Pressure Washer Buying Guide

Pressure Washer Buying Guide

Introduction

Some shop owners tend to shy away from washing their cars with a pressure washer. They think it might be too much for the paint to handle. It all depends on the PSI level and strength of the power washer. Typically, less powerful choices are ideal for washing cars effectively. There are plenty of choices that are suitable for using on just about any car you work on. Our pressure washer buying guide will go over what to look for in the perfect choice.
Types of Pressure Washers
  • Electric- The electric pressure washer is best for small, light projects that don’t require too much power. You are somewhat limited because it always has to be plugged into an outlet. This is the ideal choice for washing cars without damaging them.
  • Gas- Gas pressure washers are more powerful and are not recommended to be used on vehicles. This is generally used more for tougher jobs that require more power or even pressure washing your floors in your mechanic shop.
Levels of Power

There are usually 3 different levels to choose from
  • Light-Duty- This is perfect for cleaning cars. They’re rated below 2000 PSI, and if you’re washing your car, you definitely want to stay below that. Anything over that could damage the paint of the cars you work on. The key is finding the right PSI level.
  • Medium-Duty- Works for cleaning different machines around the garage, and even garage floors.
  • Heavy-Duty- Used for construction and industrial applications that require a lot of power.
Features to Look For
  • Adjustable Wands- Having an adjustable wand is always very useful for your pressure washing projects. It allows you to change the spray pattern from narrow to wide, which can affect the levels of pressure. This provides the versatility your shop needs to perform every wash without damaging the paint.
  • Interchangeable Wands- These are designed for different projects, and specific cleaning types. You just change the wand, instead of adjusting the nozzle tip like you would with an adjustable wand.
Conclusion

If you plan on using a pressure washer to safely and successfully wash cars in your shop, it is important to get one with a PSI below 2000. Anything higher could damage the paint of the vehicles you work on, and it’s not worth the risk.