Power Washers...safe?

[estecoca]

A couple years ago I purchased a power washer thinking it would be a great solution to removing summer bug guts and winter salt from my truck. It works just fine, as far as I can tell, and I have been happy with it. However, I read on another forum that you have to be careful using power washers on vehicles with "soft" clear coat. Im dont know what that's all about and I dont want to screw up anything...

 

Thoughts?

[Rich]

Simple. High pressure water too close to soft clear coat equals messed up clear coat. In other words, don't use it full force up close.

[jjwvette]

I use mine for cleaning wheels from brake dust only I just don't trust myself to use it for removing bugs

[chuckcars]

I never use a power washer on my vehicles, only the tractor and lawn mower.

[CRQuarto]

Perfectly safe, use one with a low PSI setting (low enough you can put your hand in front of the nozzle), do NOT sure a "stream" setting (thin, pencil like stream), but more of a blasting nozzle. Keep about two feet from your paint as a precaution, and if you have vinyl of any kind stay away from the edges as it can cause lifting. I use a Husky brand one, and it works great. I have vinyl stripes on my car, and have not had an issue with them, so I believe it is all in being careful and using common sense.

 

I use the larger one of these, but the smaller one would be safer:

 

http://huskypowerwasher.com/new_models.php

[Ashley@Adams]

They can be awesome. You just have to be careful.

 

You can't go wrong with our nozzle though!!

 

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-49-firehose-spray-nozzle.aspx;););)

[Bill-V8V]

What do you want one of those for Kid, you'll shoot your eye out !!!!!!!!

 

 

 

J/K

Many use them and love them, I wouldn't trust it on my paint. But that is just me.

[Chewy]

Being from the "salt" belt I have to go and at least clean off the chunks every so often and when it's 15-25º outside the last thing I can do is use a hose in the driveway and going over to my parents house and doing it in their garage is a PITA. So I go to the spray wash places and hand spray the car down real well. I actually need to do that today. It's 11º

 

I never use them for bugs though. The best thing I have found for removing stubborn bugs is Seafoam bug remover. Spray it on a dry car let it sit for 30 seconds, respray then wipe with a wet MF towel or wash mitt. BAM bugs gone!

 

It's amazing stuff. Just make sure you wax when done. I'm sure it's removes it.

 

Chris

[BobbyG]

Common sense will usually dictate success. Power washers are fine if kept at a safe distance or simply use a low presser nozzle. They can be a real time saver when removing tough stuck on debris.

 

Anyone ever take their car through a car wash?

 

Car Wash + Power washer!!

[estecoca]

While I see your point, I don't agree that auto car wash = power washer. Here's why. I dont use car washes b/c I am afraid they recycle their water (I know many who do). Obviously this is good for the environment, bad for my finish. So, I thought a power washer would be a good way to blast bugs and salt off my truck without risking blasting it with dirty water. However, some have expressed concern for using a power washer on a soft clear coat. In the end, think a power washer and a little common sense will work just fine