Fundamental Car Care Tips: How to Pressure Wash your Vehicle

David Banks
Authored by David Banks
Posted: Thursday, February 17, 2022 - 16:28

Pressure washing your vehicle can save you loads of time and tonnes of water. The high-pressure water and no-drip water, and detergent nozzle allow you to clean your car quickly and with limited manual labor.

A pressure washer is a gas or electric motor-powered engine that dispenses high-pressure water used to remove dirt and grime from various household interior and exterior items, from the driveway to the barbeque grill.

However, when it comes to washing a vehicle, you may want to get a washer with specifications suitable for mainly cleaning a car. Some gas washers may be too powerful for the delicate parts of your vehicle, such as side mirrors, windows, and windshield.

If you already have a gas-powered washer, do not despair; you only have to decrease the intensity of the water by slightly closing the nozzle and aiming the washer downward as you wash your vehicle.

Here are five straightforward steps to successfully pressure wash your vehicle.

Get a Suitable Pressure Washer

As aforementioned, pressure washers come in different makes and models. The best one to pick must have the specifications that meet your needs. If you want a gas-powered engine to use for more than washing your car, then check Appliance Hunter - best petrol pressure washer for more options.

Rinse Your Car

You will want to rinse your vehicle before applying any soap or detergent. The rinsing will reduce the excess soil or debris on your vehicle, and it is the perfect opportunity to test the intensity of the washer's water flow, also known as the gallons per minute (G.P.M).

First, test the water flow by spraying water onto the ground and adjusting the nozzle accordingly.

Apply Soap or Detergent

You can either apply the soap or detergent by hand or with the soap dispensing nozzle that comes with the washer. If you use an electric motor-powered washer with no detergent tank attached, you may use a foam cannon to apply your detergent.

Apply the detergent from the bottom up while standing at least two or three feet away from the car. You may come closer to access the parts with the most dirt, like the wheels. After applying the detergent, let your car sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Scrubbing

Use the attachable scrub brush to clean stubborn dirt, mud, or grime. You may use a soft microfibre cloth for the windows, side mirrors, and windshield. The scrubbing brush works well for the more challenging exterior parts, such as the wheels, wheel arches, and wells.

Rinse off the Detergent

After scrubbing, you may proceed to rinse off all the foam on your car. Make sure to detach the detergent nozzle and spray some water onto the ground to get rid of any residual soap. 

Hold the pressure cleaner at a 45-degree angle to lessen the impact of the water pressure. If you have bumper stickers or any other form of branding on your car, we advise that you spray them at a 90-degree angle to prevent them from peeling.

Dry your Car

To dry your car, we recommend that you use a soft microfibre towel. However, if you want a touch-free finish, you may use a blow dryer made explicitly for drying cars or a standard leaf blower.

Washing your vehicle may not be your favorite activity, but using a pressure washer can make it easier quicker and save you a lot of your water utility bill. All you need to do is follow the steps above. Beyond keeping your car clean, you should also devote yourself to tire care for overall safety and prioritize vehicle maintenance services.