Pressure washer for pre-rinse...safe?

[emaxxman]

I've seen pics and read about people using a pressure washer to detail their engine...personally I would be very nervous about that. However, I was wondering how safe is it to wash the exterior of your car?

I have a 98 Accord sedan with some severe paint chips on the bumper. I'm not too worried about the bumper because the paint chips are numerous enough that it really needs to be repainted already...I have an OEM bra on it right now to hide the chips. My concern is the rest of the body which is in every good condition.

The reason I want to use a pressure washer is because, unfortunately, my neighbor has a huge tree over my driveway. It drops tons of pollen and other stuff on the car everyday. Nothing to chip the paint but it doesn't come off during a presoak with the hose...even with a foam gun. I would like to get as much off before I start washing with the mitt to avoid scratches.

I have a 2400 psi gas pressure washer. I was going to use it about 6-8 feet away on the largest fan setting for the tip. Would that be OK?

I would use it to remove the major loose stuff and then maybe a strong rinse. I would not use it to remove stubborn spots.

Would a fireman's style nozzle be a better alternative? I currently only have a standard multi-spray pistol grip nozzle.

[BritOn2wheels]

I will be anxiously awaiting what the experts have to say on this subject. :confused:
I too have a 2400 psi pressure washer at home and have used it on occaision on my pick-up after I've been off road and really come home mudied up. But I must admit it's really not that good at removing caked on dirt. Sure it gets the bulk of the larger stuff off, but admit I have to get in really close if I want to move anything thats really stuck on. :(

I have had much better success with the "Hotsy" brand high temperature pressure washer we have in our wash bay at work, it seems that it's the higher temperature that is more successful at removing the stuborn dirt than just high pressure alone.

By this reasoning should we use hot water plus shampoo when we wash our cars at home, or should it be cold water? Whatever the temperature you choose, I still think you are better off with a good quality shampoo, sheepskin or MF washmit, and the two bucket method. What do you guys think?

[emaxxman]

By this reasoning should we use hot water plus shampoo when we wash our cars at home, or should it be cold water? Whatever the temperature you choose, I still think you are better off with a good quality shampoo, sheepskin or MF washmit, and the two bucket method. What do you guys think?

I have a plush microfiber wash mitt, wash top down, rinse the mitt constantly, and use Meguiar's gold class. I also presoak the car with a cheapie foam gun. My concern is that the pollen and any other stuff that doesn't come off with a good spray from the hose will scratch the finish. It's a dark green emerald finish so scratches appear easily.

[Excessive Detail]

I have used a pressure washer on my car numerous times without any problems. I just try to not get to close or concentrate the spray on anyone spot. I've also used it for my engine, don't do while the car is running and try to wait till most of its dry until you start the car.

[BritOn2wheels]

My reasoning for keeping away from the pressure washer is that if the surface is really dirty, the tendency is to get in too close and for too long in order to try and remove the offending debris. At that stage the pressure washer turns more into a sand blaster, great for paint removal but not paint care.

I think you are on the right track with your MF Wash mitt and top down approach, the only other improvement I can think of would be a chainsaw. ;)

[ScottB]

I shy away from pressure cleaners for two reasons primarily.

1. Forced water into areas where water was not meant to be usually ends up with headlamps or foglights filled with water or water vapor. (looks like dew sitting on the lens). Even worse when used under the hood it can get into the intake tract and on a former LT-1 Transam it seemed to ALWAYS get into the opti-spark meaning a trip to the dealer.

2. Pressure, while some pressure would be ok. Just where is the cutoff ?? I learned this the hardway when I first pressure cleaned my entire home. The water stream literally ripped thru the window screens, while doing no harm to painted areas and roof. So with cars, pressure in certain areas could harm or damage an item.