High pressure cleaners...

[apom]

OK, I have read the good washing guide on this forum and my question relates to the High Pressure prewasher..

Is that just a nozzle on the end of a hose... is it a pressure washer?

How much pressure is too much and will damage the paintwork. If I am going to buy a machine, whats a good one to buy?

[passatpout]

OK, I have read the good washing guide on this forum and my question relates to the High Pressure prewash..

Is that just a nozzle on the end of a hose... is it a pressure washer?

How much pressure is too much and will damage the paintwork. If I am going to buy a machine, whats a good one to buy?

I haven't read the other thread, but I presume they mean a pressure washer.

I've used a few different pressure washers (Gurneys, Karchers, Alto and Riyobi), on different cars and trucks. Even on 15 year old fire trucks, covered in all sorts of muck, the nozzle pressure never damaged the paintwork if it was good.

I washed my car using my parent's Alto while I was in Newcastle last weekend, and it was fine. Generally I hold it so the water fan is about 8-10 inches wide when it hits the car, and that's usually enough to wet it down and knock off stubborn bits (eg bird droppings). Uses very little water as well - probably around 20l in total, including filling the wash bucket.

[Lance B]

I've used a Karcher on my cars for many years and never had an issue with paint damage. Just don't get too close, maybe 250mm away should suffice.

[Rocket36]

Does anyone know of one that you can mix car wash with so it really foams up? A low pressure foam is GREAT for lifting dirt off the paint.

[Pana]

Yeah, have a little Alto at home that I've used for years now - no issues.

[Bobby_Boy]

Does anyone know of one that you can mix car wash with so it really foams up? A low pressure foam is GREAT for lifting dirt off the paint.

Most Karcher models now have a attachments that sucks up the detergent and mixes it with the wash then rinse afterwards.

I have the Karcher K2.36M, bought at Bunnings for $148, does the job well.