Pressure washer

[RaiderZA]

I am thinking of getting one of those electric pressure washers ( there's a Black & Decker @ 1500 psi and another brand that has a 2500 psi)- ostensibly to clean my drive ( though I am unsure if there's enough pressure for that). However, can I use it on my MINI or is the pressure too high? What's the magic pressure number ? :smile:

[Greatbear]

I have a couple pressure washers, two gas powered ones for heavy duty cleaning of driveways, buildings, equipment, and an old 1000psi electric unit for light duty work such as cars. I usually use the gas units on cars as well, but I have a couple 'rules'. I NEVER get closer than about 3 feet to the car's finish with them. I also never use the 'pinpoint' spray pattern. Doing either of these can lift stripes, or if directed at any chips can get under paint or clearcoat and actually remove the finish.

Pressure washers are handy for cleaning under the car, especially if you drive on dirty roads or in winter salt. Also handy for keeping the area around your car clean where you park it, preventing dirt from being splashed up or blown onto the car.

1000psi might not be a lot at first glance, but it can do an effective job. Get a washer that has an adjustable pressure as well as spray pattern, and use the 'fan' pattern for rinsing off your car before and after soaping.

[not-so-rednwhitecooper]

i use a 1900 PSI electric washer on my MINI, no problems at all. ive been using it for quite some time and i love it. i still go run it thru the washer at the Lexus dealer where my buddy works sometimes, it does an awsome job on the trim that i cant ever seem to get clean by hand....

[LagunaSol]

Great question. I'm looking at a Karcher gas model at Costco that does 2600 psi and I wondered if that is too much power for washing cars. I'd rather have the extra power when cleaning concrete, bricks, BBQ grill, etc., but don't want to strip the paint off my car. You can put on a wider spray nozzle to cut the force of the spray, correct?

[BradB]

Power Washers can be rather brutal on the finish on cars if used improperly. Reduce the pressure as much as possible. Aim the spray using as much of an acute angle as possible. Don't shoot direct at the paint, it can grind in contaminents and can simply blast off wax. Keep in mind that you will STILL have to use a mitt to properly remove dirt and to properly provide lubrication for the mitt as well as cleaning power, shampoo is still the best way to go. So PW are not that much of a time saver.

I do love them in the winter to clean the wheel wells and underside from salt and dirt.

[kseckel99]

Originally Posted by RaiderZA

I am thinking of getting one of those electric pressure washers ( there's a Black & Decker @ 1500 psi and another brand that has a 2500 psi)- ostensibly to clean my drive ( though I am unsure if there's enough pressure for that). However, can I use it on my MINI or is the pressure too high? What's the magic pressure number ? :smile:

I bought a small (maybe 1650?) washer to do the house. Have a manufactured home and needs to be washed twice a year to get the sand off. Anyway, I was washing the house the other day and had read about someone else using a PW on their car. I didn't use it on the car per se, but rather the wheels. Boy, it sure gets rid of the road grime that accumulates on the wheels, like right now. Won't use it on the car itself. Afraid to with the stripes, and clear bra.
Think maybe next time the wheels get real dirty, will do half of a wheel and take a picture to show results.

[LagunaSol]

So approx what PSI does the typical wand car wash pump out?

[MiniPilo]

1300 PSI Electric Pressure Washer.

This 1300 PSI 1.5 GPM 2080 Cleaning Power Washer is great for making quick work of that grime on the Boot of your Mini.

Includes:
Detergent Bottle
Variable Fan Nozzle
Easy-Grip Gub
35' Power Cord with GFCI

http://www.piloracing.com/shop/prodd...rwasher&cat=31

This is a great unit for washing your car. Just the right pressure, and safe for your mini's finish. Oh, and don't forget the "NAM" Discount...

[kenchan]

wouldn't such high pressure blast off the wax too?

I only use tap water pressure on a garden hose...

[BradB]

Originally Posted by kenchan

wouldn't such high pressure blast off the wax too?

I only use tap water pressure on a garden hose...

It can be pretty harsh on it!