What Is The Best Pressure Washer For Cars? – 2020 Edition
When you’re looking to add some pressure washing support to your garage, you’ll need to find the best washer out there. You don’t want to buy a lemon, though. Each pressure washer has its quirks and strengths that you’ll want to know going in.
In this article, we’ll review a handful of the best pressure washers in 2020 so that you will know which will give your vehicle a great clean and which will leave you searching for a sponge to finish up the job.
Page Contents
- Features to Look For in The Best Pressure Washer for Cars
- Types of Car Pressure Washers
- Electric Power
- Gas
- Diesel
- Hydraulic
- Functional Capacity
- Light Duty
- Medium Duty
- Heavy Duty
- How to Choose a car Pressure Washer
- What Are You Using it For?
- What About Location?
- Car Pressure Washer Reviews – Our Top Picks
- Our #1 Pick – Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Joe 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer
- Our #2 Pick – Sun Joe SPX4001 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5 Amp Electric Pressure Washer w/ Pressure Select Technology & Hose Reel
- Our #3 Pick – WEN PW31 3100 PSI Gas Pressure Washer, 208 cc
- Our #4 Pick – Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer with Spray Gun, Medium, Yellow
- Our #5 Pick – Greenworks 1500 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer GPW1501
- Our #6 Pick – Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5 AMP Electric Pressure Washer with Hose Reel, Green
- Our #7 Pick – Generac 7019 OneWash 3,100 PSI, 2.4 GPM, Gas Powered Pressure Washer for cars and PowerDial Gun
- Our #8 Pick – Karcher K5 Pressure Washer for Cars
- Our #9 Pick – Annovi Reverberi Blue Clean Pressure Washer
- Our #10 Pick – Greenworks 1950 PSI Pressure Washer
- FAQ
- What Should I Look For In A Pressure Washer?
- How Long Should I Expect My Pressure Washer To Last?
- What Nozzle Attachments Do I Want?
Features to Look For in The Best Pressure Washer for Cars
Here are some of the most essential features to look for in the best pressure washer for cars.
Cord storage – Make sure that the car pressure washer has an easily accessible place to store the cord. Some car pressure washers have extremely long cords (which is a good thing), but you’ll need somewhere to put it.
Onboard detergent tanks – Almost all of the best pressure washer for cars options have onboard detergent tanks. You’ll want to make sure that your choice has one.
Adjustable nozzles and hoses – Adjustability is one of the most important features because you never know what situation you’ll find yourself in. The hoses and nozzles should adjust in a variety of ways to accommodate you.
Types of Car Pressure Washers
There are a few different types of car pressure washers, and each of them comes packed with its own pros and cons. It’s essential to understand each and how they impact the quality of your wash.
Electric Power
Yeah, you guessed it, these run using electric power. You’ll have to plug these types of car pressure washers into an electrical outlet, and they come with a few pros and cons. The main advantage of these is that you never run out of power. They’re also lightweight because they don’t require as many internal components.
The primary downside is that they don’t offer as much power, like gas or hydraulic pressure washers for cars.
Gas
For heavy applications and commercial use, you’ll want to go for a gas pressure washer. The main downside is having to refuel them and deal with the fumes they give off. That said, you’ll likely have to use a gas pressure washer outside.
Diesel
These are similar to a gas pressure washer and, for the most part, function in exactly the same way. The only reason you would choose diesel over gas is for efficiency because diesel generally burns slower than gas.
Hydraulic
You won’t often see these types of car pressure washers used outside agricultural applications. Still, they generally run on existing hydraulic systems. They don’t depend on fuel or electric power source, which is the reason farms use them because they might not have a fuel source nearby.
Functional Capacity
When you see PSI, you might understand what that means, but you might not know how it pertains to the quality of wash you get on your vehicle. In this section, we’re breaking down how PSI turns into a clean or dirty car.
Light Duty
If you’re trying to clean a small personal vehicle and have a car pressure washer that you can use on a deck or patio, you’ll want a PSI of around 1300-1800.
Medium Duty
These car pressure washers generally have a PSI of 2000-2500 and pump more than two gallons per minute. You’ll want these for larger work vehicles and large decks or patios.
Heavy Duty
Heavy duty car pressure washers have a PSI of around 3000, and they pump out at least three gallons per minute. You’ll use these for fleet vehicles and stone/brick hardscaping. You’ll only find these in commercial situations, and they are not necessary for personal use.
How to Choose a car Pressure Washer
Now let’s take a look at some of the factors you might consider before deciding on one of the car pressure washers recommended above.
What Are You Using it For?
The first thing you want to think about is your intention. Are you trying to clean one small car or an entire fleet of work vehicles? Of course, you can make your own decision based on those factors. We suggest that you don’t try and push a light-duty pressure washer to do a heavy-duty job.
What About Location?
Let’s not forget to mention where you’ll wash your vehicles. If you plan on washing your personal cars in your driveway, you might have access to an electrical outlet without having to run a million extension cords.
If you don’t, you might want to choose a gas or diesel pressure washer. That said, if you have an ample indoor space where you plan on washing your vehicle, you’ll want to have an electric power pressure washer due to the fumes.
Compare Our Picks For Best Pressure Washer For Cars
Car Pressure Washer Reviews – Our Top Picks
Our #1 Pick – Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Joe 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer
The Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Joe 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric power Pressure Washer has a handful of great features which will make it an excellent addition to your garage.
Pros
- Engine-protecting activation trigger
- High fluid throughput
- Great for continuous use
Cons
- Narrow pressure hose may become clogged by hard water
This product has five spray tips, which means that every task has its proper tip. These tips include a 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 40 degree, and soap tip. Each of the tips is for a heavier wash than the last, so it’s possible to get an extremely powerful wash with this washer.
The 14.5amp motor can output up to 2030 psi. This means that the washer is so powerful that it can be genuinely dangerous if you aren’t careful. The maximum water input temperature is slightly over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can get a nice warm suds if you use soap.
The washer has a dead man’s trigger, so it won’t tax the engine any more than is necessary. This contributes to the unit’s lifetime.
You won’t need to stop and restart work to reload your detergent tank with this washer for cars thanks to its dual 0.9L tanks. You can remove the tanks easily and keep several types of liquids ready to substitute in using a spare tank, which is a great feature in contexts where you’ll need more than two liquids to perform a wash.
Overall, this washer for cars is excellent, but you may not like its durability. Mechanical issues are common in all car pressure washers, and this unit is no exception. Using the washer on lower cleaning power chronically will prolong its lifetime, as will purchasing a three-year protection plan or extended warranty.
Our #2 Pick – Sun Joe SPX4001 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5 Amp Electric Pressure Washer w/ Pressure Select Technology & Hose Reel
The Sun Joe SPX4001 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5 Amp Electric power Pressure Washer w/ Pressure Select Technology & Hose Reel is a washer for cars that’s ready for outdoor use and in functions other than washing cars.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Five spray settings
- Great set of attachments
- Versatile
Cons
- Tethered to water source
- Tethered to electricity source
Thanks to its simple design, this washer for cars is lightweight and ready to rock when it comes to cleaning tasks around the garage or elsewhere around the house. Its maximum cleaning power is still very potent at 2030 psi, however.
The power washer for cars’ settings include a 1450 psi option and a higher power option. As with the other Sun Joe power washer for cars, you’ll get a selection of five different tips which can be fitted to supplement the two cleaning power settings.
This power washer for cars is lightweight and far more maneuverable than others. While you may not always appreciate these features in the garage, this power washer is a great general-purpose unit.
The only problem with this unit is its small storage capacity, of which there is none. You will need to connect this unit to a liquid source using the pressure hose. This drastically limits the lightweight utility of the unit in many cases.
Our #3 Pick – WEN PW31 3100 PSI Gas Pressure Washer, 208 cc
The WEN PW31 3100 PSI Gas Pressure Washer for cars, 208 cc uses a gas-powered engine to supply a truly massive amount of pressure.
Pros
- Uses gasoline instead of electricity
- Extremely high-power washing
- Long hose for liquid
- Highly mobile despite weight
Cons
- Small onboard liquid capacity
- Engine may overheat
With this car pressure washer for cars you’ll have the ability to project 3100 psi of force. Most other car pressure washers can’t possibly hope to compete. Even the toughest and most built-up grime will be blown away without any problems.
The way this washer for cars is capable of outputting this kind of force is by its gas-powered engine. You’ll need to keep a bit of gas on hand and be prepared to refill the unit frequently. The same goes for the onboard soap tank, which is fairly small given the unit goes through 2.5 gallons per minute.
The engine is air-cooled, which means you may have some issues with overheating if you use it while in the direct sun and in a hot environment for an extended period of time. For most purposes, the air-cooled engine won’t pose any problems, and garages will be fine.
The hose on this unit is 30 feet long, which is a bit longer than other car pressure washers. When paired with the great wheels on the unit, you can expect to truck this washer for cars around the garage without any hassle.
Our #4 Pick – Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer with Spray Gun, Medium, Yellow
The Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer for cars with Spray Gun, Medium, Yellow is an excellent pressure washer solution for professional car wash.
Pros
- Excellent replacement part set
- High reliability
- High maximum wash power
- Ergonomic gun assembly
Cons
- Awkwardly large gun assembly
- Heavy gun assembly
With this Stanley pressure washer for cars, you’ll be able to output 2150 psi. More importantly, the unit comes with all of the replacement parts that you might need. Everything from nozzles to o-ring replacements are ready to go.
Nonetheless, this unit is very reliable. The connection points of the hose are especially strong. The connectors are made of brass, and fit to a standard 22mm port.
The gun part of this car pressure washer for cars is a little bit unwieldy because of its size, however. Paradoxically, the comfort features like the pistol grip and trigger guard make the unit a bit harder to use and much heavier.
So, while your hand will be plenty comfortable while using this pressure washer for cars, hand comfort isn’t something that most car pressure washers struggle with anyway. The biggest advantage that the hand comfort features provide is better grip when wearing gloves.
If you plan on wearing heavy rubber gloves while cleaning cars, the added comfort features make for a better experience than narrow guns, which may be harder to handle with less dexterity.
Our #5 Pick – Greenworks 1500 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer GPW1501
The Greenworks 1500 PSI 13 Amp 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer for cars GPW1501 is a super-portable pressure washer which makes up for its low psi output with its convenience.
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Pros
- Battery-powered
- Backpack-mounted
- Great for the yard or home
- 1500 psi
Cons
- No onboard liquid reservoir
- Low maximum wash power
The main appeal of this pressure washer for cars is that it’s handheld and can be backpack-mounted. Because the unit runs on a battery, the limiting factor will be the length of the hose.
The hose itself is as long as the power cord which is optional to connect. This means that you can get to difficult areas without needing to unplug and replug.
While this pressure washer for cars has a handful of hose attachments, they don’t add too much power or focusing. So, while this is a great washer for casual car cleaning, it probably isn’t enough for a serious car wash to use as their primary washer.
Our #6 Pick – Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5 AMP Electric Pressure Washer with Hose Reel, Green
The Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5 AMP Electric Pressure Washer for cars with Hose Reel, Green is capable of blasting cold water at any vehicle with all of the pressure you’re ever need.
Pros
- Engine-protecting activation trigger
- High fluid throughput
- Great for continuous use
Cons
- Narrow hose may become clogged by hard water
Much like the other Sun Joe units, this unit has five tips, a 2030 psi capacity, and a 20-foot hose.
These features make the SPX3001 a formidable power washer, as does its dead man’s trigger to prolong the engine’s life. With the output of this power washer, you can expect to go through 1.76 gals per minute of fluid.
You’ll need to attach the power washer to a cold water source before going to town with the pressure. The only issue to be aware of is the narrow hose length. The hose on this washer is 1/4th of an inch, which is fairly narrow.
For the purposes of throughput, this isn’t a problem. But, if you live in an area where there are high levels of minerals in the cold water source, you may need to desalinate or descale the power washer if you haven’t used it in a while.
During a run of the power washer, there’s no accumulation of minerals, of course. There’s simply too much pressure. After a session has concluded, however, the minerals can calcify on the insides of the hose.
This problem is especially bad where the hose meets the tip and where the hose meets the pump. If you use the washer frequently, the minerals will get blown away, but if there are long delays between washing sessions, they may be tough enough to resist the pressure, so be aware.
If the minerals build up for too long, you will potentially get overpressure which will damage the engine.
Our #7 Pick – Generac 7019 OneWash 3,100 PSI, 2.4 GPM, Gas Powered Pressure Washer for cars and PowerDial Gun
The Generac 7019 OneWash 3,100 PSI, 2.4 GPM, Gas Powered Pressure Washer for cars and PowerDial Gun is another beast of a gas-powered pressure washer for cars.
Pros
- High wash power
- Great for the home or garage
- Gun assembly designed for use with gloves
Cons
- Gun assembly is too large for use without gloves
- Small detergent tank
Like other gas-powered pressure washers for cars, the Generac is ready to output 3100 psi for the hardest cleaning jobs. You can shoot the high-pressure stream up to 25 feet in the air, which makes it great for multi-purpose use.
It’s also strong enough for use in any kind of serious car wash application. Few specks of grime can resist the water pressure which this washer can output. The detergent tank is only half a gallon, however, so you should expect to need frequent refills.
The portability of this unit is fairly high thanks to its independent engine and great wheel system. The gun is a little bit bulky, but it’s ergonomic enough for any kind of intense cleaning job. The four nozzle attachments also provide a lot of versatility for your cleaning efforts.
Our #8 Pick – Karcher K5 Pressure Washer for Cars
This water pressure washer for cars brings a lot to the table, and while it might have a somewhat hefty price tag, it’s worth it when you look at the benefits you get on the other end.
Pros
- Cleans 50% faster than the competition
- Operates quietly
- Simple to maintain and use
Cons
- Expensive
- Weighs 32 pounds
This water pressure washer has a PSI rating of 2000 psi, and it pumps out 1.4 gals per minute. For the hefty price tag, we would expect a bit more, but there are still plenty of reasons to grab this water pressure washer for yourself.
First, it has a great looking and functional design. The water pressure washer is easy to use because it has an induction motor that helps it keep cool even after extended periods of use. When this happens, you’ll help extend the life of your water pressure washer and keep it working for years to come.
It’s also maintenance and corrosion-resistant due to its unique design, which is another feature that is important to people who may not have the best place to store it. The washer has two different spray settings, one is DirtBlaster, and the other is Vario. They each have their own applications and attachments you can customize.
A significant downside for us is the weight of this one. At 32 pounds, it’s a bit heavy for some people, and it takes away from the portability of the device. If you can look past the weight and the price tag, you’ll find a high-quality water pressure washer that gets the job done.
Our #9 Pick – Annovi Reverberi Blue Clean Pressure Washer
If you need an extra-long power cord spanning 35 feet, you’ll enjoy this water pressure washer. Seeing as most of us don’t want to spray our car down near a power outlet, this is a useful feature.
Pros
- Plenty of power
- Uses 80% less water flow than a garden hose
- Long power cord
- Durable and well constructed
Cons
- Hose gets tangled
- Concerns over adapters leaking
This pressure washer offers 1900 PSI with 1.5 gals/minute, so you do get a solid amount of power and water flow for an affordable price. The main thing that appeals to us about this pressure washer is its durability and design. This thing can take a beating, and the 35-foot long power cord is a nice addition to an overall good pressure washer.
The Annovi pressure washer also comes with an automatic shut off that extends the life of the motor and ensures it’s never running when it doesn’t need to. The primary downside we acknowledge with this one is concerns over leaks. Many customers experience leaks around the hose adapters, which takes away from the pressure if air is escaping.
Our #10 Pick – Greenworks 1950 PSI Pressure Washer
This beast has a powerful 1950 PSI, so you won’t have to worry about having enough pressure. If only the pressure washer could pump out more than 1.2 gallons/minute.
Pros
- Simple to assemble
- Built-in soap tank
- Great power
- Easy to attach and disconnect hoses
Cons
- Heavy
- 1.2 gallons/minute limit this to personal use
Let’s start off by addressing the elephant in the room. Compared to a lot of other high pressure washers for cars in this price range, this one doesn’t offer as many gallons per minute. Is it a big enough difference for you to notice? Likely it will go unnoticed unless you’re using this high pressure washer for commercial use.
If you’re looking for a pressure washer for your personal vehicles, you won’t notice it. Plus, you also get a powerful 1950 PSI, which is enough to remove almost all dirt and debris with ease. The water flow will help you make up for the lack of gallons per minute because you won’t have to keep going over the same parts over and over.
While the Greenworks pressure washer is easy to assemble and move around, it’s quite heavy at 46 pounds.
FAQ
What Should I Look For In A Pressure Washer?
The main features that you’re looking for in a pressure washer are maximum psi, liquid reservoirs, and portability.
You need a maximum psi that’s high enough to dislodge the most resistant clumps of dirt on your vehicle. You don’t need an industrial-strength water laser, however. For most purposes, anything upwards of 2000 psi is enough.
The size of liquid reservoirs is directly related to the pressure that the washer exerts. Higher levels of pressure require larger reservoirs to wash for the same amount of time. Most units use a hose to free the washer from its reservoirs, which tend to be depleted quickly.
Finally, you need a pressure washer that is at minimum portable enough to truck around the garage without any trouble. Heavier pressure washers can be too heavy, even when they have wheels.
On the other hand, pressure washers which are too light probably have small reservoirs and probably can’t output much pressure. When in doubt, get a pressure washer that’s easier to move than one which is more powerful.
You use the pressure washer actively, so if it’s too cumbersome it will increase your hassle by a large amount.
How Long Should I Expect My Pressure Washer To Last?
Pressure washers tend to be finicky instruments even when they are taken care of properly. The high power flowing through the engines tends to make them wear out quickly. Likewise, mineralization of the nozzles or hoses can rapidly take them out of commission.
Most pressure washers should last about two years with heavy use. Lighter use doesn’t necessarily prolong their life by all that much thanks to mineralization issues. At most, you can expect a pressure washer to last five years.
Most people don’t perform any kind of maintenance on their pressure washers, but you may be able to get a bit more time if you do.
Should I Get A Gas Pressure Washer Or An Electric Pressure Washer?
Gas versus electric is a matter of personal preference. Gas-powered washers can be more independent, but they’ll still need a liquid supply. They also tend to output a lot more power and have a little bit more durability.
Gas-powered washers may be reluctant to start after being left in storage for a long time, however. Likewise, their engines can overheat or become flooded.
Electric powered washers require less finesse, but are generally less powerful and can easily trip a fuse if you connect them to the wrong socket. While a few units have batteries, most electric units will need to be plugged in to operate.
Electric units also tend to be lighter weight, so they might be more portable in some cases.
What Nozzle Attachments Do I Want?
Most units fit a handful of nozzles which are sold standard with the unit. These nozzles are intended to provide more power. Some claim to be more useful with soap than others. The truth is that the nozzle attachments are probably not as important as manufacturers claim.
Fitting the narrowest nozzle will provide the best cleaning characteristics for cars most of the time regardless of other factors. The downside is that smaller nozzles have a higher chance of clogging due to mineralization.
Smaller nozzles also have a higher chance of being hard on the engine via backpressure, but most manufacturers realize this and compensate accordingly.
Larger nozzles provide less pressure and less focus, which is generally not helpful. Likewise, nozzles intended for use with soap are not necessarily any better for projecting soap than the other nozzles. Medium-sized nozzles are also dubiously helpful.
In short, you want to get at least one small nozzle for your washer.
