Anyone Use a Pressure Washer?

[nlpamg]

I've been thinking of getting a pressure washer for washing the car.

Do any of you guys use it? Would you recommend it?

Phil, F-Minus and the other pro-detailers on this board, what's your take on it?

I'm worried that it may strip my paint.

But, it does look like it removes a good chunk of grime and would be very useful in the pre-wash/rinse whatever you want to call it (just using water on the car before putting any soap on).

Thanks!

[ronmanM5]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8330m/4.5.0.131 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

Using as a prewash shouldn't hurt. Don't get to close to the paint and use the right nozzle if you are buying your own.

[bvhbmw]

I would avoid it. There's no reason to use it even for heavy dirt and there's too much risk in damaging paint or trim with the pressure. Just rinse well, foam, wash (2 bucket), rinse. Repeat if necessary. If your car is only somewhat dirty, go "hoseless" and use Optimum No Rinse. It's wonderful stuff.

[JetBlackE46]

I would only use it on the under carriage or wheels and at low/medium pressure at most. Don't take the chance at ruining the paint on your car and/or wheels.

Nothing beats a good hand wash...and often.

[hockenheim]

I'd likewise avoid a pressure washer. A better way to remove grime is to wet the surface thoroughly with a gentle spray setting on a regular nozzle and back-and-forth motion to get the dirt to break loose and float on top of the sheet of water.

[ideliver]

it begs the question....WHY??

Did soap and water (or even ONR) stop working...

[tripletdad]

IF you need to remove dirt and grime, use a Clay Bar twice a year.

[2010Rph]

I wouldn't consider it necessary. I have on and only use it for getting the grime off the undercarriage.