I can understand lifted trucks that go through mud tracks and hills but for most of us who daily drive our cars on the street, isnt just a regular hose and bucket good enough? I would be too afraid of the pressure washer ripping off the super thin paint we all are cursed with.

 

I suppose it really depends on the pressure of the washer. Typically when I hear of washing a car with a 'pressure washer' I think of those DIY stalls that allow you to quickly spray your car down. The pressure in those hoses isn't going to tear off any paint.

 

It really isnt that bad, the Detailers at work use them to wash cars, it can help get those hard to reach places, just like a air hose helps dry those spots, its all up to you.



But if there is too much pressure then yes there would definitely be a problem.

 

freshly painted body panels and aiming the pressure gun too close to the wheels with sticky weights..



big no no.



dirty and salted inner wheel fenders and dirty radiator openings?..yes.

 

The Shell touch-less wash blasted paint off my front bumper There was a chip from a stone on the bumper, and I guess the SUPER high pressure wash hit it at just the right angle and it left a quarter sized spot with no paint. So BEWARE! It could happen to you too.



I'm thinking of pulling off the bumper and having it re-painted while the car is in storage over the winter. There are quite a few stone chips in the bumper, and a spot on the lower passenger side where I hit a exhaust heat shield on the highway, and now the missing paint from the carwash. I just hope it doesn't cost too much to smooth out and paint the bumper..... anyone know approximate cost? $200 - $300??

 

no a garden hose is not enough

 

I work at a high end detail place and we have some strong power washers and have never ever had an issue with messing up paint. The only thing you need to watch using power washers on is crappy painted rims I've watch stupid friends take the paint off there shitty painted rims