Power Washers

[WhipLash]

I've been considering getting myself a power washer. Are they any good? Are they powerful enough to get the car clean, especially around the bottom half where the dirt is thickest? What is the minimum power required by these machines for them to do the job right? Which make would you recommend? Any suggestions welcome!

[pintanyone]

I have a Kaarcher (sp?) its one of the small ones .
I can't for the life of me remember the pressure though.

To be honest i hardly use it, aswell as the rumours/reports that it ain't to good for the old paintwork you get alot better results with the old bucket of hot water and a sponge. The pressure cleaners just move the dirt around.

what i usually do is
1. bucket of cold water and sponge to loosen the hard dirt.
2. bucket of hot water with the turtle wash and wax cleaner and a big sponge.
3. dry it, looks great.

Sorry no help.!

S.

[BrianS]

Power Washers are really good, but like everything else when caring for your car, don't take anything for granted. People are under the impression that they will just "blast" the dirt off. The problem is that you can easily blast the dirt into the clearcoat and leave a mark or a scratch on the surface. Its best to just stream the water from top to bottom. A garden hose will do fine, (but personally I like a bit of pressure).

My philosophy is, if it hurts your skin, don't use it on your car's paintwork. This goes for washers, brushes and the chemicals you use.

If you do get a power washer, there's no need to buy an expensive one. " A bottle of your second cheapest champagne please!!" I like using a power washer but I found that when I had an expensive one, it had an expensive repair cost. Now I just get a cheap one in the local hardware chain store. If it costs £100 and lasts me two years, I'll go and buy and another one. If it costs £400 and lasts me two years, I pay £80 to get it fixed. Go figure!

Take care of yourselves.
Brian

[Junior]

Theres a comapny in New Ross called Power Wash Products (051-22342) and they are the main suppliers for Karcher products in Ireland.... give em a tinkle and find out like.

[WhipLash]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Most of the DIY chains appear to stock Karcher, so I guess thats one of the best brands for Power Washes? DID were also doing a special for £99, but I'm not sure of the brand or power of the washer. Argos also do a cheapish Red Devil power washer - anyone know if its any good?

I usually have the car steam washed throughout the winter, but prefer to clean it myself during the summer months, weather permitting. I usually use a garden hose along with a bucket an sponge. I suppose the old ways are sometimes the best!

[Phil]

So what time suits you best to clean my car whippy? ;) maybe every sunday!!

I'll pencil that in so.

[BrianS]

Hi Whiplash,
You shouldn't use Steam Cleaning. After a while you might notice little cracks in the paint. Thermal stress just isn't good for todays cars so I'd sooner use a pressure wash. Just my tuppence worth!!

Cheers,
Brian

[WhipLash]

I saw a guy using one of those Karacher power washers over the weekend. I have to say that I was disappointed with the force of the water jet that it was generating. Are these things heavily reliant on water pressure or something?

[BrianS]

Some of them are like that, others will take your head off. Depends on what you spend, I suppose.