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There is a well-known saying coined by the late Gen. George S. Patton, Jr., “Pressure makes diamonds.” Patton’s saying is a fact. Petrologists will confirm at depths of 75 miles or more beneath the earth’s crust, through intense heat over 1600 degrees Fahrenheit and pressures 650 psi and above and over millions and often billions of years, carbon crystallizes to form diamonds. Battery Portable Jump Starter
Your favorite ride can also turn into your personal diamond through pressure—the pressure of a portable pressure washer. These powerful, small machines “turbocharge” the water supply to a high-pressure stream to quickly and safely dispatch dirt, grime, leaves, brake dust and underbody mud and road salts. If you are an extreme off-roader, aka a “Mudder,” then you may already know about the value of owning a portable pressure washer.
There are several different types of pressure washers, including gas-powered, cord-electric and battery-electric. Some are meant for bigger jobs, and others are for spot cleaning. Depending on the type of car, truck or SUV you own and how you use it, there’s an ideal pressure washer for you.
Gas and electric pressure washers also pair well with the best foam cannons, adding another tool to the vehicle wash process.
Here are some of the best pressure washers for 2024.
14.5-Amp/1800-watt motor, 2-year warranty
Gas powered, 3400 PSI max pressure, 3-yr limited warranty
1500 PSI max pressure, 3-yr warranty, 35-ft power cord with GFCI
Not every consumer has access to a driveway or water hose bib. What if you live in an apartment and still want to wash your car? Battery-electric pressure washers may be the perfect solution. The AgiiMan cordless pressure washer is lightweight, and draws water through an included filter from a 5-gallon bucket like the ones you see at big-box hardware stores. It also comes with a carry case, two pressure nozzles and a wash soap dispenser. It’s also a great device to mist or water garden plants. Reviewers cite good pressure output.
The manufacturer claims a 40-minute battery life (assuringly, good battery life is mentioned in several consumer reviews). The unit comes with a one-year warranty and 24/7 online technical support.
While the Worx WG606 was once our pick for an electric pressure washer, it’s now under a recall for potential injury hazard if the wand detaches. A similar unit (without a recall notice) is the Craftsman CMEPW2400. It’s a smaller Craftsman that saves space and weight, although it’s not as light as the Worx. If you’ve used gas pressure washers in the past, you’ll be largely familiar with the operation of this model. That means nozzle holsters up near the handle and ease of use when rolling around. It’s lighter than a traditional gas-powered pressure washer, and it’s about as powerful as you can get before switching to gas.
Westinghouse WPX4400 Gas Pressure Washer
The Westinghouse WPX4400 Gas Pressure Washer is an absolute beast. It packs a 420cc engine into a strong steel frame to give consumers 4,400 psi of cleaning capability. The unit features a generous 1.7-gallon gasoline tank, a maintenance-free “Axial Cam” water pump with a great 4.2 gallons-per-minute water output and large, run-flat tires for dependability.
Remember though, this level of power must be used wisely. You can easily damage soft wood surfaces and even car finishes and trim if you misuse the full power capability of this unit. It comes with five quick-connect spray nozzles from 0 degrees for ultra-high pressure to 40 degrees—safe for all surfaces. There is also a low-pressure nozzle for cleaning solution applications. The unit is compatible with accessories such as surface cleaners, undercarriage cleaners and foam cannons with M22-sized fittings.
TEANDE 3800PSI Gas Pressure Washer
The TEANDE 3800 PSI gas pressure washer really packs a punch. It features a 7.0-horsepower, 212cc engine with enough power for all but the most difficult cleaning jobs. The water flow rate is a very good 2.8 gallons-per-minute and anti-slip wheels help keep your TEANDE pressure washer in place during usage.
Best For Anyone And Any Car Pressure Washer
Best For Anyone And Any Car Pressure Washer
If you want the best value in a pressure washer and don’t have specific needs, the Worx WG602 is a reasonably powerful (1700 psi), versatile, reliable choice that ranks very high among Amazon users. It makes great pressure for a corded electric washer and features an ergonomic, compact design. The spray nozzle tips reside in a cool storage nacelle on the front of the unit, and the pressure wand and spray wand handle store in unique areas atop the motor body. At just 16 pounds, it’s easy to carry anywhere it’s needed. Also, unlike the other Worx unit, it’s not under recall.
The versatility of pressure washers makes the purchase of one a wise decision for homeowners, car enthusiasts, tradespeople and do-it-yourselfers. The only real decision to make is to determine your overall needs and expectations of your pressure washer, and choose gasoline or electric-power based on those needs.
The reviewed products were chosen based on durability, ease of use, cleaning performance, flow capacity and rate, price and overall value. We evaluate all pressure washers based on the following weighted metrics:
No matter what unit you choose, make sure spray nozzle tips securely click in place before using, following instructions in the unit’s operating guide. After turning the water supply on, which you should always do before you apply gas or electric power to the unit, test-spray your unit by pointing the wand toward the ground. Improperly installed nozzles can fly out at rates that can cause serious injury.
Pressure washers add a super boost to the water supply to quickly blast away dirt, bugs, grime, mud and road salts. If you are an off-roader, neighborhood car washes may not dispatch the mud and dirt you’ve accumulated on the undercarriage. Doing the pressure washing yourself also eliminates the scratches and swirls that sometimes occur at commercial car washes.
One of the biggest issues is getting proper water pressure. This can come from a bad connection to one of the hoses, a hole in one of the hoses or a clogged nozzle (from the pressure washer or the wand). Sometimes soap won’t dispense properly or the engine won’t run. For gas pressure washers, gasoline that’s been sitting for a while can cause the engine to be temperamental on a cold start.
Gas-powered pressure washers also require periodic maintenance. Fuel and air filters, and spark plugs require inspection and/or replacement at required manufacturer intervals. Regular oil changes are also a part of the gas-washer service regimen.
The only recommended service requirement for electric pressure washers is to run a winterizing foam through the water intake system so it doesn’t freeze if you live in an area where the temps drop below freezing during colder months. You should also complete this step with gas-powered washers.
There are a wide variety of products specifically designed for pressure-washer use. Never use dishwasher or hand soap. Depending on the type of job, there is often a wash soap specifically designed for it. The same detergent you’d use for cleaning a boat hull, or concrete driveway isn’t the same you’d use for cleaning your vehicle. Powdered soaps are a big no-no, as they will clog injection systems and wand nozzles.
Gas-powered pressure washers are great for more than just cleaning your vehicle. With super-high pressures (two to three times that of electric), gas units are a great choice for cleaning sidewalks and driveways, boats, siding, home decks and patios and more. But for some consumers, the higher pressure in gas-powered washers may be too strong, and some models are very heavy. Electric pressure washers are compact, convenient, lighter and provide the ideal pressure for safely cleaning your vehicle. But it may not have sufficient power for more intense cleaning requirements.
Yes! Think about how often you wash your car, and all of the money you’ve spent to use a self-serve car wash bay for 3 minutes. Or the even big bucks you’ve spent for full-service, drive-through car washes. The more you use your pressure washer, the more you’ll save.
George Kennedy has reviewed cars and provided car advice for outlets such as Consumer Reports, CarGurus, U.S. News & World Report, the Boston Globe, AutoBlog and others. He is the managing editor for UpShift, the official publication of the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts. George has owned multiple future-classics before they were collectible, including a 1986 Toyota 4Runner, an XJ Jeep Cherokee and a two-door Chevy Tahoe.
Battery Car Jump Starter Brian Armstead has been involved in print, radio and television for over 46 years. He is president emeritus of the Washington Automotive Press Association, a North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year (NACTOY) juror and is a regular contributor to several automotive media broadcasts and websites. In his spare time, Brian enjoys tending to the care and feeding of his Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover vehicles.