Should I use a pressure washer to wash car?
Use a pressure washer to wash car and enjoy a number of benefits from efficiency to safety!
A pressure washer is one of the best tools for safely and effectively washing your car, especially when paired with the right accessories. It gives you more cleaning power (both active & passive), better foam when using a foam cannon, faster overall washing and most importantly, less chance of scratching your paint.
Safe and Effective Cleaning
- A good, reliable pressure washer (like the Active 2.0 or Active 2.3) gives you much higher water pressure & control than the somewhat lazy flow from a hose. That means dirt, road grime, salt, and brake dust come off easier—especially from tight areas like wheels, underbody, and wheel wells.
- Loosens dirt before you touch the paint with your 2-bucket wash.
- Removes some heavier, caked-on insects & dirt with increased water flow instead of abrasion. When used correctly (right nozzle + distance), a pressure washer lifts dirt & flushes it away without grinding it in.
Greater efficiency, less time & effort
You’ll save time and water vs. using a hose with the better results. A normal garden hose flows approximately 9-17 gpm (Gallons Per Minute) depending on size of hose and/or any nozzles attached. An ideal pressure wash will flow 1-3 gpm depending on model. If you use or are thinking of using a Spotless Water System, less flow equals extended resin life and lower per wash cost. To learn more about the benefits and considerations of using a Spotless Water System, check out our article How To Choose a Spot-Free Drying System
- Pressure Washers are the engine that power effective Foam Cannons. Foam cannons work best with higher pressure which most garden hoses can’t provide. Why use a foam cannon?
- Allows soap (and water) to cling to the surface after foaming, ‘soaking’ dirt and debris to further lessen the need for intensive scrubbing/abrasion. Ever soak any egg-encrusted breakfast dishes in the sink before washing? Same principle…let the water do the work before taking the mechanical means (sponge) to the paint. Work smarter (and safer), not harder!
- Provides additional lubrication to your surfaces prior to the 2-bucket wash!
- Adds some entertainment to the wash process; don’t forget to have fun!
See it all in action as Todd shows the proper method for a full wash in the video FULL WASH – AMG Black Series Un-Cut START to FINISH.
Using an Active 2.3 Pressure Washer, an MTM PF22 Foam Cannon with other MTM Hose & Reel accessories and a CR Spotless Water System, all integrated into our easy-to-use wash cart!
In short, to use a pressure washer to wash car provides benefits in four key areas, making vehicle maintenance easier, more effective and supremely satisfying!
You’ll save time and water vs. using a hose and with far with better results!
- Faster
- More efficient
- Safer
- Have more fun
Want help building a safe, effective car wash setup or improving your current one (pressure washer, foam cannon, nozzles, soap, etc.) ?
Browse our selection of pressure washers, foam cannons and related accessories or reach out to us Esoteric Car Care using our Contact Form or calling us directly at 614.855.2573
Pressure Washers
For more information or product support, Active maintains some awesome video libraries on using and maintaining your Active Pressure Washer:
Foam Cannons
Accessories
