So my dad just gave me his bought-and-used-once pressure washer after I mentioned I would be picking one up to do the cars and driveway.

I didn't even know he had one because he'd used it once, winterized it, and never brought it out in the 4 years since buying it because it was hard on his back (old injury).

It's a professional-grade 3800 PSI Ridgid with a Subaru engine and I can't tell from the various nozzles that one can purchase if there is one that's really going to make this thing "safe" for pointing at my car. Especially after the wobble-nozzle he gave me took some paint off the fire hydrant from a few feet back (what, it was dirty!).

I'm content with not using it for cars if there isn't anything that would work, as I really wanted it for the sidwalks and driveway more than anything, but is there anything that would properly tame this beast?

 

Just say no, to using it on your auto.

Two-bucket, hand-wash only at home. Maybe a gentle rinse with the garden hose, emphasis "gentle".

I have resorted to a touchless car wash on rare occasion to get the Midwest road-salt off as quickly as possible. With a MINI, the nozzle(s) never get really close at the ones that I use.

Great for driveways, decks, home siding (within reason).

 

I currently do the whole 2 bucket system. I'm really only interested in the pressure washer for the foam gun. I have the hose foamer from DM and regardless of the soap I use it uses quite a bit more soap than I feel it should and isn't the same clingy foam (the foam is very wet on any setting, and runs off the car fairly fast).

Would love to be able to get a foam coat on that lasts for 4-5 minutes to fully loosen the scum on the car.

Is there anything that works with an air compressor? To google!

 

I'm in a similar boat as you. I have a gas unit and am wanting to use a foam lance. I'm presently using a Gilmour gun on a hose with somewhat disappointing results with any soap I use. So far I've tried chemical guys honeydew snow foam, maguiars gold class, adam's, and sonax washes with it - so I'm not holding out on quality chemicals. I generally did two bucket washes with a good wool mitt prior to having this. I've been getting the best results with this crappy gun by foaming on a quarter of the car and using a single rinse bucket and wool mit for washing. The dwell time is awful though, so it's not horribly effective.

I asked Phil at Detailer's Domain if it would be safe to use theirs, which indicates that it's recommended for 700-2000psi, on my 2700psi unit and he seemed a bit nervous to recommend it. Most seem to be rated for electric pressure washers. I've come across one that resembles what the pros use with a rating high enough for my machine so far but, unless yours is adjustable, it probably isn't appropriate for it.

http://www.detailing.com/store/mtm-h...FZA7MgodqDUAJg

Then there's this one, which is rated at 4000, but looks a little toyish and videos I see of it don't look very reassuring (almost no dwell time). It's hard to tell if these people are just using crap car wash mix though.



Isn't a foam lance and pressure washer less likely to cause scratching than anything involving mits or sponges touching a potentially dirty surface?

--Matt

 

I think my boss has the same pressure washer at work. Does the wand have the quick-coupler for changing nozzles?
If so, just get a wider pattern nozzle. I think it might be a 60 or 70 degree pattern and if you're still nervous, stand back a little. You can use a narrower/more powerful pattern for cleaning your driveway or patio.
Something like these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/QC-Nozzle...5#.Ub247_agmjw
I suggest the interchangeable nozzles for a little peace-of-mind over a variable-spray nozzle. I'd hate to have it somehow change patterns if you laid it on the ground or something and have unexpected results.
If he's giving it to you, don't say no, it's an expensive unit, and even if you don't use it on your car you can use it elsewhere.
On a side note, the subaru motor is a little bit of a gas hog, and don't be alarmed if when you change the oil and only a little bit comes out. I believe it only holds a pint.

 

Nope I happily accepted the washer. I've already used it on my sidewalks and driveway with fantastic results, and I only had 8 different people make jokes about doing their driveway next while they were driving/walking by.... nyuk nyuk nyuk, guys. ;P

I might pick up a crappy low-end washer at HD with and put a in-store warranty on it so that I can take advantage of the foam lance setup. My current method (Prima Hydrowash/Hydro/Banana) has almost completely avoided any swirling so far and I was just looking to have even less contact.