Pressure Washing a 75 - lazy but effective or potentially damaging?

tourerfogey · 24th November 2006, 16:13

Discuss

Ken · 24th November 2006, 16:19

I have one but only use if I have to. A few years ago I was using one in a garage and the pressure dropped for a millisecond. I was holding the washer about a foot from the boot, when the pressure dropped the nozzle hit the boot resulting in a two inch scratch on the boot lid (not the 75) I was lucky it was a decent garage and they paid for the repair.

So I am now wary of them even though I bought one

Ken

tourerfogey · 24th November 2006, 16:23

I have to say that is certainly one eventuality that I hadn't thought of, Ken!

baxlin · 24th November 2006, 16:26

I'm assuming you mean the garage forecourt jetwash, rather than the less powerful domestic version.

On that basis, a policeman friend of mine said they had to stop using a jetwash as it was lifting the decals off the cars, but at least you can give the brush a good checking for foreign matter before you start.

I still maintain washing the car in the rain is best - it's certainly easy!!

Mike · 24th November 2006, 16:28

Convenient but many people use them wrong - too close and holding on one area. OK if you know enough not to damage the paintwork etc. Things to watch particularly are never point straight on at front of car, always at a shallow angle- otherwise your radiator and condenser life can be shortened significantly. Chrome trim etc. again be careful as the pressure jet can get under and lift them!

Used properly are a great help. I use them regularly on the underbody and wheel arch areas to keep the crud and salt off.

tourerfogey · 24th November 2006, 16:42

'I'm assuming you mean the garage forecourt jetwash, rather than the less powerful domestic version.'

Actually I meant the less powerful domestic version.

Jamie · 24th November 2006, 16:42

Home jetwash is great for cleaning under the arches and blasting the back of the rims to remove brake dust...... good at removing that green slimey goo that sometimes forms in the felt around electric windows.......and for blasting away dead flies....just be carefull around those badges and any adhesive decals.

Forecourt version is definately a no no for me.....went to our local Garage a couple of years ago and complained about a builder who has just washed out his trailer with the brush and powerwash...Imagine all those bits of stone, grit and sand stuck in the brush scouring the life out of your paintwork!! ouch

BMC123 · 24th November 2006, 19:07

I always found them great for taking polish off. At least any time I used one back in the 80's that's what happened.

JP53 · 24th November 2006, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by tourerfogey

Discuss

I prefer the good old fashioned way of sponge and chamois. Your own so that you know where it's been.
I never use car washes and I've seen the damage jet washes can do.

Simon · 24th November 2006, 22:09

I've got a jet washer too. Only use it occasionally for really in-grained dirt such as wheel arches or on the wheels (but you got to take the wheels off first else you will risk damaging the disc brakes).

Don't like using it on the paint work as it can be a bit too harsh, I much prefer using a washing mitt followed by a regular hose pipe on a gentle spray.

24th November 2006, 16:13	#1
tourerfogey Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Pressure Washing a 75 - lazy but effective or potentially damaging? Discuss

24th November 2006, 16:26	#4
baxlin This is my second home Volvo C70 Convertible and JZR 3 wheeler Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tring, Herts Posts: 3,960 Thanks: 124 Thanked 173 Times in 124 Posts	I'm assuming you mean the garage forecourt jetwash, rather than the less powerful domestic version. On that basis, a policeman friend of mine said they had to stop using a jetwash as it was lifting the decals off the cars, but at least you can give the brush a good checking for foreign matter before you start. I still maintain washing the car in the rain is best - it's certainly easy!! Last edited by baxlin; 24th November 2006 at 16:29..

24th November 2006, 16:28	#5
Mike This is my second home Rover 75 V8 Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 3,448 Thanks: 0 Thanked 206 Times in 32 Posts	Convenient but many people use them wrong - too close and holding on one area. OK if you know enough not to damage the paintwork etc. Things to watch particularly are never point straight on at front of car, always at a shallow angle- otherwise your radiator and condenser life can be shortened significantly. Chrome trim etc. again be careful as the pressure jet can get under and lift them! Used properly are a great help. I use them regularly on the underbody and wheel arch areas to keep the crud and salt off. __________________ Mike [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

24th November 2006, 16:42	#7
Jamie Posted a thing or two In Limbo Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cheshire Posts: 1,685 Thanks: 4 Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts	Home jetwash is great for cleaning under the arches and blasting the back of the rims to remove brake dust...... good at removing that green slimey goo that sometimes forms in the felt around electric windows.......and for blasting away dead flies....just be carefull around those badges and any adhesive decals. Forecourt version is definately a no no for me.....went to our local Garage a couple of years ago and complained about a builder who has just washed out his trailer with the brush and powerwash...Imagine all those bits of stone, grit and sand stuck in the brush scouring the life out of your paintwork!! ouch __________________ Finally given up trying to buy the last new rover V8 from Bristol, 2 years of haggling got me nowhere!

24th November 2006, 19:07	#8
BMC123 Posted a thing or two 2004 1.8 Connoisseur SE, 1999 XJ8 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 1,163 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I always found them great for taking polish off. At least any time I used one back in the 80's that's what happened. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

24th November 2006, 16:19	#2
Ken Busy doing nothing! . Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Hampshire Posts: 6,373 Thanks: 33 Thanked 44 Times in 16 Posts	I have one but only use if I have to. A few years ago I was using one in a garage and the pressure dropped for a millisecond. I was holding the washer about a foot from the boot, when the pressure dropped the nozzle hit the boot resulting in a two inch scratch on the boot lid (not the 75) I was lucky it was a decent garage and they paid for the repair. So I am now wary of them even though I bought one Ken

24th November 2006, 16:23	#3
tourerfogey Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I have to say that is certainly one eventuality that I hadn't thought of, Ken!

24th November 2006, 22:09	#10
Simon Banned - Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: - Posts: 10,318 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	I've got a jet washer too. Only use it occasionally for really in-grained dirt such as wheel arches or on the wheels (but you got to take the wheels off first else you will risk damaging the disc brakes). Don't like using it on the paint work as it can be a bit too harsh, I much prefer using a washing mitt followed by a regular hose pipe on a gentle spray.