Does pressure washing a car hurt?

[AutoNova]

I read recently in a detailing manual that is better not to use the PW on the final rinse cycle of the car? it says you are better off to let the water cascade over the car to remove the soap?



I have always rinsed cars witha PW so i am not sure how much truth ther is in this?

[stevet]

I don`t think you want to be blasting your paint with high water pressure especially if the car is dirty. The water would cause the grit to marr the paint.

[Nitax]

let me blast you with a PW and see how you feel..."Treat thy car as thyself"



Zack

[salty]

By cascading the water, it causes the water to sheet off, less to dry.

[DrSauekraut]

While pressure washers a great for removing heaving dirt and grime, Iâ€â„¢ve noticed a significant lapse in wax longevity.

[Acura92]

it hurts to see someone use a PW to wash their car. I saw this one guy use his PW in a 90degree afternoon out in direct sun. poor car. lol.

[Bill D]

Yeah, excellent points :up The polar opposite of the PW user is those of us who are obsessed only with the softest mitts, slickest wash and having a constant running stream of it over the finish

[Ed Hartman]

Leave the pressure washer for decks and concrete

[SVR]

So if you don`t use a PW, how do you get rid of dust, dirt and mud from the car. I have no trouble using a PM on a dusty car, side on angle of course, not straight at the paint.



The nozzle free hose rinse is the best and means less drying towels to use per wash.

[hftw Audi 6]

I used to detail a guys H2 Hummer and i remeber one time i showed up at his house so he could show me his new bike! And he was outside power washing all this mudd off of it! Just straight blasting the thing! He actually removed part of the hummer logo on the side. His thoughts on the subject were, "ehh i didn`t even like that logo anyway." And cotinued! lol

[Alfisti]

PW is only harmful to your paint if used incorrectly.



One of our Autopian brothers said, "Treat thy car as thyself".



If you put your hand near the outlet of your PW it will cut it off. Place it four feet away and if feels like a strong, wet, breeze.



Thats how I would (and do) use it on paint.



Wheels wells and underbody requires closer positioning.

[Bill D]

Yeah definitely:



"Treat thy car as thyself." and "Treat it like it`s the only one in the world." :up

[stevet]

Originally posted by Alfisti

PW is only harmful to your paint if used incorrectly.



One of our Autopian brothers said, "Treat thy car as thyself".



If you put your hand near the outlet of your PW it will cut it off. Place it four feet away and if feels like a strong, wet, breeze.



Thats how I would (and do) use it on paint.



Wheels wells and underbody requires closer positioning.

I agree. In the winter I sometimes bring my car to the wand wash to rinse most of the grime off than drive home and do a QEW wash. I make sure I am standing far enough away from the car when using the wand wash so that it really is just lightly rinsing the paint not blasting it. I get a little closer for wheel wells and under carriage.

[l33]

Originally posted by Alfisti

Place it four feet away and if feels like a strong, wet, breeze.



Thats how I would (and do) use it on paint.



Wheels wells and underbody requires closer positioning.

Exactly, its actually very gentle. The only draw back is you can`t do a free flow as a final rinse with it.

[Stratous]

A lot of the times PWs are all we have. A touchless car wash is nothing but PWs, and full service car washes have employees that are on work release (I know, I used to work there...Learned a lot, but worked with some messed up people). So I take my truck to the self serve, and all they have are PWs. Sometimes you are just stuck...



Note: I am refering to winter months.