Washing your car regularly helps maintain its parts and makes it operate like brand new even after a long time of use. An electric pressure washer is a great tool to get rid of all kinds of dirt from dust to mud and sap.
However, there are so many models available on the market, each of which has its own disadvantages and advantages. We have experienced and researched a lot of models to pick the 6 best pressure washers for cars
Here are my top picks for the best pressure washers for cars:
- Sun Joe SPX3000 – Best Overall
- Karcher K5 Premium – Runner-up
- Greenworks GPW1602 – Budget-friendly
- PowRyte Works 1600 PSI – Top-rated
- AR Blue Clean AR390SS – Environmentally-friendly
- Karcher K3 Follow-Me – Highly-portable
Sun Joe SPX3000 – Best Overall
- Impressive pressure and flow rate
- Full set of nozzle tips
- Dual detergent tanks
- Does not come with an assembly instruction
Sun Joe SPX3000 has the max pressure of 2030 PSI and the max flow rate of 1.76 GPM. It sounds a little over-powerful for tasks like washing cars. However, you’ll need this power when cleaning the wheels/undercarriage after muddy roads.
The washer is featured with 5 Nozzles – a 0 degree for the most difficult clean areas, a 15 degree for concrete/brick/hard surfaces with stubborn, a 25 degree for painted/wood/siding fences, a 40 degree for windows/screen washing, and a 60 for liquid soap. You can be reassured that you’ll have a suitable flow to wash from glass to undercarriage.
The Total Stop System (TTS) helps automatically stop the pump when the trigger is not engaged to save energy, prolong pump life, and avoid unexpected accidents. The dual detergent tanks store different types of detergent to simultaneously tackle different cleaning projects within a push of a button.
Product Specifications
| Max Pressure | 2030 PSI |
| Flow Rate | 1.76 GPM |
| Voltage | 120 V ~ 60 Hz |
| Power Cord Length | 35 ft |
| High Pressure Hose Length | 20 ft |
| Highlight features | TSS, 5 Quick-Connect spray tips, Dual detergent tanks, CSA approved |
To sum it up
Sun Joe SPX3000 is the best pressure washer for cars that can handle all kinds of tasks.
Karcher K5 Premium – Runner-up
- A powerful washer
- An all-in-one nozzle & a dirt-blaster nozzle
- Top technology to prolong the machine lifetime
- Lack of TSS technology
The Vario Power Spray wand can be twisted to adjust the spray from 0 to 60 degrees. For more stubborn stains, you can change to the dirtblaster spray wand that produces a stronger rotating spray.
Karcher K5 Premium is also featured top technologies including N-COR pump and Water-cooled induction motor. These technologies make the washer last 5 times longer than normal washers.
However, the big drawback of Karcher K5 Premium is the lack of TSS technology that helps to save energy and protect the motor.
Product Specifications
| Max Pressure | 2000 PSI |
| Flow Rate | 1.4 GPM |
| Voltage | 120 V ~ 60 Hz |
| Power Cord Length | 35 ft |
| High Pressure Hose Length | 25 ft |
| Highlight features | All-in-one spray wand, N-COR pump, Trigger Gun Holder, Spray Wand Holder, Onboard Detergent Tank, Hose Reel, Water-cooled induction motor |
To sum it up
Karcher K5 Premium is a convenient washer for cars that allows you to adjust the spray easily.
Greenworks GPW1602 – Budget-friendly
- Affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Virtually noiseless from a distance
- Can be used both vertically and horizontally
- Includes onboard storage
- Not so powerful
- Lack of TSS technology
In return, it has a compact design that can be used vertically or horizontally. The design giving you mobility and convenience. Greenworks GPW1602 has turbo quick connect nozzles – but there are only 2 tips. It also has an attachable detergent bottle for applying soap.
Being a budget washer, Greenworks GPW1602 does not have many integrated technologies. The biggest omission is the lack of TSS technology.
Product Specifications
| Max Pressure | 1600 PSI |
| Flow Rate | 1.2 GPM |
| Voltage | 120 V ~ 60 Hz |
| Power Cord Length | 35 ft |
| High Pressure Hose Length | 20 ft |
| Highlight features | 2 Quick Connect Tips, Can be used vertically or horizontally |
To sum it up
Greenworks GPW1602 is an affordable pressure washer that is suitable for cleaning the car’s body and window classes.
PowRyte Works 1600 PSI – Top-rated
- All-in-one nozzle
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Not so powerful
Overall, PowRyte Works 1600 PSI is an easy-to-use and durable machine. However, it lacks some power – the max pressure is only 1,600 PSI and the max flow rate is only 1.6 GPM.
Product Specifications
| Max Pressure | 1600 PSI |
| Flow Rate | 1.6 GPM |
| Voltage | 120 V ~ 60 Hz |
| Power Cord Length | 35 ft |
| High Pressure Hose Length | 20 ft |
| Highlight features | TSS, Compact and lightweight design, All-in-one nozzle |
To sum it up
PowRyte Works is a convenient and energy-saving pressure washer for cars that got lots of positive feedbacks.
AR Blue Clean AR390SS – Environmentally-friendly
- Water saving
- Easy and quick assembly
- Extended hose length
- Powerful
- Convenient in-built detergent tank
- Directions are confusing
- The hose is a little stiff
AR Blue Clean AR390SS has a smart design and a full set of accessories that add more convenience to users. The quick connect and the hose reel with extended length make the washer really easy-to-use. The TSS technology make the washer more durable and reliable. The onboard storage and the detergent tank make it more versatile.
Product Specifications
| Max Pressure | 2,000 PSI |
| Flow Rate | 1.4 GPM |
| Voltage | 120 V ~ 60 Hz |
| Power Cord Length | 35 ft |
| High Pressure Hose Length | 30 ft |
| Highlight features | 4 Quick Change Nozzle Tips, Using 80% less water with 40% more power, 48 oz. onboard detergent tank, TSS, hose reel |
To sum it up
AR Blue Clean AR390SS is a convenient and powerful washer that can save you 80% of water.
Karcher K3 Follow-Me – Highly-portable
- Unique four-wheel base
- An all-in-one nozzle & a dirt-blaster nozzle
- A maintenance-free non-corrosive N-Cor pump
- Not so powerful
- Lack of TSS technology
Karcher K3 Follow-Me comes with two wands. One is an all-in-one wand that is easily twisted to adjust sprays from 0 to 60 degree. One is a dirtblaster spray wand that uses to boost power up to 50% to tackle the hardest jobs in half the time.
There is an integrated soap dispenser for you to apply soap and speed up the cleaning process.
You also don’t need to maintain the washer much as it uses a maintenance-free non-corrosive N-Cor pump. However, the washer lacks TSS technology that can even enhance the machine lifetime longer.
Product Specifications
| Max Pressure | 1800 PSI |
| Flow Rate | 1.3 GPM |
| Voltage | 120 V ~ 60 Hz |
| Power Cord Length | 35 ft |
| High Pressure Hose Length | 25 ft |
| Highlight features | Four wheels, N-COR pump, All-in-one spray wand, DirtBlaster Spray Wand |
To sum it up
Karcher K3 Follow-Me is a mobile washer that is suitable for cleaning long driveways.
How to choose a good pressure washer for car?
Washing cars is typically not a hard cleaning task. However, sometime you’ll need high pressure and high flow rate to get the jobs done, such as when you need to clean the wheels/undercarriage after muddy roads. A washer that has at least 1,600 PSI of max pressure and 1.5 GPM of max flow rate is sufficient.
Besides that, you should consider these features:
- Versatile nozzles and accessories: For multi-purpose use from light, medium to heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
- Long and flexible Power Cord and High-Pressure Hose: For better reach and convenience.
- TTS technology or an on/off foot switch: To save energy, prolong the machine lifetime, and to avoid accidents.
- Suitable Voltage: In the US, it’s 120V/60Hz. But in EU and Asia, it’s 220v/50hz.
Who makes the best pressure washers for cars?
Sun Joe
Snow Joe and Sun Joe are brother brands that are specialized in developing innovative outdoor cleaning tools, whether the snow is falling or the sun is shining. They manufacture from lawn mowers, trimmers, tillers, to snow blowers and especially electric pressure washers.
Being founded in 2004, Snow Joe and Sun Joe has built its awareness as a high-quality crafts-making manufacturer but still affordable for most folks.
Snow Joe and Sun Joe have some great models of pressure washers for cars that you should take a look at.
Karcher
Kärcher is the world’s leading provider of cleaning technology. With high-pressure washers, vacuum cleaners, steam cleaning machines, steam vacuum cleaners, household pumps, sweepers, water purifiers, and so on, Kärcher provides satisfactory solutions for all cleaning problems, including equipment and accessories. They also have excellent consulting and after-sales service.
In 2017, Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. Group KG has 12,300 employees working in 67 countries with 110 companies, and a repair service network of 50,000 points worldwide. They are famous for their technology innovation as they invest vastly for research and development, the most advanced production methods, intensive and advanced training for employees.
As part of a project to clean up cultural structures, Kärcher has been involved in cleaning up 140 monuments around the world since 1980. This project includes such outstanding works as St. Peter’s Square. Peter in Rome, Italy, the Brandenburg project in Berlin, Germany, the statue of God in Rio de Janeiro, etc.
Kärcher is surely one of the biggest names in the cleaning industry.
PowRyte Works
PowRyte is an American manufacturer of pneumatic tools and accessories. Being founded in 1998, now they have become one of the leading brands in the industry. Their products are sold across the world, especially in Europe, Australia, South America, and the United States.
Over 20 years of operation, PowRyte has built the infrastructure to support the daily requirements to supply a full category of pneumatic products. They produce from Air Tools & Compressors, Tire Inflaters, to Pressure Washers and Heat Guns.
AR Blue Clean
AR Blue Clean is a consumer line of pressure washers from Annovi Reverberi (abbreviated AR) – an Italian high-pressure pump manufacturer with 60 years of experience. Their products are all extremely easy to handle and offer high performance, safety, and quality that stand the test of time.
All AR Blue Clean electric pressure washers have a vast range of accessories, making every machine versatile and ready to handle all cleaning tasks.
FAQs
Is 2000 psi safe for washing a vehicle?
2,000 PSI is safe for washing a vehicle. However, you shouldn’t use a 0-degree nozzle for washing window glass or the painted body or it will leave some scratches.
Does pressure wash damage car paint?
A pressure washer can cause damages or nicks on the paint, which could lead to rust later. You should not use the max pressure and narrow nozzles when cleaning the paint. It’s recommended that you should use less than 2,000 PSI of pressure and nozzles more than 15-degree.
Can I use hot water with my pressure washer?
Yes. You can use hot water to effectively clean dry mud, oil and grease. However, you should follow the washer’s specification for the max temp of the water – typically, it’s under 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). And you should not use hot water on the painted or wooden surfaces.
How much water does it take to wash a car with a pressure washer?
For a light task like cleaning the dust, you’ll need only about 5 gallons of water. For a full wash, it’s about 20 gallons of water max.
What kind of soap do you use in a pressure washer?
Soap is the favorite detergent to be used with a pressure washer as it is natural and biodegradable. Chemical detergent is a stronger cleaning agent than soap, but as a result, it can do damage to your car. It shouldn’t be used on painted surfaces. If you have to do so, make sure the detergent is diluted enough not to damage the paint.
Conclusion
Above are my full review of the best pressure washers for cars. Hope that the information in this article will help you find the suitable washer for you.
Read more:
Best Pressure Washers For Trucks
I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.
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