips are color coated indicating their spray angle. The spray angle determines the cleaning pressure. 

 

The color codes are:

   Red for 0°, (heavy blasting, you could cut steel),

   Yellow for 15° (for tough cleaning)

   Green for 25° (general cleaning)

   White for 40° (delicate surfaces) and

   Black for 65° (mainly for use with or detergents or rinsing the soap off). 

 

There are a bunch of accessories you can buy for use with a power washer when washing cars. I have several, such as a foam cannon, wheel cleaner and final rinse solution thingie. Plenty of YouTube videos on this subject. 

 

Always use low pressure for cars and wood; higher pressures on concrete. Have a special attachment for cleaning driveway and patio. What used to take 4-5 hours, now only takes one. It's a rotary brush surface scrubber. (Buy the Yamaha brand, lot of Chinese junk sold on Amazon. Pay a little extra, worth it. Mine is 15 or 20 years old, still looks and works, like new.)

 

As for the pressure sprayer itself, I bought mine at Sam's Club 15-20 years ago. (They usually carry top quality products that you can depend on.)

 

Mine's an off brand, brand is Simpson, has 2800 psi @ 3.2 gpm which is plenty for my needs.

 

I bought it because it had a Honda overhead cam engine, and it has ran perfectly over the years. Starts easily, every time.

Even with year-old gas. (That should trigger a bunch of thou-shalt-not's ... grin)