Pressure washer & Vibe

[PopeyeFAFL]

I'm planning to buy a pressure washer for washing my Vibe (and potentially my house siding & maybe the deck, if I ever rebuilt it).I'm thinking of a Simoniz 1500 psi ($229 CDN on sale) or Simoniz 1750 psi ($329 CDN, more accessories & storage compartment) at Canadian Tire.What is your experience with those machines.To be honest, I could possibly wash it by hand, for a few times before winter and buy that next year. On the other hand, maybe there a deal to be made in buying at the end of a season (like now).I'm just wondering, since the water jet of these machines could be very powerful, how to use it, without braking anything (stripping paint, in wheel internal housing, for magnesium wheels).If you have a rust proof treatment (like Antirouille Metropolitain, which I plan to have), how do you made sure you are not stripping off the oil rust treatment.Thanks in advance.

[nismo]

I dunno much about power washers, but the one I have has 14 PSI and runs great. A lot better running then the regular hose. But, if want to do the car washs yourself, then I would recommend getting the 15 PSI one. So, just to be on the safe side. Not to rip off the paint.Inder Singh

[redlava]

I have been using a pressure washer for years, you should have no problem with paint. Unless there is already some coming off, then you might take some chips off. But if the car is free of large chips you won't have a problem.

[MadBill]

I've got a Simoniz 1500 washer, and it certainly has plenty of pressure for cleaning driveway stains, siding, etc. I haven't tried it on wood. Three observations: The cleaning solution I bought (I forget the brand) turns out to be a powerful herbicide, as I discovered when the runoff from cleaning a metal awning defoliated several nearby shrubs! Also, I was very dissapointed with the feeble dribble out the nozzle when using the cleaner/solvent dispenser; it will not suck up the cleaning solution except on the lowest pressure setting. I have since seen several other brands in operation, and they all seem to be the same in this regard. I was expecting something more like the high pressure soap setting at the coin wash. Speaking of cleaning solution, I don't know if there could be some way of regulating the rate of delivery, but as it is, the container is emptied in no more than 5 minutes; could get expensive for a large surface!

[redlava]

Most pressure washers have a regulated and a 100% soap. The regulated is like a 25% mix so it lasts forever. The one I use (my Dad's) is a Wagner i think. Good pressure, it will take almost everything off including skin off your hand if you aren't careful.

[Stang2Vibe]

Yes, do be careful with your hands when using a power washer. It will blow your skin right off if the pressure is high enough.We use a commercial duty pressure washer/steamer at work, I think it is somewhere in the range of 2200-2500 psi. The ones you are looking at should do very well for cleaning the car, house siding, etc. that you mention. I agree with the others from my experience at work (I use the pressure washer regularly on all types of things). Paint should not come off the car unless it was already loose/damaged. The one at my work does take the paint off of the trucks and construction equipment, but usually only if I have the heat turned way up and I hold the spray in the same spot too long. The only problem that you may have with pressure washing the car is around the door and window gaskets. If you spray up close to them, water could get through and inside the car. Power washers do a nice job under the hood in the engine compartment also.Just make sure that you are using the right soap for what you are cleaning, for example, don't use concentrated siding cleaner on the car. Also be careful to use the right soap when cleaning your car's wheels. Depending on your wheels' type and finish, you will need to use the correct soap. All original equipment wheels for the Vibe so far are clearcoat finish and are usually best washed with regular car washing soap or a wheel cleaner that says it is safe for use on clearcoated wheels.MadBill, I'm not surprised that you killed your household foliage, you herbicidal maniac!