Hay guys,

I need some pratical advice on power washers on black cars. I know nothing about power washers.

I am especially interested in people who have used them on black cars.

I am thinking about buying one because I plan to use my mercedes a lot in the winter going skiing (like every weekend). As you know it get really dirty going skiing.

And the problem is if you got a black car you got to be very careful even if you wash it by hand. All it takes is a grain of sand or dirt and my beautiful black paint is tost.

If I plan on washing it every week will a power spray washer work for me. Will it be able to get the dirt out without scrubing it and can I wash the car with the power washer without causing swirl marks on my baby.

What do you guys think is there a better way?

thanks
blau

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Silver Honda Accord, 2006
Silver G500, 2003
Silver SLK-320, 2002
Black ML-320, 2000
Bule Porsche 993 Targa , 1997
Silver Merkur XR4Ti, 1987

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/LeesDetailingFaq

Works better than anything I have ever done.

If you use a power washer, assuming it is an electric or gasoline type power washer, then whatever is in the water (including sediment and mineral deposits from the last use) and whatever is on the paint (bird droppings, dirt, tree sap) is driven into or across the surface of your paint under pressure. These things can even remove paint.

If you are talking about the water tap powered revolving head washers, the plastic bristles are capable of scratching paint and swirling stuff around.

I would spend the money on premium wash and rinse products, towels, and a Porter Cable buffer. IMHO.

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John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

Power washers are like guns, they are only as dangerous as the people that use them. If you are careful with it and do not get too close to the paint then you shouldnt put the paint at too much of a risk. If you stand back and gently mist the section to be washed removing the large sediments first and gradually moving in as they fall off then i dont think that you run too much of a risk to paint damage.
My 2 cents.

Brett

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88 300E
02 911TT
17 VW Golf R
2008 Triumph Speed Triple

My pics --> www.BrettAdamsDesign.us

I use a Kracher power washer on my silver C240, our silver SLK230, gunmetal Range Rover, and black metallic Porsche 996. I have no problems with scratching the paint. First I spray a chemical solution on the cars using a mist spray, then I blast it off. I repeat this with a shampoo conditioner. Finally I spray a rinse agent, which I rinse off using the mist spray.

Be very careful on plastic parts or where there are stone chips: the most powerful spray will lift the paint where it has already been chipped (I took the paint off the door mirror of the 996 this way).

These machines are fine for regular or quick washing. They will not get a filthy car gleaming, however. I find I still have to do the wheels by hand on all except the SLK.

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JJ Rodger
2013 G350 Bluetec
1999 SL 500
1993 E300 diesel T
1990 190

I have used a Karcher power washer for years. I agree that if used carefully it can be a real time saver. But one should never use it to "blast off" crud or dirt or tar as that will lead to damage to the paint. What it is truly superb for is cleaning wheels. I have had great success with a wheel cleaner like P21 or even Simple Green on the wheels, followed by the power washer -- at a distance.

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Alan Weinschel
2001 S500 Capri Blue
2004 E320 4matic Wagon Tectite
1992 300TE 4matic Black Pearl
2000 BMW 540ia Anthracite