Looking to clean your car's exterior properly, a pressure washer is a must. Hand washing just doesn't cut it. All in a lightweight and compact design at an affordable price – everything you want in the best pressure washer for washing your car
Our Top Picks
With so many pressure washers on the market, it can be tough to choose one that meets your needs and budget. To help narrow it down, we've researched and tested a wide range of top-selling models to identify the best tools for the job across different cleaning applications and industries.
Best Overall: Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer
Best Compact: Stanley SHP2150 Pressure Washer
Best Budget: Greenworks 1500 PSI Pressure Washer
After researching the market, here are my recommendations for the best pressure washer for cleaning cars.
Best Overall: Sun Joe SPX3000
For the price, it's hard to beat the bang for your buck you get with the Sun Joe SPX3000. Professional-level features and convenient electric operation make it a fantastic choice for homeowners who want to thoroughly clean their car's exterior with a pressure washer, without all the hassles that come with gas models.
Power Source: Corded Electric
Item Weight: 24.3 Pounds
Hose Length: 20 Feet
Product Dimensions: 19.5 x 15 x 22 inches
Maximum Flow Rate: 1.76 GPM
At 2030 PSI, Sun Joe SPX3000 has plenty of power to blast through built-up dirt and grim without struggling. I'm always impressed by its 14.5-amp motor that delivers a solid water flow to help keep my car looking fresh.
I also appreciate the turbo nozzle that cranks up the pressure even more when cutting through tough messes, with five quick-connect spray tips (0, 15, 25, and 40 degrees + soap) to tackle various cleaning your car tasks.
Another thing I like is that it's electric-powered, so there are no gas or fumes to deal with. Hook it up to an outdoor outlet and go. Lightweight at just under 30 pounds too.
Pros
✔️ Easy to use
✔️ Simply attach a garden hose and it's ready to clean
✔️ The general pump is durable and reliable for washing car
Cons
❌ Requires regular maintenance
❌ Like any electric unit, power decreases over a long lifespan.
| OUR VERDICT |
| I think for car care enthusiasts seeking the best for their car in a pressure machine, the Sun Joe SPX3000 delivers unparalleled performance wash after wash. |
Best Compact: Stanley SHP2150
For a budget-friendly price, the Stanley SHP2150 little machine packs a surprising amount of power, features, and versatility, making it ideal for homeowners who need an electric pressure washer mostly for cleaning their vehicles.
Power Source: Corded Electric
Item Weight: 27 Pounds
Product Dimensions: 14.57 x 13.58 x 26.77 inches
Maximum Flow Rate: 1.4 GPM
Hose Length: 25 Feet
While the main purpose of a pressure washer is to blast away dirt, grime, and contaminants from surfaces, an ideal unit for car washing also needs the right mix of features and usability. The Stanley excels here with its versatile spray nozzle, soap container, 25-foot hose, and lightweight yet durable construction – everything you need to turn it into an on-demand car wash system right in your driveway.
Providing 2150 PSI and 1.4 GPM of water flow, the Stanley has more than enough cleaning power for the typical dirt and brake dust buildup on vehicles. But it's the details that make it shine as a great option for those mainly looking to wash their car.
Pros
✔️ It provides a decent 2150 PSI and 1.4 GPM water for washing your car.
✔️ Electric motors require almost no maintenance.
✔️ Cost less to buy initially.
Cons
❌ It has a limited runtime before the battery needs to be recharged.
❌ Not as powerful as gas-pressure washers
| OUR VERDICT |
| If you want plenty of power to properly wash your car without the mess of gas, the Stanley SHP2150 electric pressure washer is worth a look. |
Best Budget: Greenworks 1500 PSI
If you want an affordable electric pressure washer that's powerful enough to properly wash your car, yet easy to maneuver, the Greenworks 1500 PSI Pressure Washer is worth a look.
Power Source: AC
Item Weight: 17.52 pounds
Hose Length: 20 Feet
Product Dimensions: 18.5 x 10.28 x 8.74 inches
Maximum Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM
This 13 amp electric pressure washer generates up to 1500 PSI and 1.2 gallons per minute of water flow. While not the most powerful, that amount of cleaning force is still more than adequate for blasting away built-up dirt, grime, and brake dust from your car's exterior.
Weighing in at only 17.52 pounds, the Greenworks is lightweight enough for most people to easily carry and maneuver. The integrated wheels and telescopic handle make it simple to roll the pressure washer around the yard and garage as needed.
Pros
✔️ Compact and lightweight at 17.52 pounds making it easy to carry and store
✔️ No gas, oil, or emissions are needed
✔️ Mobile and easy to operate anywhere
✔️ It offers decent performance and features for an affordable price
Cons
❌ The thin water cord is easily damaged.
❌ Has a plastic pump that could wear out sooner
| OUR VERDICT |
| The Greenworks 1500 PSI combines an electric pressure washer's essential features and performance requirements into an easy-to-use, well-priced machine. However, opt for gas-pressure washers if you want higher pressure to handle the job. |
What's The Recommended Pressure Level for Washing Car?
The recommended pressure level for washing your car depends on the type of surface you're cleaning and the type of dirt or grime you're trying to remove. Here are some general guidelines for pressure levels when using a pressure washer on your car:
For washing the exterior of your car, including the paint, windows, and wheels, a pressure level of 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per square inch (psi) is usually recommended. This is enough pressure to remove dirt and grime without damaging the paint or other surfaces.
For cleaning stubborn stains or dirt that's deeply ingrained in the paint, you may want to use a higher pressure level, such as 2,500 to 3,000 psi. However, be careful not to use too much pressure, as this can damage the paint or strip away the wax coating.
For cleaning delicate surfaces such as the convertible top or vinyl trim, a lower pressure level of 1,000 to 1,500 psi is recommended. This will help prevent damage to these surfaces.
For cleaning the engine bay, a higher pressure level of 2,500 to 3,500 psi may be needed to remove grease and grime that's built up over time. However, be careful not to spray directly onto electrical components or other sensitive areas.
It's important to note that the pressure level you use will also depend on the type of nozzle you're using on your pressure washer. A wide fan nozzle, for example, will provide a lower pressure level than a narrow nozzle.
It's always a good idea to start with a lower pressure level and gradually increase it as needed. This will help prevent damage to your car's surfaces and ensure that you get the best cleaning results.
Can I Pressure Wash My Car's Engine Area?
Just make sure you're super careful not to damage any of the electrical components or sensitive parts. You know, the stuff that makes your car go 'vroom' and stuff. It's a good idea to cover up any sensitive parts before you start spraying away. Don't forget to use a lower pressure setting, like under 2000 PSI, and a wider spray angle, like 40 degrees or more.
That way, you can make sure you're not directly spraying water on any of the important stuff. Most importantly, don't spray water directly onto the air intake. There have already been "How To Clean Your Car's Engine" articles on our website and you can refer to the detailed way to clean engine bay for safety.
Instruction Buying Pressure Washer for Cleaning Car
When buying a pressure washer mainly for washing your car, here are the most important things to consider:
Note about PSI: If you're in the market for a pressure washer to keep your ride looking fresh, the first thing to consider is PSI or pounds per square inch of water pressure. For cars, you'll want something in the range of 1500-2500 PSI. High pressure is an advantage for your car to look like new, you can try Stanley SHP2150 Pressure Washer.
Considering your needs, I recommend taking a look at the Greenworks 1500 PSI 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer. It offers a PSI rating that falls within the recommended range for car cleaning, and the flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute (GPM) ensures a sufficient amount of water for effective cleaning. It's a reliable choice that should meet your car cleaning requirements.
Inspect Hose length: You'll want to aim for a pressure washer that can provide you with at least 20 feet of reach without having to move the machine around. It's even better if you can find one with a longer reach. In this case, I recommend considering the Sun Joe SPX3000 14.5-Amp Electric High-Pressure Washer. It should meet your needs nicely.
Check Mobility: The lightweight and compact design, wheels and a carry handle make the pressure washer easier to maneuver and store.
FAQs
1. How long is the high-pressure hose?
Aim for at least 25 feet to reach all sides of larger vehicles. A longer hose gives you more flexibility since you can keep the pressure washer in one spot while reaching all areas of your car for washing. This helps avoid accidentally driving over the hose or needing to constantly wheel the machine around.
2. What are the maximum PSI output and GPM water flow?
For cleaning cars, aim for at least 1500 PSI and 1.0 – 1.2 GPM. The higher the PSI, the greater the ability the pressure washer will have to cut through built-up brake dust and other contaminants.
3. Does it come with a surface cleaner attachment designed specifically for washing car exteriors?
Most quality pressure washers these days come with a surface cleaner attachment included, especially those aimed primarily at washing cars. As you move the pressure washer along your vehicle, the spray from the surface cleaner bar automatically hits all areas, even the corners, and curves.
Final Thought
Above all the top car pressure washer selections we've featured, it's no surprise they've become indispensable tools in car lovers' collections. With their powerful capabilities, the pressure washer helps us clean our beloved car quickly and efficiently, providing convenience and comfort. So, choose a pressure washer that suits your needs and start experiencing its benefits to your car care.
