How close is too close with a pressure washer?

5IVE · 12-14-07, 12:03

gonna pay a visit to the coin-op today for the first time ever to get rid of some of this salt/grime on my car. I have no idea what psi it is set at. I have no comprehension of psi and how to estimate to be quite honest. How close can i get without risking damage to the paint? what about the wheels?

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Got_Leather · 12-14-07, 12:50

just start farther away and work your way in. It's probably not set too powerful but who knows. Just don't get any closer than about 4-5 feet and I'm sure you will be fine.

BigJimZ28 · 12-14-07, 12:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got_Leather

Just don't get any closer than about 4-5 feet and I'm sure you will be fine.

is that a joke or a typo?

I have never use a coin opp with enough power to do any dammage
just don't hit the car with the tip and you should be OK

Got_Leather · 12-14-07, 01:01

i have used one a few times and its actually pretty powerful. I don't know if it would do any damage really but I was just trying to help someone. When detailing, I still stay atleast a few feet away from the car when using on the paint. Wheels are different.

Danase · 12-14-07, 01:05

You'll be fine. The only bad experience I have heard with them is the old crappy GM paint that peeled away from the primer and the pressure washer helped it along. LOL

jshillin · 12-14-07, 01:18

You might as well use a plain water hose if you stay a couple feet away. You can get pretty close at a coin op with no worries.

WilliamHBonney · 12-14-07, 01:20

Those coin ops are nothing to be afraid of. If paint starts coming off you are too close.

BlueLibby04 · 12-14-07, 03:38

Around 6" is usually pretty good with those.

The carwash I use has plastic wands which works out great. Having a metal end never did make sense to me.

sinbad · 12-14-07, 05:28

I've had wheel paint come off my Chevy 4x4. The paint could have already been broken from rock chips, etc. So go as close as you want, except where you might a rock chip or any paint defect which could come loose. Also avoid being too close in the wheel wells, I removed some factory winter proofing.

TrueDetailer · 12-14-07, 06:11

coin ops usualy set the psi low just for their own safety. Who knows what wack job would try suing them for their own stupidity. Anyways, a safe distance is 2-4 inches if you're blasting bugs off the front end. Stay about 8-10 inches away from chips and scratches. You don't want that water causing a air pocket under the paint.

BigJimZ28 · 12-14-07, 07:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got_Leather

i have used one a few times and its actually pretty powerful. I don't know if it would do any damage really but I was just trying to help someone. When detailing, I still stay atleast a few feet away from the car when using on the paint. Wheels are different.

I am sure you were trying to help but 4-5 feet?
first thing I don't think there is enough roon in a coin opp for that
second at that distance if would on be a mist and you might as well be using a spray bottle

Saintlysins · 12-15-07, 11:44

My two cents say’s “BigJimZ28” and “TrueDetailer” are as good advice as I would offer.