Safe to use a pressure washer?

[Adam]

Wanted to know how safe it is to use a pressure washer on my car as I don't always have an option to wash my car outside. I also don't want to take my car to car wash to avoid scratches and ruining the paint.

Is a pressure washer safe to use on the paint or will it damage the paint?

[SedanLove]

Yeah you should feel pretty safe using ones that you see at car washes and such. Just don not get really close to the paint, especially a stone chip or anything as may cause it to blast away some of the paint (pretty rare though).

As far as buying your own pressure washer I don't have too much info or insight on that. Not sure what the max psi should be.

[3.8Liter]

Yup you shouldn't have to worry. Biggest concern should be not slipping or getting to close and having the end of the pressure washer scrape the car.

[Vibrant]

I have used a pressure washer a few times and have had no troubles whatsoever. Spray away my friend!

[Junior]

Who here has dared to take their car through a car wash?

[4.6_Tom]

Never hurts to use a bucket of soap and water.

[hyundaifan]

Any products recommended for use in using a pressure washer on a car?

[Administrator]

I would use a normal car wash like meguiars or something with a sponge and bucket and then rinse with the powerwasher afterwards. I don't like using those powerwasher cleaning agents on cars. Nothing beats using a nice soft sponge and bucket with some good dedicated car washing soap.

Nadeem

[Alan]

I use Mothers car wash solution. Comes in a decent sized jug, just pour it a few splashes into a hot pail of water and you are good to go. Seems to easily get off any road grime and tar.

[CoupeDriver]

Originally Posted by Junior

Who here has dared to take their car through a car wash?

I have took my car through a car wash multiple times with lots of success. Yet to see any type of scratching/swirls. If worried try a touchless car wash?

[Administrator]

The swirls and stuff take time to set in. Multiple washes will do it. GO TOUCHLESS!

Nadeem

[3.8Liter]

Originally Posted by Administrator

The swirls and stuff take time to set in. Multiple washes will do it. GO TOUCHLESS!

Nadeem

Yes, be careful. But be warned also that touchless usually don't get rid of all the dirt. You may have to clean it when you get home.

[Icon]

Used one today, worked excellent.

[Skittles]

I've taken my car through car washes before... touchless mostly. I find that the automatic car washes don't get all the dirt off nor do they dry the car completely. I pretty much have my cloths in the back and have to dry off what the car wash missed.

Like mentioned above, nothing beats taking the time to wash your car yourself. You make sure that you get all the dirt off and you can be as gentle or as rough as you please.

As for using a power washer... I've only used the ones at the coin-op car washes and haven't had any problems. I would say try talking to someone at Canadian Tire or Home Depot (or wherever you're buying the power washer) and see what they recommend.

[jdvs1]

you have absolutely nothing to worry about since the car is still pretty new. unless theres paint chips in your paint already. just like everyone said just make sure not to do it too close to your car.