Last updated on December 17th, 2022 at 08:30 am
Over recent years, car pressure washers have gained the popularity that they became an allover cleaning tool for cars. If you try them once, you can clearly see the outcome and effects they have at cleaning anything. You can purchase a pressure washer for cars in any power and any size. Some pressure washers for cars come with additional features such as snow foam cannon that can transform its way how you use it to clean your car.
A pressure washer for the car can reduce your heavy work of thoroughly cleaning the car into a simple few minute’s tasks. For those who use them for car detailing, they are an important tool that can work at safe PSI for more than one task.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best pressure washers for cars that will help you out in cleaning purposes.
Also Read: Best Electric Pressure Washer Reviews
Best Pressure Washers For Cars – Buyer’s Guide
Pressure washer for a car is an important tool we need to wash our cars. There is a wide range of pressure washer with differences in features. If you buy a pressure washer for your car, then you maintain it well as it is always there available in your vicinity, whereas normally people take their car to car-wash and get it cleaned up. Usually, car enthusiasts are interested in buying the best possible pressure washer for their car in their available budget as they wash their car on an almost daily basis and want a car to look all smooth and shiny every day and every time. These gadgets are handy and user-friendly so that one can buy it as per their convenience because pressure washer is available at different prices, different features, and various quality.
Also, people prefer washing their cars on their own so that they can clean it the way they want.
Basic Guidelines
If you are going to buy a pressure washer for your car, then you initially should follow some basic steps to achieve the best buy. You need to make sure that you are buying it for car wash purposes only or some other purpose too. Then it is essential to know how frequently your usage is.
Features
One should always first consider the essential features in a pressure washer for a car before buying it because everyone does not require all of the features. Two essential characteristics that a buyer needs to know about are the power that is (PSI pounds per square inch) and water flow that is (GPM gallons per minute). So basically, when PSI is high, so more force will be applied when the water leaves the tip of the washer and when GPM is high so the washer will release more water.
Types Of Pressure Washers
Electric Pressure Washer
It is usually used for small purposes and is economical too. This runs on electricity and is light in weight. The electric pressure washers are restricted in some specific areas because of its cord. It is commonly used for cleaning vehicles.
Gas Pressure Washer
It is used for heavy-duty purposes as it is heavier than the electric one. It has higher mobility and can be taken where ever you want to. It is used for cleaning larger surfaces usually.
Best Pressure Washers for Cars 2023 – Our top picks!
Following are some cool pressure washers we chose for you
1 – Sun Joe SPX3001 – The Best Car Pressure Washer
Sometimes car washing is not considered to be a major task. But when it has been on the toughest and muddy routes, it requires some excessive cleaning. This is when Sun Joe SPX3001 steps in to save the day for you. It has a powerful 1800-Watt/14.5-amp motor, and the Sun Joe SPX3001 generates up to 2030 PSI of water pressure and 1.76 GPM of water flow. This pressure is ideal for cleaning almost anything. No matter how tough the stains are. It is proven to be perfect for cleaning road tar, tree sap and insect splats from cars, grease deposits from concrete, heavy mildew, oil and rust stains, caked-on mud, and other stubborn yard and garden gunk and grime. Making it the best electric pressure washer for cars.
We can all agree that pressure cleaning is of no use if detergent is not used. And adding detergent in the tank after every wash can be a pain too. With Sun Joe SPX3001 you don’t have to worry about this problem. It has an extra-large 40.6 fl oz (1.2-liter) onboard detergent tank. Not to mention that this amount is perfect for cleaning dirt out of every corner of your vehicle.
While buying a pressure washer, make sure that it has a long spraying tube. If the spraying tube is small, you will be restricted from using it. And it can get frustrating when you are unable to reach certain areas. Sun Joe SPX3001 has a 34-inch long spraying tube. In addition to that, rear wheels are also attached, offering you the maximum mobility possible.
Car cleaning is not as simple as it might seem. You can easily get to the surface areas like rooftop, doors, tire, etc. But the areas hidden underneath are the ones which require more cleaning and attention.
Adjusting the water pressure is also very important. If you keep the pressure at the fullest, it can cause some damage, which is why you can adjust the pressure accordingly. While cleaning the outer body, you can use full pressure. But while cleaning the area underneath, it is recommended to lower down the pressure. You will see the options like 0º, 15º, 25º, 40º, and Soap. You can switch to these settings according to your requirements.
Usually, pressure washer does not include these features, but Sun Joe SPX3001 comes with some extra features like onboard hose reel for quick and easy clean-up and storage, a 20-foot high-pressure hose, and 35-foot power cord. The most fantastic feature is the TSS (Total Stop System). It is designed to save water and improve performance. It automatically turns off the trigger when not in use. Not only that, it comes with a two-year warranty. Remember to check the warranty policies, and it might not cover certain damages.
- It has a powerful motor
- It has a total stop system (TSS)
- Different nozzle tips are provided
- It comes with an onboard detergent tank
- It also comes with two years of warranty
- The hose reel is a bit bulky
- The soap applicator nozzle provides low pressure of water
- Carrying handle is also a bit short
2 – Greenworks 1500 PSI – Another Best Electric Pressure washer for Cars
If you are looking for a pressure washer here, I am assuming it is for personal use. When you are buying a pressure washer for domestic use, it is essential that it should be compatible with all the things. Let’s take the water hose example. It should be able to connect with the garden hose so that you are able to do the cleaning in your garage. Another amazing thing is that the hose is 20 feet long. Even if the garage is far from the water hose, you can still manage to clean your car.
All over the internet, the websites are filled with amazing reviews about this product. For me, the most appealing this is that it is convenient. Even if you are unable to get your hands-on pressure washer’s wand, you can replace it with the same pressure rating, and it will function properly. As I said earlier, this product is designed for washing one or two cars, which is why the detergent bottle is comparatively small than the other options available in the market. You can replace the detergent bottle whenever you want. This little detergent bottle that fits into the wand handle and sprays detergent foam at low pressure.
This pressure washer can be used for washing cars and rugs. But it is ideal for spraying foam. Most people prefer to use it for praying foam. Typically, more professional pressure washers are used for getting crystal clear cars.
It comes with separate nozzles, 25-degree nozzle, and 40-degree nozzle. With the 40-degree nozzle, the pressure is comparatively low. It is ideal for spraying foam.
If your car is covered with mud and debris, then low pressure will not be able to take it off. For this purpose, you require a 25-degree nozzle. The pressure is enough to clean it to perfection. When you are using a pressure washer, you have got to be extremely careful. Sometimes the pressure is so great that it can cause damage to your car. It can damage the paint. So, it is important that you take a small test at the corner of your car.
Changing the nozzles is pretty easy. It hardly takes a minute or two. But these are pretty fitted, so you will have to try a hard pull before giving up.
- It comes with a safety feature at the power cord
- Easy to assemble
- Has a powerful motor
- Hose connector is of low quality
- The motor is a bit louder in the beginning
- It does not come with wheels, so you have to carry it around
3 – Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Washer for Cars
Another one in the list of best electric pressure washer for cars in Karcher k5 Premium. Every part of the pressure washer is important, but I think the power of the motor is the most vital one. If the motor is powerful, it will build up the water pressure, which will ultimately help in doing the perfect cleaning. Even though Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer is specifically designed for use in home cores. But surprisingly, it has a powerful motor. It has a water-cooled induction motor. This is by far the most powerful motor which has been used in the pressure washer. To be exact, it is said that it is five times more powerful than the ordinary motor. The best part is that you can use the pressure washer for hours, and the motor will work fine. As per it is a water-cooled induction motor, the water keeps circulating around it and keeps the temperature at the lowest.
When the temperature is kept under control, the performance is improved, and you can use it for as long as you want without worrying about anything else.
This product is extremely powerful, as well. On average, it produces a maximum of 2000 PSI and 1.4 GPM. This makes it deliver 2800 cleaning power; this power delivery is enough for cleaning almost anything. It has proven to effectively clean the patio, deck, sidewalk, fencing, outdoor furniture, and much more.
This product is designed to be used in your homes, which is why it is important that it should look good.
It takes a small storage space. You can almost set it in a small cupboard. It does not require much care. Just when you are done using it, place it vertically in a safe and clean space.
I have been using a pressure washer for a while, and there is one interesting feature that I found only in this pressure washer, which is “two spray wands.” Normally pressure washers only have one spray wants, and if you want to change the pressure, you will have to change the nozzle. But Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer brings things differently for you. Instead of going through the pain of changing nozzle every time you want to change the pressure, you can just use a different spray wand.
It has a Vario spray wand and Dirtblaster spray wand. Vario spray wand is used for performing normal daily routine tasks. It is ideal for situations where you do not require much pressure. If you want to use detergent, just switch the settings to the lowest. It will automatically dispense the detergent.
As it is pretty clear from the name Dirtblaster spray wand, used for many heavy tasks. It can take out the toughest stains with 40% more pressure than usual.
- It has a powerful motor and is useful for medium-duty and heavy-duty jobs
- It has a pressurized hose reel which makes storing and using the hose easily
- This pressure washer comes with a water-cooled induction motor that lasts long
- Has a maintenance-free pump
- It is easy to set up
- Comes with two years of warranty
- This pressure washer is quite heavy in size
- It is a bit expensive
4 – AR Blue Clean AR383 1900 PSI
In general, there are two types of pressure washer, the ones which are used for cleaning out huge places like garages and building floors, etc. then there are the ones which are used for cleaning out small things in your home. AR Blue Clean AR383 1900 PSI is the second kind of pressure washer. While buying a pressure washer for your home, it is important to keep in mind that it is handy and easy to carry. You will need it in different places, so it will be of no use if you are not able to move it according to your desire.
AR Blue Clean AR383 1900 PSI is a powerful and durable machine. Normally, the pressure washers designed for being used for home chores do not have strong motors. AR Blue Clean AR383 1900 PSI promises to deliver 5GPM 14Amp Electric Pressure Washer has 14 Amp/1.5 HP universal motor and tri-axial pump. It creates 1900 PSI water pressure to complete your needs. This much pressure is required for commercial purposes. If you are looking to use it solely in your home, the pressure is much more than you require. You will have to lower down the pressure settings a bit.
It has the most advanced form of Total Stop System (TSS). This system is designed to save as much water and energy as possible. When the trigger is not being in use, the engine will automatically shut down. This way, you can save your machine from being overused and increase durability.
This pressure washer is extremely flexible to use. It has a 20-foot high-pressure hose. Even if your car is not placed near the pressure washer, you will still be able to get it with the long pressure hose. Not only that, but the long length will also help you in getting the hidden parts of the car. It also helps in reducing water wastage. According to my estimate, it saves up to 80% of the water. The power cord is also 30 feet long. Making it easier to move around the pressure washer. You can connect the pressure washer wherever you want without worrying about the connectivity.
The detergent bottle is comparatively small than we expected. You will get a 14 oz detergent bottle for an easy detergent application. If you want better results, it is recommended to attach a separate bottle with the spray gun. In my experience, it helps is getting more shine in your car. All these features make it one of the best car power washers for 2023.
- It is easy to move
- Light in weight
- Comes with an adjustable nozzle
- Comes with two different sets of wands
- There is a leakage in adapters
- The hose is made of stiff plastic
5 – Stanley SHP1600 Electric Power Washer 1600 PSI
Last one in the list of best pressure washer for cars in 2023. When you are out for a perfect pressure washer hunt, it can get really overwhelming. There are so many choices available that choosing the best-suited option can be difficult. If you are looking for a pressure washer to do the cleaning in your house, especially when it comes to car cleaning, Stanley SHP1600 Electric Power Washer 1600 PSI is the best-suited option.
It is able to provide you with sixteen hundred pounds per square inch of pressure, which is perfect for cleaning all kinds of mud and debris. As I mentioned earlier, this pressure washer is perfect for cleaning your car, which you use on a daily basis; it is not ideal for cleaning industrial stains.
While using a power washer, most people focus on the features. Well, they have a great impact on performance. But there is another very important feature which is usually neglected, that is the power supply. Remember, what power supply you are going to use will have a great impact on the performance. Thankfully, this product uses electrical power, which is ideal for household purposes and delivers a powerful performance.
For me, the best part is that while using this product, there is absolutely no noise and smell. Feel free to use it whenever and wherever you want.
Now let’s have a look at the accessories. Normally, the pressure washers come with a pressure hose. But Stanley SHP1600 Electric Power Washer 1600 PSI comes with three separate supplies. It has a gun washer, pressure washer wand, and a variable pressure washer nozzle. These options help in increasing flexibility. You have so many options available, and you can switch to them according to the requirement of the situation.
Even though this product is able to clean huge places, but to our surprise, it is extremely light and portable. It only weighs sixteen pounds. You can actually take it anywhere you want. Just plug it in any electrical spot and water supply, and you are good to go.
Another plus point is that it has wheels, you can practically drag it to where ever you want. Even though it is extremely light weighted but since the wheels are attached, you won’t be bothered by it. It has a 20-foot hose. This helps in making the work even more flexible. This hose is long enough for serious use, but not so long that it gets tangled, this hose is at the perfect length.
- It is very light in weight
- You can adjust the pressure of spray from the nozzle
- Comes with multiple adjustable settings
- The pressure that is generated is not very high, so it is not suitable for heavy work
- It does not come with wheels, so you have to carry it around
FAQ’s
What is PSI safe for washing cars?
Always try to select a pressure washer with a setting of 1200 – 1900 PSI. These are safe to use and do not damage the paint on your car. There are plenty of different sizes of nozzles that can be used with a pressure car washer.
Can I put a regular car soap in my pressure car washer?
No. Regular car soaps or shampoos are made for cleaning the car manually. You cannot put that in a pressure car washer. Special detergents are made to put in pressure washers for cars that are used for cleaning purposes.
Can you adjust the pressure on a pressure washer?
Yes, you can adjust the pressure of water is generated. First, you have to do is to adjust the motor valve of the engine. Some machines come with knobs that are used for this purpose. You can also adjust the nozzle angle.
How long can you run a pressure washer?
Never run the pressure washer more than three to five minutes to avoid damage. While the washer running and trigger is off, you can adjust pressure and spray settings.
Is it OK to run a pressure washer without water?
If the engine is working fine and you have already run the pressure washer without running water through the system, it can cause damage to the pump. The water must be circulating through the system so that it does not damage other parts.
Conclusion
Overall it is important to follow and readout the above information before buying the right and suitable pressure washer for your car depending on your usage. There are a lot of brands offering pressure washer with different features, but it is more important for a buyer to get a pressure washer within the budget with the features that are useful for a buyer.
Make sure to read out the reviews related to the pressure washer, check the details, do your research, compare it with different brands within the same budget and then finalize the best possible pressure washer for your car.