Pressure washers using cold water

Anonymous Poster · Aug 21, 2001

Since it's a 30 minute drive to the nearest car wash, I'm thinking about getting a pressure washer. But, the car wash has hot water, so I was wondering how effective one is without hot water. Will a pressure washer still do a good job with cold water?

cowboydoc · Aug 21, 2001

Danny,
I use mine all the time with cold water and no problems. Just make sure you have soft water as hard water will leave spots if it drys.

jinman · Aug 21, 2001

Danny, your pressure washer may have almost twice the pressure of the one at the car wash. Be careful! You can peel paint if you get too close. Test it on something or keep your distance from the paint on your vehicle.

JimI

Hillbilly · Aug 21, 2001

Dave
If you are getting a pressure washer to wash a car,cold water will work just fine.Get a belt driven one if possible they will last longer than a direct drive because of less vibration. I have a little heavier unit than the average,it is sold buy USA pressure systems,it has a 13 HP Honda engine(belt driven) and 4000 psi,great machine,but you can get an adequate one for considerably less. I have heard Karcher is a good brand or Genrac is good too.

Molerj · Aug 22, 2001

I use my cold water pressure all the time. I owned two Sears ones, but they both burned
up. I bought a commercial one for about 600.00. I do lawn mower repairs & use it all the
time. I keep my JD 955 looking like new when I'm done mowing. Gas ones are good too, but
I find the electric is alot more handy. just flip the switch & your washing. Also in the winter
you don't have to worry about the fumes, if your using it inside the garage. Remember if
you live in a below freezing area to drain it when your done.

Anonymous Poster · Aug 23, 2001

Molerj, What model of Sears ones did you have? Were they the electric or gas ones? I'm considering the gas model 4000CP. I like the metal wand vs the plastic one like some others I've looked at. It seems like all of the electric ones have plastic wands and the hose is not very long. What brand do you have now and where did you get it? By they way, the reason I'm so hep on a metal wand is because I want to be able to unscrew it and put a flexible hose on it like they have at the self server car washes.