Pressure Washers - Advice on Buying

[ricardo]

Anyone got any views/experiences with different brands/types of pressure washer? I'm considering buying one and have only ever used a borrowed Karcher some years ago.

I need to know if it's worth paying more for the big brands and also the sort of features to look for. Plus, best places to buy 'em? Halfords have got £50 off a Karcher at the moment which is what set me thinking about it. That and the constantly filthy state of the road around here.

[Minty]

I use a Karcher occasionaly, but only really on the under arches and on the wheels, or on low power to get rid of the suds.
You have to be carefull, my mate stripped the lacquer of his alloys with a pressure washer! Ouch.

S

[My MINI me and me]

Quote:

Originally posted by ricardo
Anyone got any views/experiences with different brands/types of pressure washer? I'm considering buying one and have only ever used a borrowed Karcher some years ago.

I need to know if it's worth paying more for the big brands and also the sort of features to look for. Plus, best places to buy 'em? Halfords have got £50 off a Karcher at the moment which is what set me thinking about it. That and the constantly filthy state of the road around here.

On my current car I stripped the silver coating off the inside of my driver door mirror, so make sure you have a way of varying the pressure and start low!

[smiffy]

I use a Karcher washer & havent had any problems with it at all

I have recently bought a refurbished Karcher 550M from these guys:- http://www.lloyd-jones.com/store/cleaning/cwpwd.html

It looks to be quite a good model for the money with a proper steel pump that should last a while. Pressure and flow-rate are good, more than enough power for car washing. It also has a built in soap container so you don't have to mess around with soap attachments.

M.

[Paul]

I know someone who stripped the paint of his BMW's bumpers with a pressure washer, so be careful.

[Apial]

Pressure washers are great for removing all the large dirt. They still leave a surface film of dirt though. You then give it a quick wash with a large sponge and bucket of car wash liquid to finish the job scratch free.

I avoid the front grill area as pressure washers can bend the radiator matrix. I am also careful around the windows and locks. Its not good to force water through the rubber seals.

[smiffy]

I tend to wash the car first with the pressure washer. I then use some car shampoo & give the car a good old scrub. Then rinse it off with the pressure washer. Its best then to use some 'sheeps Skin' to buff the car up & get rid of the water marks

[Racer]

I had a Karcher but didn't run the water out of completely after using it - stored it in a garage - frost came along and knackered it - be warned

Got one now with an adjustable pressure on it which is MUCH better means you can clean radiator / lights around rubber seals etc on low pressure then turn it up for the main bodywork

[ricardo]

...for the advice ...much appreciated