Pros and Cons of Using Pressure Washers on Cars

Pros and Cons of Using Pressure Washers on Cars

Pros and Cons of Using Pressure Washers on Cars 1
Washing your car is sometimes very tedious, especially if you live a hectic life. However, keeping it clean at all times is important. Not only will this allow you to save some money in the long run, but this will also extend the life of your car.

When it comes to cleaning your car, some people will tell you that it is okay use a pressure washer. While this can easily get all the grime and dirt out, you should know the pros and cons first before you go and grab your pressure washer and give your car a good cleaning.

The Advantages

One of the biggest advantages of using a pressure washer for your car is that it will be so easy to clean your vehicle’s exterior. Not only will you be able to clean more areas at a faster rate, but, in no time at all, you’ve also gotten rid of all dirt and grime.

Two, it is very common for small twigs, leaves, and mud to get stuck between the cracks. You can’t get to these areas with a simple car washing. However, the pressure from the pressure washer will be able to dislodge these things and get all of them out.

Three, it is sometimes difficult to get rid of bird poop, smudges, and stains, but this need not be that difficult with a pressure washer though. By using just the right amount of pressure, you will be able to get rid of even the most difficult stains and smudges on your car. Your hands wouldn’t even have to come near the bird poop to remove it since the pressure can easily wash it away.

For this reason, you need to determine the right amount of water pressure to wash your car. Start with a low pressure first and then gradually increase it from there. It is also important that you regularly check your car to check for damages.

The Disadvantages

When it comes to the disadvantages of using a pressure washer, there is always the risk of doing significant damage to your car’s exterior. This especially happens if you’ve forgotten to adjust the water pressure setting and it was set on high. Not only can the pressure damage the car paint, but it can also even cause a dent. Having the dent and the paint fixed is going to cost you money.

Two, if you don’t know how to use a pressure washer properly, then you could end up injuring someone. Remember, the pressure coming from this machine is great, and in the wrong hands, it could cause serious injuries.

Three, another disadvantage of using a pressure washer is that it is quite costly. Not only do you have to consider the water bill, but you also have to consider the electric bill. If it doesn’t run on electricity, then there’s also the gas bill.

Using a pressure washer will make the car washing job easy, but you will need to be extra careful not to damage your car.

Car Maintenance: Exterior Care

Washing a car is a bit more complex than you think. It's not just about removing dust and dirt; you have to be thorough. If you skip or overlook certain steps, you increase the risk of damaging the body of your car. 

Here are some useful tips when it comes to exterior car care:

Rinsing
First, you need to hose the entire car down before you start washing. Ideally, you should use a pressure washer and aim at every square inch of the car, including the wheels, in order to dislodge sand and small rocks that could later become trapped in your wash mitt. 


Wash mitt
The mitt has to be immaculate before you start massaging the body panels, windows, and wheels. Rinse it off regularly throughout your car wash. You'll avoid scratching the paint with the very same rocks you were so focused on rubbing away if you do. 

Washing product
The product itself is actually less important than the technique. Pick the washing product that suits you best, preferably with a waxing agent incorporated into the mix. Some people even use dish soap (in liquid form, of course) and get superb results. Whatever you do, never wash a surface that you haven't previously hosed. When you're all done, thoroughly rinse your car.

Drying
This step is just as crucial as washing. Use a super-clean chamois, terrycloth or microfiber towel to dry your car; otherwise, you'll spread any remaining dirt over the body, which will leave stains. Also, it's better to purchase a single premium chamois than a bunch of cheap ones. This piece of cloth should easily absorb water, prevent streaking, and leave no residue.

Additional protection
Your car originally came out of the factory with a clear coat that deteriorates over time. Waxing or polishing the body panels helps restore this protective coat. 

Waxing
Car wax can be either liquid or cream. It penetrates every tiny crack and evens the surface. Waxing can be performed on a regular basis -- just follow the manufacturer's recommendations. 

Polishing
Not unlike sanding, car polishing is about using an abrasive compound to remove a thin layer from the clear coat that protects the paint, resulting in a fresh new surface. A waxing agent is often blended in to get the desired shine. Polishing typically involves older, more deteriorated body paint, and is best left to a professional.

More tips...
Avoid washing your car under the sun -- we can't stress enough how important a cold, wet surface is. The hot sun may dry out your car before you even start washing it, and you're sure to create more harm than good. 

Also, remember to wash the interior door panels and the inside of the trunk lid. Use a separate cloth so as not to get grease on your wash mitt, and let these surfaces dry completely to prevent moisture from generating rust -- leave your doors and trunk open to allow for drying. 

Finally, keep in mind that dark body paint requires more attention and care than light as it tends to show more imperfections and dirt.