Anyone use pressure washer to wash car?

**KPC1.8TQuat** · 04-19-2008 09:47 AM

Title pretty much sums it up. It's spring in New England which means time for me to get crazy about keeping my B6 clean again. Went out this morning with my regular hose and detergent concentrate and got to thinking about maybe getting a pressure washer. I've already got an air compressor. Just wondering your thoughts on the subject. Any good ones to recommend?

Thanks

GO BRUINS! GAME 6 AGAINST THE HABS TONIGHT IN BEANTOWN!

**DELUX** · 04-19-2008 09:50 AM

If you can set it low, then it should be fine. My neighbor has been washing his SL500 for years with a pressure washer, pretty much since he got it, and I once detailed it for him and the paint is more or less 'flawless', asides from the normal wear and tear of driving. I didn't see any negative effects from using a pressure washer though.

I convinced my wife recently that we need one so I'll be picking one up soon now that the temps are up over 60 degrees.

EDIT: I should note that using your compressor with one of those add-on 'pressure washers' suck. It's maybe 10% better than a good garden hose nozzle. Save your money and get a real pressure washer.

**vdubstreets** · 04-19-2008 11:16 AM

just be very carefull if you do the engine bay.
use a low low setting.

**cjonesgo** · 04-19-2008 11:23 AM

they're grrrrrrreat!

Ideal for wheels and getting winter road crap off the bottom of your car. I always do this first, and then give my car a proper wash. gets the heavy stuff off so it doesn't spread around with a brush and is so much faster. you can also blast out the wheel wells which is nice from time to time.

costco used to have them for a pretty reasonable price and I see them at kragen etc. regularly as well.

**maxxxb6** · 04-19-2008 11:29 AM

Keep low pressure and i think the habs will win tonight :P
Peace

**audimymind** · 04-19-2008 11:41 AM

then hit it up with a leaf blower to dry it off.. foreal hahah

**Hamann** · 04-19-2008 11:59 AM

no

**EBG 18T** · 04-19-2008 12:14 PM

i was thinking about it too. But after talking with some detailers and Phil at detailers domain i ended up just getting a foam gun. I really like the way it works and the thick suds really cut thru all the crap and provide good lubrication to prevent scratching.

here's a link: Foam Gun @ DD

**AudiA4Turbo22** · 04-19-2008 12:16 PM

i got one of those from costco german company yellow in color with a sweet honda motor!!! it owns it's so freakin powerful we washed our driveway and held it towards the floor for like 5 sec and it made a hole in the concrete! use a very low setting and now they allow u to mix soap and water with it! be careful to not hit the clearcoat for too long, i'm going to use it since it is like 90 degrees here in Cali!

**Hamann** · 04-19-2008 12:34 PM

For me, it's so touchy with those things. Not strong enough, need to wash it by hand after you're done...too strong then you're screwing up your paint.

I use a good pre-soak soap...and wash it by hand in around 15 minutes...spray it with the "no spot" filter and I'm good to go.

Just clayed and waxed my car (natty's red paste) and it looks showroom new!