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Pressure Washing a Car Guide
For some people, washing their car is a real joy! A pressure washer can really increase the ease, speed, and enjoyment of washing your car, whether you previously enjoyed it or not. But pressure washers are powerful gadgets and must be used carefully and correctly.
Using the wrong nozzle can result in damage to the paintwork, but if you get the correct elements aligned, you can actually have a fair amount of fun while pressure washing. What do you need to know about using a pressure washer? Best of Tools is providing you with all of the best information you need to do so carefully, safely and most effectively.
Electric Pressure Washer
There is only so much power you require when cleaning your car and there are delicate parts of your car where you do not want them to be blasted with so much force that they will break. By this, we are referring to windshields, windows, and mirrors.
Due to this, you will be able to undertake a perfect job through the use of an electric pressure washer. They do not have enough power to cause any damage but have enough power to effectively clean your vehicle.
What are the other pros of using an electric pressure washer? Well, they are generally much cheaper to purchase, lighter to carry and maneuver, smaller, and require very little maintenance to keep them happy throughout their lifetime.
Yes, you can get a gas-powered pressure washer which has an even lower pressure count, but is there any point in spending more money on a gadget you will probably never actually use to its full potential but have spent more money in purchasing?
When To Wash Your Car
Your car is exposed to the elements 24/7 and therefore needs to be looked after as best you can. You want to eradicate all of the harsh elements that can do damage to the paintwork and the mechanics of your car through regular washing. Take salt, for example, it is highly corrosive and should be washed off your car as quickly and as often as possible for people living in a sea-based place.
Why do some people wash their cars so often? It’s not just so that they look good and sparkle more, there is actually some physics behind this, too. Let’s look at the mud. Wet or dry, it can be harmful to your vehicle and cause it to rust quickly.
But this is not the only problem it causes, as it also increases the drag resistance, increasing your fuel consumption and costing you more money. A pressure washer is, therefore, saving you money on your fuel costs and repairs. It doesn’t take long to clean your car with the help of a pressure washer and it could save you a fortune at the repairs garage!
The Best Way to Pressure Wash
Start by hooking the pressure washer to a hose and determine the specific nozzle that you should safely use. This is usually a 25 or 40 nozzle. Turn on the washer and begin by rinsing your car with sole water to rid your car of any excess dirt. When your car is completely wet, you can add the detergent of choice, either by hand or via the use of a soap tip attached to your pressure washer.
Make sure that the detergent is approved with your pressure washer prior to use though and remember never to use dishwashing liquid, as it will do irreparable damage to your vehicle because it removes the wax from your cars paintwork.
Depending on the power of the water you are using, stand around 3 or 4 feet away from your vehicle to get the best clean and work in smaller areas. Angle the nozzle so as to avoid scratching the paintwork of your car – a good 25-degree angle usually does the trick.
As the dirt, mud, and residue move down over your car, it will stick to the bottom. Be sure not to miss out on washing the bottom of your car. You want to remove anything that could erode, corrode, or increase the drag of your vehicle. To help you reach underneath your vehicle, use an angled extension wand.
Keeping detergent, recommended or not, on your car for any longer than 10 minutes will not do your paintwork any favors so be sure to act fast once you have lathered your car up. Leave it on too long and the detergent will start eating through the wax and into your paintwork.
For a final rinse, apply a 40-degree nozzle to your pressure washer and, using water only, rinse down your vehicle to rid it of anything left over. Your car should now be spotless and sparkling!
Safety Tips
Never use a pressure washer if you do not have proper footwear on and make sure not to try and wash your hands etc. in the jet of the pressure washer. You will injure yourself and this can be life-changing! You want a clean car, not a day out to the hospital!
Conclusion
Pressure washers make washing your car really quick, easy and efficient. You must remember that, although they are fun to use, pressure washers are not a toy and can be dangerous if used incorrectly, so be cautious when using them. They are brilliant for car-proud people, anyone living in salty or sea-based areas or temperamental weather condition areas, too.
