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After driving for a while, car starts looking a little dirty. You need to clean all the dirt, dust, grime, and other stains from your car to maintain its new look, and this can be done with the best pressure washers for cars available on the market.
Car cleaning is a sensitive job, and surfaces like the exteriors of cars are tricky to clean. Everyone prefers to do the job without causing any damage to the external surface of cars.
However, the problem is, when it comes to washing your car, it probably seems like you waste half of the day. If you are using only a garden hose, it’s a time-consuming and a physical burden also.
The days are gone when people wash their car by hand with a bucket of mild soapy water and delicate wash mats. A portable car washing pressure washer is the right choice to clean your car as effectively as possible.
A car cleaning pressure washer only takes minutes to clean your car. Checkout few amazing high pressure car cleaning tools now!
However, you may want to know if you should go with a gas-powered or electric-powered unit for the purpose. There are several pressure washers available on the market, so it is important to know which is the best pressure washer for cars before you buy.
We did our research to find the best pressure washer for car cleaning and curated a list of top 10 pressure washer for cars. For this, we have tried many of them personally, and for the rest surveyed our family and friends. So you can rely on our list of best pressure washer for cars.
Just in case you are in a hurry, here are our quick picks:
| Pressure Washer | Pressure Washer Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Sun Joe SPX3000 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Greenworks 1500 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Karcher K1700 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Generac 7122 SpeedWash |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Briggs & Stratton 020681 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | AR Annovi Reverberi AR383 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Stanley SHP2150 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Karcher K5 Premium |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Westinghouse WPX2700 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | AR Annovi Reverberi AR390SS |
| Check Price on Amazon |
1. Sun Joe SPX3000
Sun Joe SPX3000 car wash is popular among buyers for powerful performance. Apart from nozzles, it comes as a complete package with a host of powerful features. It is tailor-made to give users a break from hours of grinding while performing cleaning tasks. It is especially useful for cleaning cars.
One of the most important things you are likely to notice about this pressure washer is its easy method of operation. You can get your job done without any hassle, even if you do not have much experience of using a pressure washer unit.
The next thing which captures the attention of users is its lightweight and portable design. Owing these two features, it comes across as a unit that is easy to move and store.
It comes with adequate cleaning power units to deliver a power-packed performance in collaboration with its GPM value. The pressure washer comes in handy in doing the cleaning tasks with a high degree of precision.
Also, the machine is ahead of its competitors in terms of durability and noiseless application. So, overall, it is the best car cleaning pressure washer with all the standard features.
However, you may also want to consider that it takes time to assemble. While the unit fits well into the definition of a useful pressure washer with a wide range of features, it is not the one with which you can get started straight away. Plus, you may also want to consider that it takes longer than usual to cover larger areas while performing cleaning tasks.
Specifications
| Weight | 31 pounds |
| Dimensions | 15.6 x 13.5 x 33.9 inches |
| Pressure | 2030 PSI |
| GPM | 1.76 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 3572 units |
| Hose Length | 20 feet |
Pros
- Effortless cleaning of dirt
- Large-sized wheels
- Portable and lightweight
- Unique detergent selector
- Durable
Cons
- Assembling the unit is hectic
- Takes time to clean larger areas
2. Greenworks 1500
Greenworks 1500 brings power with features in a single pressure washer package. Made primarily for cars, the best pressure washer for car detailing has the capacity of restoring most surfaces. The 1500 PSI power generated by this unit can blast dirt and grime from various surfaces during cleaning tasks.
Among other things, it is capable of operating in both horizontal and vertical positions. As such, it finds usage in a number of applications.
The hose of the unit, which is 20 feet in length, makes it easy for users to reach out to the parts that are otherwise difficult to reach. It also comes with an equally impressive power cord which is 35 feet long.
Greenworks 1500 is one of the best portable pressure washer. The two standout features for which this auto detailing pressure washer have been gaining popularity among its buyers are its simplicity to assemble and its compact design. It is also lightweight, which adds value to the product.
However, if you want to buy this by considering its features resembling that of the car detailing pressure washers, you may also want to consider the fact that the product is vulnerable to breaking and its soap dispenser may leak if you do not handle it with care.
Specifications
| Weight | 16.27 pounds |
| Dimensions | 11.42 x 17.13 x 9.45 inches |
| Pressure | 1500 PSI |
| GPM | 1.2 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 1800 units |
| Hose Length | 20 feet |
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Compact and lightweight
- Powerful performance
Cons
- The components aren’t too durable
- The soap dispenser is prone to leakage
3. Karcher K1700
Karcher K1700 comes with a host of features that promise to meet the expectations of buyers on the front of features and performance. This attribute puts it into the league of the best pressure washer for car.
It comes with a portable and compact design. As it is lightweight, you can easily carry it from one place to the other without any difficulty. Plus, it also does not occupy a lot of space. If you do not have much storage space in your room, this product is a safe investment as it will not take away a lot of space.
It is simple to operate, meaning that you do not need to be technically sound to handle this pressure washer unit.
It delivers 2040 cleaning units with a 1700 PSI pressure at 2.7 GPM, which augurs well on both the power and performance fronts.
Along with a removable tank, it also comes with a bin. You can keep all the important accessories in the bin and access them when needed.
However, it is prone to leakage. Plus, all its parts aren’t as sturdy as some other products in its range. You may want to bear these two factors in mind while finalizing your purchase decision.
Specifications
| Weight | 20.7 pounds |
| Dimensions | 17.25 x 16.5 x 33 inches |
| Pressure | 1700 PSI |
| GPM | 1.2 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 2040 units |
| Hose Length | 20 feet |
Pros
- Portable and compact
- Removable detergent tank
- Simple to use
- Superb performance
Cons
- Water leaks from the hose connection
- Not durable; parts are prone to breakage
4. Generac 7122 SpeedWash
Generac 7122 SpeedWash is a heavy-duty pressure washer, packs enough power to remove even the stubbornest stains from the exterior surfaces of cars. You can rely on this high pressure car washer to remove even your paint without much effort.
It comes with amazing flexibility, especially with regard to its power dial. You can adjust the power without removing the nozzles which is a handy feature to have in a pressure washer machine.
The removable detergent tank of the system gives its users a much-needed break from the necessity to use a soap bucket. When you are on the go, all you need to do is pour the detergent solution into the tank and you will be good to go.
You can bank on this commercial pressure washer for car wash in cleaning a large area within a shorter duration of time. It operates at a 50% greater speed than the other alternatives to this product.
However, what may prevent you from investing in this unit is that it tends to stop operating in between. Plus, some of its components or parts such as its screws have a tendency of malfunctioning all of a sudden.
Specifications
| Weight | 62 pounds |
| Dimensions | 24.2 x 18.9 x 35.5 inches |
| Pressure | 3200 PSI |
| GPM | 2.7 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 8640 units |
| Hose Length | 25 feet |
Pros
- Strong
- Flexible
- Performs its tasks with good sped
- Removable detergent tank
Cons
- The machine is prone to stopping abruptly in between
- Some components, for instance, screws are likely to malfunction
5. Briggs & Stratton 020681
Briggs & Stratton 020681 is an outstanding pressure washing unit for cars which brings in a host of useful features to the table. Apart from superb performance, it holds the capability of removing all kinds of stains, it also comes across with four quick connect nozzles.
The best part about these nozzles is that you can adjust the power to suit your needs while performing cleaning tasks. It can save you both time and hassle when you need quick results with your cleaning assignments.
It is easy to set up. Thus, it suits both a beginner and a pro alike. What complements this feature well is its noise-free operation. If you are someone who loathes the pressure washer units that are noisy, you can consider investing in this unit by putting all your concerns at bay.
Due to the integrated detergent tank, you do not need to bother carrying a soap bucket. Prepare the detergent and fill it in the tank to clean up your car’s surface when you feel the need for it in a hassle-free way.
That said, the detergent tank is also prone to leakage. Plus, the pressure hose and the power cord lie on the same side which is a serious downside with the design of the product. Both these drawbacks can give you a hard time when you perform your cleaning tasks.
Specifications
| Weight | 40 pounds |
| Dimensions | 13 x 37.5 x 17 inches |
| Pressure | 2000 PSI |
| GPM | 1.2 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 2400 units |
| Hose Length | 25 feet |
Pros
- Powerful construction
- Noise-free operation
- Easy to set up
- 4 quick connect nozzles
- Integrated detergent tank
Cons
- Prone to leakage
- Pressure hose and power cord are likely to cause a problem being on the same side
6. AR Annovi Reverberi AR383
AR Annovi Reverberi AR383 is a versatile pressure washer unit for a wide range of cleaning tasks. Among other things, it is friendly to the environment and provides good maneuverability.
The unit is easy to assemble. As such, you can get started with this unit without spending much time in setting it up.
The handle of the wand will not give you a premium feel. It is made of cheap material and you can feel the difference while holding the handle.
While there is no denying that the product comes with a cord of sizeable length, it is a bit longer than one may need. You may not complain about it at the outset but when you consider the additional length of the cord, you may find it a bit too unusual.
The sprayer of the unit is what constitutes the major downside. Apart from displaying an issue with the quality, it also keeps water at a lower level than other units.
Specifications
| Weight | 12.95 pounds |
| Dimensions | 11.25 x 12.25 x 28.5 inches |
| Pressure | 1900 PSI |
| GPM | 1.5 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 2850 units |
| Hose Length | 20 feet |
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Environment friendly
- Offers good maneuverability
- Versatile
Cons
- Cheap wand handle
- An oversized electric cord
- Low level of water with the sprayer compared to other units
- An issue with the soap sprayer
7. Stanley SHP2150
With a pressure of 2150 PSI at 1.4 GPM, Standley SHP 2150 is a powerful pressure washing unit that does not compromise on the performance front. Contrary to its data, it isn’t’ a heavy-duty pressure washer. However, this does not keep it from ticking the right boxes of performance-related needs for medium-duty tasks.
In order to help users in achieving their desired level of output, the unit packs as many as 4 quick-connect nozzles. You can work with these nozzles in conjunction with the sprayer gun to adjust the level of pressure output you wish to achieve with this product.
The next thing which is easy to notice with this unit is its compact design. Due to this feature, you can expect to store the unit in any kind of space. It is ideal for those who do not have much space to store a pressure washing unit.
Plus, its lighter weight makes it easy on the part of users to carry the product from one place to another without any hassle.
Its 25 feet pressure hose is well complemented by a 35-feet long electric cord. Together, they make for a valuable addition to the unit in terms of simplifying its method of operation.
Speaking of the downsides of this unit, it lacks a pressure cleaning system. Plus, the construction and the design of this unit is likely to slow it down in the middle of performing cleaning tasks. You may want to bear these two factors in mind while evaluating your decision to put your money on this product.
Specifications
| Weight | 25.6 pounds |
| Dimensions | 14.57 x 13.58 x 26.77 inches |
| Pressure | 2150 PSI |
| GPM | 1.4 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 3010 units |
| Hose Length | 25 feet |
Pros
- Long hose
- Powerful performance
- Lightweight and compact
- Durable
- 4 quick-connect nozzles
Cons
- Lacks a pressure controlling system
- Prone to slowing down in between cleaning operations
8. Karcher K5 Premium
Karcher K5 Premium is designed for performing difficult cleaning tasks with a considerable level of ease. As a valuable addition to the range of products from Karcher, it brings in the goodness of the brand.
It comes with two distinct variants of spray wands: vario power spray wand and dirt blaster spray wand. The vario wand helps easy spraying right from the wand, whereas the dirt blaster helps users in tackling the hardest jobs with a considerable level of ease.
Its onboard detergent tank increases the value of this cheap car pressure washer. The N-COR pump comes with corrosion-free and maintenance-free features. Thus, you can rely on it to serve you for a long time without giving you any additional hassle.
On the flip side, there are also a couple of cons. You may also want to consider whether or not to invest in this unit before taking your cal.
First, the unit has a heavier weight, which can make it difficult to move the unit from one place to another. Plus, it is likely to show up performance-related issues in the middle of a cleaning task.
Specifications
| Weight | 32 pounds |
| Dimensions | 34.33 x 13.07 x 16.77 inches |
| Pressure | 2000 PSI |
| GPM | 1.4 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 2800 units |
| Hose Length | 25 feet |
Pros
- Ideal for tough cleaning jobs
- Comes with a wide range of accessories
- In-built detergent tank
Cons
- Heavier weight
- May show up performance-related issues
9. Westinghouse WPX2700
Westinghouse WPX2700 offers a viable cleaning solution to both simple and complex cleaning operations. With its quick-release heads, it cuts through grime without taking away a longer duration.
The next remarkable feature of the unit is its maneuverability. You can grip the handle of this product without the fear of losing the grip. This helps in the easy changing of positions of the pressure washer unit.
Other than a powerful grip, the unit also comes with four wheels. Both the features play an important part in making it simple and easy to shift the item from one place to the other.
The design of the product is what contributes to its durability.
Despite its share of positives, the unit is not above its share of negatives. One of the serious downsides with the product is the quality of the materials used in its construction.
Whether you consider the hose or the other components, you are likely to experience it while using it. Some of its alternatives come across with a better quality material than this product.
Specifications
| Weight | 63 pounds |
| Dimensions | 21 x 19.5 x 39 inches |
| Pressure | 2700 PSI |
| GPM | 2.3 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 6210 units |
| Hose Length | 25 feet |
Pros
- Durable
- Powerful
- Convenient
Cons
- Cheap quality of pressure washer hose for car wash
- The components of the unit are prone to breakage
10. AR Annovi Reverberi AR390SS
AR Annovi Reverberi AR390SS is one of the easy-to-use mobile car pressure washer. As such, anyone can use it without any complication. At the outset, it looks like a heavy unit. However, the presence of wheels and handle make it convenient for use as you can carry this unit from one place to the other with ease.
Despite the fact that the unit gives superior results for medium to heavy-duty tasks, it does not produce as much noise as some other units do. You can be at peace even when you have a large cleaning area by virtue of this feature. Also, you can use it frequently due to its noiselessness.
This durable pressure washer unit features a built-in detergent tank. This feature eliminates the need to use a soap bucket. You can rely on the unit itself to take care of your cleaning needs. All you need to do is make sure you add an adequate amount of detergent to the detergent tank.
The hose of the unit a bit too long which makes it difficult to reel. A part of the problem also stems out from the fact that it stiff and recoils automatically. Furthermore, you risk toppling the whole system while pulling it close to yourself.
Specifications
| Weight | 35.5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 16 x 38 x 17 inches |
| Pressure | 2000 PSI |
| GPM | 1.4 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 2800 unit |
| Hose Length | 30 feet |
Pros
- Easy movement
- Easy to use
- Built-in detergent tank
- Durable
Cons
- The stiff hose makes it difficult to reel it in and out
- The hose recoils on its own
- The whole appliance is likely to topple when the hose is pulled
FAQs
What are the things to consider while choosing the best pressure washer for car cleaning?
As far as buying a pressure washer for car cleaning is concerned, you can choose from entry-level, mid-range, and premium models among the best electric pressure washers and gas pressure washers.
The two key characteristics to look for in the best car pressure washer for car cleaning are the size of the engine and the water flow rate. Also, you need to look for other physical features such as the wheels, cord length, hose length, and weight of the pressure washer unit.
What PSI is safe for washing cars?
You need to consider the pressure washer PSI and its GPM to keep the paint of your vehicle safe. A unit that produces pressure within the range of 1200-1900 PSI is considered a good pressure washer for cars. Also, you need to ensure that the GPM ranges between 1.4-1.6 GPM for optimum performance. Know whether it is safe or not to pressure wash your car!
How to wash a car with a pressure washer?
The steps you need to follow while washing your car with a pressure washer:
- Choose a pressure washer with the right output of pressure and water flow. Pay attention to the tip of the pressure washer. If it is narrow, it will cover the lesser surface area but use a higher output pressure. On the other hand, the pressure washers with wider tips product the opposite result.
- Make sure you park the car at a place where there is sufficient space for you to move freely. This smart step will allow you access to all the components of the car so you can clean them up without any hassle.
- Rinse your car well. Make sure you carry the accessories needed to perform the task efficiently. You will need an electric outlet, water outlet, pressure washer, and a 25-degree tip. Keep all these items handy for a hassle-free cleaning experience.
- Next, you need to use a detergent in order to clean up your car. Dilute the detergent and then fill up the detergent tank with it. Thereafter, you need to spray it on to the surface of the car.
- Make sure you rinse the detergent well to complete the cleaning process.
When should you replace the pressure washer pump?
Cavitation and overheating are the two primary reasons for which a car cleaning pressure washer pump may undergo damage. There are four primary signs of a damaged faulty pump. These include milky oil, metallic or silver oil, unusual spraying or leakage of the pump, abrupt halt in the functioning of the pump even when it receives the right unit of pressure. If you see any of these signs, you need to consider replacing the pump of your car wash pressure washer.
Final Verdict
A lot goes into choosing the best pressure washer for car washing. While there is no denying the fact that Sun Joe SPX3000 beats the other items in the competition, Its rivals aren’t too far down the line.
When it comes to choosing the excellent pressure washer for washing cars, preferences are likely to vary from one individual to the other. Therefore, we recommend that you analyze the features and align them with your requirements while choosing one of the following units.
Choose the Best Pressure Washer for Cars
| Pressure Washer | Pressure Washer Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| | Sun Joe SPX3000 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
| | Greenworks 1500 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
| | Karcher K1700 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
| | Generac 7122 SpeedWash |
| Check Price on Amazon |
| | Briggs & Stratton 020681 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
| | AR Annovi Reverberi AR383 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
| | Stanley SHP2150 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
| | Karcher K5 Premium |
| Check Price on Amazon |
| | Westinghouse WPX2700 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
| | AR Annovi Reverberi AR390SS |
| Check Price on Amazon |