
Look for a pressure between 12 psi to clean your car. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when shopping around. It may be tempting just to grab the one with the highest pressure output, but as we proved above, high-powered pressure washers aren't suitable for car washing duty. Understanding what makes a pressure washer right for you isn't a simple affair. But if you're looking for a pressure washer to help make your weekly car wash easier, this electric Craftsman is a fantastic choice. Naturally, this device doesn't have the power or performance required for many household tasks. We were also impressed by how the unit felt to handle, its quietness, and its built-in storage compartment for accessories. The Gear Team was stoked by the CMEPW2100 since it offers a range of water pressures that make it ideal for a Sunday afternoon car wash.

You're not trying to strip your wax job here! You just want a convenient way to get water or soap on and off the vehicle.Įlectric pressure washers generally have a lower psi and lesser flow rate, so they're a great option for auto enthusiasts. And if you do use a pressure washer to wash your car, we recommend standing at least six feet back.

Many pressure washers aren't good for a car's finish due to their high pressure frankly, the same power washer you used to strip your deck should never get anywhere near your vehicle. But for most of us and our everyday drivers, a low-pressure power washer can come in super handy on car wash day. To be clear, we do not recommend using any power washer on precious or collectible vehicles. Finally, each pressure washer was checked for convenience of assembly and storage. Portability was also considered, as note was taken of which ones were either simple or challenging to move around a vehicle. And all of the tips and spray patterns that come with each pressure washer were noted. The power source of each washer was identified as either 120 volts, a 20-volt battery, or gas.

The reading for the static water flow rate was then deducted from the reading for a true "powered-on" rate.Įach pressure washer was put on a scale and weighed along with its hoses and accessories. Prior to utilizing each pressure washer itself, we recorded the water flow rate in order to account for leaks. The maximum water pressure for each of the units below was measured with a psi gauge, the maximum water flow rate with a water flow meter, and the noise level with a decibel meter. But we also incorporated data points pertinent to a variety of power-washing tasks. Here's what we found.įor this test, we stuck with low psi and gpm (gallons per minute) units to focus on the automotive consumer. The Gear Team got our hands on some of the best low-pressure power washers on the market to determine which ones were worth using on your vehicle. While car enthusiasts should be wary of damaging their vehicle's paint, finish, and components with a typical household power washer, there are plenty of gentler pressure washers on the market that are great to use to wet, soap, and rinse cars, trucks, RVs, boats, side-by-sides, toy haulers, and more.
