With the summer season around the corner I have seen several ads for high pressure (1000-1300psi) sprayers for automobiles. Do they do any damage to the paint? Are they safe to use? What type of liquid soap would be all right to use in them? Do you recommend any particular make and model?

Thank You
Fred Berry

I'd pass on those pressure washers for your car. If you want to blast your deck or driveway, go for it. I have seen too many times where someone has accidentally damaged part of their car with overzealous use of a pressure washer. Unless you are very familiar with thier use, specifically their use with cars, don't both with them. I'm not saying categorically that they ruin cars, but with that much pressure it is possible to damage your car. They don't give you results that are worth the hassle and danger. Stick with your average garden hose and a bucket. Why do you feel you need one?

Just my opinion...Lee

[This message has been edited by Lee Scheeler (edited 05-20-99).]

I agree 100% with Lee. I sell pressure washers, so I do know a little about them.
I sell them in industrial and institutional applications.

The only possible use I could see with a car would be for under the hood and underbody cleaning/degreasing. However, and I speak from experience, there are so many sensors under the hood in the more modern cars that even just the water itelf could do damage let alone the high water pressure.

I did learn one neat trick for underbody cleaning. A Corvette guy was preping a car he got that he wanted to show. He jacked the car up and spread "like butter" a GoJo type of degreasing hand soap underneath the car, let it sit for a few days and then power washed it off....it was AMAZING, the results. Again, this was done with great care UNDER the car.

Good luck to you.
Mike

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1986 300E 138k
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