Thinking of getting a pressure washer?

smarsmar101 · Mar 19, 2014

So, as title states... Thinking of getting one....

Maybe electric seeing as I'm only cleaning "engine bay, wheel wells, under truck, frame, wheels, calipers"...

What are your thoughts?

mjd91 · Mar 19, 2014

Get one that will allow a foam cannon to be attached to it.
Check out some detailing forums and see what those guys use.

Arctic-Rodz · Mar 19, 2014

Ive never had the "need" for a pressure washer to wash my cars. Especially not the engine since everywhere i saw they DID NOT recommend using high pressure to wash the engine compartment.

But i do see it useful for the undercarriage or wheel wells if you off-road a lot

AdamsPolishes · Mar 19, 2014

They are nice tools to have at your disposal, but are almost always more of a hassle than a help.

A lot of it really depends on how well you maintain your truck. If you do a good job of it, then a power washer will really never be necessary.

If you wash it once a month and it get's FILTHY in between, then it's nice to blast off the big stuff with one before a normal soap and water wash.

As a bonus, you can hook up a cannon/lance to it to basically turn your soap mixture into a shaving cream consistency when you spray it. That adds to the fun factor.

SgtK · Mar 20, 2014

I bought an $80 dirt devil brand power washer from Menard's. Its small and works for the small jobs I needed it for like spraying mud of the frame and wheel wells and for cleaning the travel trailer. it does have the soap canister also.

RAtmosphere · Mar 21, 2014

I have a really good craftsman p washer. BUt I just used it when I clean the exterior of the house now. When washing the dually...its a PITA to wash a little bit, then go start the washer, rinse, turn it of, then go back and wash.....it gets a little much at times....plus mine doesnt see rain or anything so at most I have dust on mine....so a pressure washer isnt necessary really, but its nice to have it for other things around the house....house, driveway, etc. cleaning.

shaner82 · Mar 22, 2014

I would get a gas one if at all.

77PW440 · May 5, 2014

Here in the Northeast a gas pressure washer is nice to have to wash the salt away. During the winter I rinse the vehicles when weather permits. I use touch less car washes to take care of the exterior. Never used it on the engine compartment. Just the garden hose.

twooldfarmers · May 13, 2014

77PW440 said:
Here in the Northeast a gas pressure washer is nice to have to wash the salt away. During the winter I rinse the vehicles when weather permits. I use touch less car washes to take care of the exterior. Never used it on the engine compartment. Just the garden hose.

what he said

a large percentage of problems on today's vehicles are related to moisture intrusion into connectors whether it be male/female plugs, fuse panels, you name it

use only spray cleaner/de-greasers, hand rub with a long haired, long handled brush and then rinse with a garden hose set of 'mist or shower'

your wallet will thank you for it

WarrenRam · May 13, 2014

I've had an electric Home Depot house brand (husky maybe? can't remember right off) for 10 years. I've used it for cleaning the driveway, the siding, the porch, the deck, the vehicle undercarriages, the engine bays, my yard equipment, permanent filters, the dogs (kidding), shoot, anything I can think of. It's never broken down. The hose is wearing a bit so I'll have to replace it in the next year or so but for 10 years, it's been a great buy. They are useful for many things besides car cleaning.

As for the engine bay, I've been using one for that purpose for years on many different vehicles and haven't suffered any ill effects. Lucky? Maybe, or maybe it doesn't matter. The engine bays get hit a couple times a year and they all stay looking great. YMMV.

Pull Ya · May 13, 2014

The main use my pressure washer gets is from my friends when they come over to borrow it. LOL
Jay

DavidRam · May 13, 2014

I don't respond well to pressure. I am more of "no pressure" washer kinda guy.

WhiteExpress · May 13, 2014

I would pass on this. Spend $3 on a car wash to use their high pressure to blast of nastiness. Then go home and wash it properly.

I've never found an electric pressure washer to be much of an improvement over a garden hose with a 'jet nozzle'. A gas pressure washer, they can do amazing things, but I'd rarely use it for the truck, great for cleaning decks, driveways and small children.

Andy578 · May 27, 2014

i use a 3200psi gas washer. works pretty good and with a good soap you'll almost never have to actually hand wash. they can and will strip paint tho so you have to be careful. most these days have adjustable pressure along with the different spray tips which will vary the pressure too

soldiercowboy · Jun 23, 2014

I use mine occasionally not to wash but to get mud off from wheel wells and undercarriage but nor as a wash. If you put on the wrong tip you can take the crome off of your bumper as well as your paint. I have a gas 3200psi general from lowes I use it more around house side walk driveway more than washing truck. I is a good one all metal made and assembled in usa paid $300 2 years ago had to order online from lowes

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

cptmoney · Jul 21, 2014

I paid $250 for a Honda powered gas model, somewhere around 2800 psi. I LOVE it. It's been way more useful than I ever thought it would be.

VerMoss · Dec 2, 2014

pressure washer

http://www.thegoodgears.com/Tiller/
We are in the process of building a new branch and my boss wants me to buy us a new pressure washer for cleaning some spots. Can you please send me some advice in choosing a good brand? Thanks!

Thinking of getting a pressure washer?

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