Power washers

[Brian 1]

Is it ok to use these, can the pressure damage anything?
Thanks.....

 

[st13phil]

Is it ok to use these

Yes, with care.

can the pressure damage anything?

Yes, if careless!

Pressure washers used too close can strip paint or lacquer, and can penetrate seals on wheel bearings, brake callipers, etc. They can also damage tyres (which many people don't realise). However, if used sensibly they're fine.

 

[Flyinspanner]

Don't do your nuts

Avoid using it on a convertible roof, electrics, most else is fine, though don't aim it directly on door gaps for long periods, it could squeeze past the seal, swooshing over it quickly would be fine.

 

[camerafodder]

Don't stick it up yer bum either!

 

[kid-jensen]

The worst thing about Power Washers is that they don't clean very well....

 

[rf065]

The worst thing about Power Washers is that they don't clean very well....

If you use the correct detergents, they clean just fine. I hav'nt used a sponge on mine for 3 or 4 years now, always looks clean.

Russ

 

[HughJarse]

If you use the correct detergents, they clean just fine. I hav'nt used a sponge on mine for 3 or 4 years now, always looks clean.

Russ

what about your car though?

 

[BTB 500]

IIRC they can also damage parking sensors.

 

[Brian 1]

Thanks all very informative....... and some made me laugh

 

[J LAD]

As stated use sensibly!
If you have peeling paint or lacquer then be very carefull in this area.
Get a pressure washer that has a variable output pressure so you can safely use it on your delicate parts , eg cabriolet / soft top.
All and I mean all car dealerships will use a pressure washer to wash your car, most of them use hot water at 120 bar pressure, this includes Ferrari, Aston, Porsche, Bentley etc, etc, its not the pressure washer that inflicts the damage.
Its the dealership valeter on a minimum wage, using a grubby sponge to wash your pride and joy that does this.
Note: not all car valeters are the same, persons used in this memo are purely fictional, all rights reserved.

 

[automaniaman]

My local MB dealer has now employed Romanian valeter's..

 

[Brian 1]

My local lads are Polish, they do a good job, hard workers..

 

[Marku]

Mercedes says that they should not be used mind you don't the dealers use them when valeting?

 

[Andrew W]

Use a variable nozzle , keep it on the fan setting
and all will be fine , common sense really .
Use s presoak detergent under arches bottom
of the car and wheels and this will remove 90%
Of the dirt/grit so less likely to scratch the paint !
Use snowfom all over if need be .