is power washing wheels safe?

[zip]

i bought a powerwasher for peanuts from B&Q at the weekend, so i could blast away the brake dust crap from my wheels. however, is it safe to to do this on the wheels, as i have just read that the alloy wheels are painted?

zip

 

[RichardM]

I powerwash my wheels every weekend normally, its so much easier than washing them just by hand.

 

[ChrissyBoy]

It's generally recommended that you don't get any closer than 30cm. Also watch your tyres, which can be damaged if you use too narrow a jet.

If you're washing the whole car with the pressure washer, be careful not to direct the jet at any seals - these can cope with heavy rain, but 100 bar of pressure may cause them to let water in.

Finally, if you really care about you're car - they're best avoided altogether. The best way to wash a car is with a hose to loosen the dirt and remove any gritty deposits, a bucket of lukewarm water with some quality shampoo added, a non-silicone sponge, a bucket of cold water to shock the dirt out of the sponge after each usage, a synthetic chamois leather to push the majority of water off the car (not to dry it) and a 100% cotton, unsized towel to completely dry the car off.