The smaller handheld models to the larger ones that must be mounted on a truck, pressure washers come in a variety of sizes. You might need to purchase the best pressure washer for your car you can afford if “simply” cleaning your vehicle isn’t enough.
Your home’s siding, driveway, or workshop can all be cleaned with it, depending on the model you purchase.
A good car pressure washer should be robust, long-lasting, simple to operate, and have a number of settings to choose from. Especially if you want to use it to detail your classic car or if you have more than one vehicle, it should be adaptable to accommodate a variety of car types.
Pressure washers have advanced significantly in recent years, and I believe they will keep getting better. The following six models can be regarded as some of the best pressure washers for cars in 2022 after extensive research and testing of many models available on the market.
Table of Contents
Best Overall: Stanley SHP2150
The Stanley SHP2150 can pressure wash at 2,150.0 PSI and 1.4 GPM. The 13.0-amp motor and specially created detergent bottle that also functions as a high-pressure foamer for the best cleaning results allow this pressure washer to outperform a car wash.
This pressure washer has a telescoping handle and a variety of add-ons, such as a pressure washer gun, pressure washer wand, and a 25.0-ft. pressure hose, a foam cannon, four removable quick-connect nozzles, and an o-ring replacement kit. This pressure washer won’t leak thanks to a garden hose connector made of high-grade brass. It should be mentioned that this product has a two-year warranty.
Our Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Key Features
- Approximate cost: $200
- 2,150.0 PSI
- 1.4 GPM
- Telescopic handle
What Customers Are Saying
More than 5,000 Amazon customers have given the Stanley SHP2150 reviews. The majority of reviewers (86%) gave this electric pressure washer 4 or more stars. Positive reviews concur that this is among the best pressure washers available, while unfavorable reviews mainly criticize the product’s durability. The Stanley wasn’t durable enough for some people after prolonged use.
Best Value: Ryobi RY142300 Pressure Washer
Even the most difficult tasks can be completed using the RYOBI 2,300 PSI Pressure Washer. A strong 13 Amp High Efficiency Brushless Electric Induction Motor and Pressure Technology are featured in this pressure washer. It excels at cleaning patio furniture, decks, windows, driveways, and other areas around the house quickly thanks to its 2,300 PSI of force. A bonus Turbo Nozzle that increases cleaning power by up to 50% is also included with this unit. The RYOBI 2,300 PSI Electric Pressure Washer comes with a 3-Year Limited Warranty and is warranted to perform for many years.
Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Key Features
- Approximate cost: $359
- 2,300.0 PSI
- 1.2 GPM
- 25 ft. non-marring high pressure hose
What Customers Are Saying
Most homeowners should use an electric pressure washer because they are simpler to operate and maintain than gas models. (Although gas washers are more powerful, most people don’t require all of that additional power for housekeeping tasks.) The Ryobi RY142300’s brushless induction motor runs quietly, and even when you’re pulling on the hose firmly, it shouldn’t tip over because of the machine’s weight.
Best Efficient: Sun Joe SPX3000
With a flow rate of 1.76 GPM and a 14.5 amp motor, the Sun Joe SPX3000 can produce up to 2,030.0 PSI. Due to its effective power and water usage, our team named this pressure washer the Most Efficient pressure washer on the market. To extend the life of the product, the SPX3000 uses a Total Stop System (TSS), which turns the pump off automatically when the trigger is not depressed.
With its two onboard detergent tanks, this pressure washer is adaptable and can handle a range of messes. A 20.0-foot hose, a 35.0-foot power cord, and a garden hose adapter are additional features of the pressure washer. Additionally, you can change the water pressure to suit the cleaning task at hand by attaching a variety of spray tips to the pressure washer’s high-pressure hose.
Our Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Key Features
- Approximate cost: $150
- Total Stop System
- Dual onboard detergent tanks
- 2,030.0 PSI
What Customers Are Saying
For the Sun Joe SPX3000, Amazon users have provided over 45,000 reviews. As evidenced by the 89 percent of reviewers who give this pressure washer four or more stars, the majority of buyers are happy with their choice. The majority of the few negative reviews we found focus on poor customer service and washers that don’t function with all hoses, contrary to brand advertising.
Best Budget: Karcher K1700
The Karcher K1700 is the pressure washer that our team believes offers the best value for washing cars. There are three quick-connect nozzles available for this pressure washer:
- turbo nozzle
- all-purpose spray nozzle
- detergent nozzle
20.0 feet of hose in length, you won’t have to worry about needing more room to finish rinsing off your car. Additionally, this pressure washer includes plastic bayonet spray wands that can withstand any cleaning task.
This pressure washer has the following specifications: 1700.0 PSI, 1.2 GPM, and a small, lightweight design. To give you flexibility when choosing an accessory for automotive detailing, this pressure washer has universal sprayer nozzles and standard M22 power washer connectors. Additionally, a foot switch eliminates the need for bending over to turn this pressure washer on or off.
Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Key Features
- Approximate cost: $130
- On/off foot switch
- M22 power washer connectors
- Only weighs 20.7 lbs.
What Customers Are Saying
Over 3,900 Amazon customers have given the Karcher K1700 reviews. Since 85% of reviewers give the car pressure washer 4 stars or higher, the vast majority of customers have few to no complaints about it. While most people agree that the Karcher is simple to set up and use, some customers have complained that the company has not upheld their warranty.
Best Usability: Greenworks GPW2000-1RG
The Pressure Washer Manufacturers’ Association (PWMA) has tested and rated only the Greenworks GPW2000-1RG pressure washer, which is the only one featured in this article. Thanks to its potent 13.0-amp motor, this pressure washer can produce 2,000.0 PSI and 1.1 GPM. Regardless of the purpose for which they are used, pressure washers must adhere to standards established by the PWMA, which was established in 1997.
The pressure washer has a push-button start/stop mechanism and will automatically disengage when not in use. A 20.0-foot hose and a 35.0-foot power cord make this pressure washer easy to control. A soap siphon hose also makes it simple for users to switch from pressure washing to using cleaning detergents.
Our Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Key Features
- Approximate cost: $155
- Tested and rated by PWMA
- Start/stop technology
- Soap siphon hose
What Customers Are Saying
For the Greenworks GPW2000-1RG, over 270 customers have written reviews on Amazon. Eighty-eight percent of reviews for the pressure washer give it four stars or higher, indicating that most reviewers are pleased with the purchase. Its small size is a surprise to the satisfied reviewers who are pleasantly surprised by how well this pressure washer works.
Best Quality: Karcher K5 Premium
A patented water-cooled induction motor with a 2,000.0 PSI and 1.4 GPM water flow rate is included in the Karcher K5 Premium. A Vario Power spray wand and a patented Dirt Blaster spray lance are included in the pressure washer to give you complete control over the pressure. This pressure washer has a 25.0-foot hose that can be tucked away thanks to the hose reel for convenient storage, so you won’t need to worry about needing more space.
The pressure washer also has an onboard detergent tank that is not only detachable but also has a flow dial that can be adjusted to give you complete control over how much detergent is applied. According to the manufacturer, a standard garden hose cannot match the pressure of a pressure washer, which can deliver up to 40 times the pressure. A two-year limited warranty for the product should also be mentioned.
Our Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Key Features
- Approximate cost: $260
- Water-cooled induction motor
- Adjustable flow dial
- Onboard detergent tank
What Customers Are Saying
On Amazon, the Karcher K5 Premium has received more than 1,600 customer reviews. Eighty percent of reviewers give the pressure washer four stars or higher, indicating that the majority of customers have few to no complaints about it. While most people agree that this is a well-made and dependable pressure washer, some criticize the pricey and hard-to-find proprietary parts required for the washer.
Buyers Guide: Pressure Washers For Cars
Pressure washers for cars come in a plethora of different brands, and there are even more model options. Your purchasing process will go more smoothly if you know what kind of pressure washer you want and which replaceable nozzle options are offered.
Types Of Pressure Washers
Pressure washers come in two basic varieties: electric and gas. Knowing how different pressure washer types differ will enable you to make a more wise purchase decision. Each pressure washer type has advantages and disadvantages.
- Electric pressure washers: This particular pressure washer has a push-to-start button and is known to operate more quietly and thoroughly than its rival. Electric pressure washers can handle most light to heavy-duty jobs well, but they won’t have the higher power ranges that some gas-powered models do.
- Gas pressure washers: This kind of pressure washer typically has a manual pull start and offers the strength and mobility needed to handle challenging jobs. Gas pressure washer models may even be able to remove paint.
Different Nozzle Types
A set of interchangeable nozzles or an all-in-one variable spray wand that lets you change the water pressure are standard features on pressure washers. You can determine which nozzles you’ll need for your pressure washer by understanding the intended use of each type of nozzle.
- 0 degrees: This nozzle setting has the highest output and concentration.
- 15 degrees: To perform intensive cleaning, use this nozzle.
- 25 degrees: This type of nozzle is designed for all-purpose cleaning.
- 40 degrees: This nozzle is intended for use on vehicles, patio furniture, boats, and other easily damaged surfaces.
- 65 degrees: This kind of low-pressure nozzle is used to apply soap and other cleaning agents.
Conclusion
When washing your car, using a pressure washer can be more effective than using a sponge or a regular car wash because the high-pressure water will actually blast away dirt, grime, and bugs rather than just moving them around.
When looking for the best pressure washer for your car, electric models offer the best performance at the most reasonable cost. In comparison to gas washers, which are frequently more powerful but better suited for industrial tasks, this is especially true.
Although there are a ton of other excellent choices, the five mentioned above are my favorites. As with any purchase, it’s crucial to conduct research to ensure that it will fulfill your needs and expectations.
