There are times when the garden hose lacks the power to wash away certain types of dirt, such as dried mud, oil, and tree sap. You require a pressure washer for heavy-duty car detailing jobs. The tool cleans surfaces by applying a stream of pressurized water that can remove the most stubborn contaminants clinging to surfaces. It’s sometimes called a power washer, although power washers can heat the water.
The capabilities of the pressure washer come at a price. It’s not something you can buy on a whim. You want to get the best pressure washer for cleaning cars.
Here are the best power washers for cars and trucks:
One of the most capable pressure washer products, the SPX3000 cleans vehicles, RVs, lawn equipment, boats, decks, and buildings. Powered by an electric motor rated for 14.5 amps and 1,800 watts, its strongest setting can produce up to 2,030 psi and 1.76 gallons per minute (GPM).
The Sun Joe SPX3000 pressure washer has two internal detergent tanks, allowing you to switch between different cleaning solutions. It also features five quick-connect nozzles that alter the spray pattern of the high-pressure water stream.
Unfortunately, the quick-connect nozzles are less durable than the rest of the SPX3000 pressure washer. After several years of steady use, the nozzles tend to corrode and leak. You’ll have to get new nozzles long before you need a new pressure washer.
Need an electric pressure washer that can fit budgets and cramped spaces without sacrificing performance? The GPW1501 combines great value and convenience in a compact package. You can actually pick it up and carry it without a problem–compared to other electric pressure washers, it’s small and lightweight.
Capable of producing 1,500 psi and 1.2 GPM, the Greenworks GPW1501 pressure washer delivers good performance for its size. Its 35-foot power cord lets you use it far from a power outlet. Additionally, its 20-inch hose can reach almost anywhere around your car.
The GPW1501 also has a soap applicator with two nozzle tips to change the spray pattern and an adjustable wand. These features allow you to soap up your vehicle using the solution in the attachable detergent bottle.
Compared to bigger pressure washers, the GPW1501 isn’t powerful enough to remove the most stubborn contaminants. Conversely, this pressure washer is less likely to damage the vehicle’s paint job.
Unlike many power washers, the WPX2700 runs on gasoline instead of electricity. Gas-powered pressure washers usually produce more psi max and GPM than their electric counterparts.
The gasoline-powered heart of the Westinghouse WPX2700 is a 212-cubic centimeter (cc), 4-stroke OHV horizontal shaft engine with a recoil starter. The small but powerful engine can generate 2,700 psi max, outperforming most electric pressure washers. The OHV engine doesn’t need much maintenance and enjoys a long service life.
Superior performance isn’t the only great thing about the WPX2700 power washer. It also has many conveniences. Since it runs on gasoline, it doesn’t need a power outlet, allowing you to use it away from home.
Powered by its gas motor, the WPX2700 pressure washer can spray 2.3 GPM, and its internal tank can hold 1.6 liters. A 25-foot hose ensures you can reach around, under, or over the car as necessary. Furthermore, the pressure washer has wheels that let you pull or push it around.
Its spray wand weighs very little and features four quick-connect nozzles to change the spray angles. One of the nozzles specializes in applying soap to your car, making cleaning easier.
Breaking in the Westinghouse WPX2700’s engine might take some time. After operating it continuously, you must give the pressure washer enough time to cool down to prevent problems starting it and reduce long-term wear.
The SHP2150 is a highly versatile pressure washer that can handle light cleaning tasks and heavy-duty washing jobs with the same effectiveness. Despite weighing only 27 pounds, it can generate up to 2,150 psi max and 1.4 GPM.
The Stanley SHP2150 has a brass hose connector rated for professional use. A 25-foot high-pressure hose connects the pressure washer to its wand and gun. Attachments include a foam cannon, a detergent tank, and several quick-connect nozzles.
Everything has at least one weakness. For the Stanley SHP2150, it’s the water inlet connector. While mainly made of tough brass that resists corrosion and fatigue, the connector has an inner piece made of less durable plastic. This part tends to fracture or break apart, causing a leak that forces you to replace the connector.
Pressure washers are usually heavy devices that require effort to haul around your car. Thus, the K1700 stands out because it weighs less than 21 pounds, making it one of the most portable options.
The Karcher K1700 might be a lightweight machine, but its performance matches larger pressure washers. It can generate 1,700 psi max and 1.2 GPM. You have a choice of three quick-connect spray nozzles that fit on the bayonet spray wand. The onboard detergent tank holds 0.5 gallons.
In addition to its portability and capabilities, the K1700 has many convenient features. You operate it using a foot pedal, removing the need to bend over and strain your back. Its accessories fit in a detachable storage bin, and the power cord goes into a dedicated storage space.
The 20-foot hose might fall short. However, the Karcher K1700 pressure washer is easy to cart around. You can also get a longer hose.
Avoid using a pressure washer on a luxury car. Similarly, refrain from using it on surfaces with an expensive paint job. The high-pressure water might damage the vehicle. Instead, wash such cars and painted surfaces by hand.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.