How much PSI is too much for a car? | Pressure Washer Safe For Cars?

[@keithbrookshire]

You probably know this after 17 years so it's a tip for your viewers. Leaving the pressure washer running without water flowing through the nozzle will heat the pump to unsafe temps. This will be the premature death of the pressure washer. The simple remedy to this is to let fresh water in the pump by pulling the trigger two or three times per minute. Plus shutting the pump off like you did when it isn't being used. That being said, I know nothing about polishing cars. I've been binging your videos for a few days and have found a lot of great info. THAN YOU. I have a 20 yr old van that has been stored outside and the roof has probably never been washed. I'm determined to get it clean, polished, and sealed before I cover it with solar panels and put in a roof vent. I think I'm on the right track but any specific suggestions from you or your viewers are welcome.

[@that1guy997]

I have a 3600psi pressure washer that I use mainly for driveways and houses and have never damaged paint on a car. If you don't have larger orifice nozzle tips, high pressure pumps have an unloader valve you can turn.

[@alexandernewsome1581]

Exactly 🎉

[@no_lft_shft]

Love the fact that Josh drops consistent quality videos. Appreciate ya Josh.

[@MrJpen82]

Amen!👍

[@imjoshv]

Thank you!!!

[@WildDigger]

I only use my 40 degree tip for cars on my pressure washer. It is a ryobi 3800 psi gas washer. I learned several years ago how to properly use a pressure washer. I worked for a equipment rental company and we had a 5500 psi hot washer and washed everything with it. It was a huge commercial grade unit. We mainly kept the 40 degree tip on it too.

[@altillman1448]

We do 99% rinseless washes however when needed we use an Active VE52 with tips that have a 4.0 nozzle orifice size to bring our pressure down to 1050psi.@ 1.94GPM. It also helps lower the amperage draw it has so we can use it with a smaller portable generators 13.3A outlet trip limit.

[@daltonschannel8405]

I'm kind of new to pro auto detailing but wanting to learn more n more. Just bought my first BMW so I want it to look perfect every time I look at it. I actually enjoy the detailing myself but there's a lot I need to learn which is why I'm here. Been watching several different detailing youtubers but decided to stick with Josh here because I feel like he's more into helping / educating than selling a product so I'm subscribing to the channel. Cheer's!!

[@ZyroPapuchon18]

Just want to share this. JESUS CHRIST died for our sins on a cross. After His death He resurrected on the third day and was, is, and will be the TRUE Living God. In a prayer repent from your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and ask for the Holy Spirit to come into you in that same prayer. JESUS CHRIST is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Come to Jesus Christ as you are, but after you accept Jesus Christ, you change, become new, be born again, turn away from your wicked ways and do the will of God. There’s no other Way, but Jesus Christ.

[@americandude3825]

Mine is 3100. Not bad. I’m careful. Overly OCD about my vehicles.

[@killerpanda2936]

im trying to get started in this field and im doing some research and videos like this and people like you make it 100x easier thank you

[@coreymerritt7742]

Right on josh I have the craftsman 2100 for the house I have 2.0 orifice and around 1800 psi for my stubby gun I have 3.0 getting around 1000 psi for the vehicles thanks

[@pullingthestrings5233]

Ohh no not craftsman 🤣 Sears is out of business

[@coreymerritt7742]

@@pullingthestrings5233 Not lowes been working great 😊

[@pullingthestrings5233]

@@coreymerritt7742 id sell that thing ASAP. there's a reason craftsman is the worst selling brand.

[@coreymerritt7742]

@@pullingthestrings5233 eventually when it blows up lol 😆

[@MrMharley]

Corey is your pressure washer an electric or gas ?

[@ams3894]

Thank you so much for your very clear explanation. Now, all numbers start to make sense for me. Regards,

[@Spills51]

I probably run mine in general at about 1400 or so. No issues....I go a little harder on my tires. I think as long as your not going with crazy pressure the big caveat is the age and condition of the vehicle.....If it ALREADY has some rusting or has the top coat erroded of course a pressure washer is a bad idea...newer cars though can take a good pounding...not that you should but I generally dont worry to much as long as your in a certain range. On a side note my brother who owns a kennel had me pressure wash some tires that are painted that are out in the dog yard. I was using a 2400 psi washer with a 15% nozzle at very close range and it was an absolute chore to get the paint off it....It was pretty strong pressure cause at one point I got my finger in the way and a couple days later I still have an open cut that I need to cover....It =broke my skin in less then a second lol.

[@ze_german2921]

I purchased a 4000psi Dewalt, it is great for cleaning the haul of a Battleship.

[@theheadlightrestorationpro]

Thank you..... Just got a new one from Amazon and it says 4000 PSI & 2.5 GPM... Need to know this because I was reading to abandon it....👍🏽😉 Love the channel.....

[@mattjones5160]

A pressure washer is not needed to clean a car that said in 10 years IV noticed anything over 2000 psi will blow off paint if you hit a rock chip so ya if your a pro you can get away with a higher psi but pro or not one mistake that paint is gone no more than 2000 psi even with 2000 you must be careful I think we all blown off paint at least once

[@dtna]

Thank you. You have the best car detailing tips. I have a Ryobi 2300 and was wondering the same thing.

[@attaboyBrad]

You might be able to test spray force (somewhat) more scientifically and repeatably by putting some kind of protective plate on top of a bathroom scale, and then directing a stream of a specific width at the plate to see how much force is being exerted on the scale, then divide by area of spray to get ‘PSI on target’. The “impact width” on the box appears to be about identical between the two nozzles at the moment of penetration-the 15 degree tip just produces that impact width at a greater distance. I think the droplet velocity and flow rate at the nozzle should be equivalent between the two and dictated primarily by the orifice size, so I think it follows that the force on target is basically just a function of the area across which the spray is distributed.

[@larrydavisj]

In hindsight we know that we should do rinseless or waterless washes on the classic cars. Also can you do the PSI testing on some panels you might have laying around? I would like to see at what psi you can strip paint off of a car. Or in this case a panel from a car. Thanks for sharing.

[@AB-80X]

Why? There's no reason why you should not use water. All you have to do is be smart about it. There's a reason why the black 45 degree soft nozzle exist. Waterless washes really wear paints like the old single layer Glasurit paints. They may be hard, but due to the lack of clear coat, they haze up and small swirls stand out in a different way than on clear coat. One of my cars is an Italian car from 1961 and the best result is to prewash with a no-frills prewash like a BH Auto Foam and then wash with something that has massive amounts of lube in it. Then finish off with a good sealant and wax. If anything, no ceramics on those cars. I am very careful, and I measure my paint thickness before and after each wash, and I also measure the gloss and haze levels. Over five years none of it has changed. I get no rust or anything like that either. The most difficult thing with such a car is all the chrome and polished steel. Wire wheels are a pain as the brake dust is hard to get to, but at the same time, you really need to use an acid cleaner that was designed for chrome wheels. Unfortunately, you don't want that stuff anywhere else, so wheels have to come off after long road trips to get cleaned. It's just a different ballgame all together and what we know about washing modern cars rarely applies. Waterless washes are a gimmick and should never be used on anything.

[@larrydavisj]

@@AB-80X aren't you full of yourself.

[@clintsaines9274]

@@AB-80X waterless cam make serious swirls and scratches

[@AB-80X]

@@clintsaines9274 Not can, it absolutely will.

[@clintsaines9274]

@@AB-80X yeah I was trying to be nice. especially If there is anything more than dust on it.

[@nja3224]

I just bought one specifically for my cars and bike. Haven’t used it yet, just thought I’d watch a few videos first. I bought mine because of the foam cannon attachment. It is supposed to be 3800 psi but most people who reviews it said no way, it’s much less. I know to use the 40 degree and plan on keeping a distance, or at least starting out at a distance, especially on my bike, to even see if I need to move up. I just want to wash and rinse. I should be fine.

[@quijada1545]

Thanks for this one Josh. I have a better understanding on pressure because you kept it simple but to the point 👍

[@josh33025]

I have a wand where you can adjust the pressure by twisting the handle. Great for getting in close with a high psi gas pressure washer.

[@cliffjohnson2273]

You can replace the presser relief valve with an adjustable on and set to where you want it in your case 1000 psi.

[@1badhaircut]

Distance ✅very important - angle - orifice - most of all use good judgment !!

[@TheSydguy30]

I can relate, I dropped my car off where I got some work done, they hit it with the pressure washer and some of the clear coat came off. Paint was perfect prior so any money they did exactly what you said not to do. They blammed the paint though.

[@teslarex]

Great info! I’m waiting for my green works 3000. Ordered a 4.0 orifice 40 degree for cars, just want to be careful.

[@boosteez619]

Thanks, this was good first time educational video for someone buying their first pressure washer for cars 🤘🏼

[@iconz116]

Hey Josh, I have a 2900psi ryobi gas washer and was trying to get new orifice to lower the psi and make safer for auto detailing. What size do you think I would need (maybe 3.0-4.0?) Or I might just keep it for home use and buy the 1800 psi electric ryobi with a 2.5 and call it a day. What do you think?

[@OO7sharadGR8]

I have a question 🙋 i want to wash undercarriage of my car so what psi or what nozzle is good for that with ryobi undercarriage washer ?? Thanks 🙏

[@donsalice8527]

Great review! Answered all of my questions!

[@TheBassallyear100]

Impeccable timing!

[@carsondomel5291]

Hey Josh, I'm thinking about upgrading to a gas dewalt 3300 but was wondering what nozzle size to use for a safe psi?

[@alessiocollalti]

Hi Josh, I have a question. For a 3000 psi pressure washer (equivalent to roughly 206 bar) which is the size of the orifice for the foam cannon (e.g. mtm pf22.2) you use?

[@michaelrowley1970]

Your information is great. I have a 3300 psi, 3.5 gpm washer… I bought it today- how do I take it down so it’s not too much?

[@imjoshv]

It depends, some pressure washer will have a dial but many do not. The easiest way to reduce the pressure is to open up the tip to a larger orifice size.

[@شربلمانزا]

Very well explained. Thank you. You've earned a subscriber

[@kasimmork4103]

Incredibly helpful.

[@russells.rollins5369]

Have you tested any of the Stihl electric pressure washers?

[@dustinkile7705]

You do a great job at this. Thank you.

[@davestewart9146]

I had real old paint chip off with a leaf blower while drying my car lol, great explanation Josh 👍😁

[@tomharrison7280]

I have a Ryobi 2300 with 1.2 gpm. I am having ppf placed on the front and hood to protect against rock chips, etc. What nozzle, cautions should I make to protect the paint and ppf? Thanks again for the info. on your videos!

[@TheAdhdGardener]

Newbie here. I have a 12v soft wash setup to do siding n roofs of homes. U think I could use that to do cars? Or would I need something different?

[@unwindrelaxation7931]

hi, which psi is best for both car and home?

[@romeoalbioni5987]

Hello thanks a lot! i want to ask you it is good to buy a machine with 135 bar to watching my audi?

[@billyray8888]

What a great video you really showed me something cuz I don't know anything about it but I'm going to do my friends deck and I have a 3100 psi Ryobi now I know what to do just back off and put it on 40 thank you

[@crispy715]

This makes slot of sense thank you for sharing doode you rock for the honestly 🎉🎉

[@lowellwilliams2909]

What psi is recommended to clean grime off of my tires using a power washer with hands free effort. Also what should I spray on the rims before hand? Super clean? Right now I have a green works 1600 psi power washer that does not do the job.

[@joeyofblades]

I have a 2000psi and I've used the 15 degree nozzle close for brakes and wheels but that's it, otherwise 40 degree is a good balance of area and force and my machine is probably not that powerful really.

[@mcb2043]

I have an old 79' ford truck that's paints hasn't been touched in 10+ years, worried about PSI and definitely do no want zebra stripes, Best PSI range?

[@CarolNicasio]

Hi!!! I wanna start a bussines cleaning cars and I wanna know if its better electric or gas pressure washer?

[@2020Tundra]

Good demonstration Josh. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@chasespencer176]

I have a 3500psi 2 gpm, is that too much to wash a car with a foam cannon or should I get a psi adjuster thing.

[@IraJones-rd9qr]

I've used this sprayer several times now on brick pavers, a wood deck, patio, and a driveway. kzbin.infoUgkx43QMbQqu67IZadu9ou8Sg1BdrunMRNqX It has performed as expected on all surfaces. For larger areas like the decks and patios, I think I will be looking into a surface cleaner attachment to speed up the job, or at least make it a little easier. Hose and sprayer connections are tool-less, tight, and quick. I used the yellow nozzle on the concrete/brick surfaces, and the pressure was adequate for cleaning those surfaces.I am disappointed that these units are still being shipped with a nozzle storage holder that allows them to vibrate out of the holder way too easily and become lost, but I don't want to knock off a star for that reason. The functional part of the washer works very well, so I would recommend this product.

[@devontaewilliams6737]

Only thing I am missing is a link for professional sprayers for detail liquid that isn't going to break on me

[@excerritosresident]

In this video I see what I believe is a filtered water system near the wall? Can you tell me what kind it is or send me a link? I’d appreciate it.

[@AlpacaCheese]

Great vid and good description

[@gnawty4662]

Any reason why Gas pressure washers aren’t reviewed?

[@bobbymartin8042]

Great video and there is us new details think U want the highest psi U can get... no, flow rate..

[@goranali2786]

How many bars do you need to get a thick foam if you have a Mjjc foam bottle.

[@tylerfj24]

IF i have the option of 1100 psi or 1400 psi which would i prefer? I mean is more GPM or PSI more important for me? JUST FOR CAR DETAILING and FOAM CANNONS?

[@Nathanruby952]

which is better for washing cars gas or electric?

[@mikeberndt181]

I’d you could tell us how to remove cement from the paint if you have experience with that I’d be so happy. I used a product on a white car and it now has a yellow tint from prob said product & did only remove 5% of the cement. I now have to prob have to prob compound it & hope I can fix it. Worst part is my dad was a mechanic with his own body shop, he died when I was 18 so I didn’t get to learn everything

[@Injess]

We have penetrated the box haha nice video as always

[@imjoshv]

Haha thanks

[@gnawty4662]

Great topic. Better explanation 🔥

[@LINCOLN0ECHO]

What you think on stihl RE 110 PLUS electric pressure washer

[@leriksenbendigo]

"What is that ? 6 inches ? We have penetrated the box." I know you weren't trying to be funny, but I snorted my coffee at that point

[@imjoshv]

Haha

[@JLamont_3PM]

If you have 2000 psi or higher, what degree nozzle should you use to be safe on most paint?

[@Spills51]

I would use a 40 degree 90% of the time...maybe 25degree on the tires if you feel it needs it. I have a 2400 psi and do that with no issues....Depends on the condition of your vehicle also and if it still has its top coat intact with no chipping/rust etc.

[@mattiamarelli437]

Thanks for the very useful details Josh! Quick question, which orifice do you recommend to safely was your car with a 3.300PSI gas pressure washer? Thanks in advance! Mattia

[@osoquik4447]

I have a 3300psi 2.4gpm gas pressure washer and use mjjc with a 1.35 orifice with great foam. Tried the stock 1.25 and it created decent foam but 1.35 was much thicker foam.

[@straightshooter4353]

Simple explanation. Thank you.

[@obelittle530]

Thank you so much. I was just wondering about this.

[@hhattingh]

Uff! Lesson learned while cleaning a wood garage door I was resurfacing. Less is more, or just get a smaller machine.

[@chrism.rigsby6714]

So would you say 2000 psi at most would be good for washing vehicles?

[@Nicholas-z6u]

So can you use a 15 degree nozzle on car? With a 1800 psi washer and a 1.2 gpm.

[@imjoshv]

Yes you Absolutley can! Ideally in like a 40 degree and operating at 1200 at 2gpm but that’s my preference. The 15 degree standard will definitely still work

[@JustinHofman-t5z]

Would the Ryobi 2900 PSI 2.5 GPM cold water gas pressure washer with a 212cc engine be ok for vehicle use?

[@youngdonorf2622]

I’m in the same situation, did you ever figure it out ?

[@usingtubes]

what, no flexible hose kink demo?

[@jeremyn6726]

You said you strive for under 1200psi and close to 2gpm which is also what seems to produce the best foam. However, I'm not seeing many options for electric pressure washers that can generate 2gpm and be under 2000psi. Any recommendations? thanks! what do you think between Active VE52 1800psi 2gpm vs Greenworks 2300psi 2.3gpm?

[@DJayAce4]

Not sure about the Greenworks 2300 but I have the Greenworks 2700, you can get it at Lowes. It works like a beauty, highly recommend Greenworks. Granted I just bought my first power washer a week ago and have used it a couple times, once on my vehicle and on my fence. So far it exceeds my expectations, super happy with it. I did very extensive review and youtube comparisons/reviews and Greenworks is where it's at it seems. Even some power wash pros on KZbin were recommending it if you were going electric. Anyways, good luck with w/e you choose.

[@mz8210]

Hi....I have a Karcher K7, and according to the manufacturer it should produce 2.63 GPM and 2320 PSI...What kind of an orifice would you suggest to obtain highes possible GPM and PSI ?

[@pakiMarkhor]

If you want higher GPM you won’t get highest psi the machine offers

[@merecumbe1000]

Thank you for the info keep up the good work 🙏🙏🙏

[@elimaki4833]

Thanks

[@rafan3422]

Hello! I had my psi at 33 however when i checked 2 days later all of them showed around 44 psi..is that possible? Wht could be the reason. Plz help.

[@joeromero7346]

I have a ryobi 2500 psi will a 40 degree be ok

[@lboy544]

great video thanks for your time

[@ewallin6018]

Hey Josh, did you do a vid on best interior trim dressing with best UV protection?

[@marinevet7273]

Josh I am new to your channel, you have a LOT of electric pressure washer reviews.. I need to buy a new pressure washer ASAP and want to buy one for car and home use. I can’t go through all your videos right now, Can you suggest, in your opinion is the best electric you would buy for yourself . Thank you

[@imjoshv]

Id go with this one for all around! amzn.to/3ye2wbX

[@vinceriggio72]

Hey Josh, do you have a business address or a PO box that one can use to send you a product for you to test out or get your opinion on ? Is this something you would consider or should we just leave you to yourself ? Just wondering. Might be fun.

[@battleborn528]

What about a 2700 psi should I used the 40

[@pedrogriffin1934]

Hi Josh love your videos. I need help finding a detailer spray that is suitable for post-coats, is good at repelling dust, can be used to remove light layers of dust in between washes, and provides great shine and water beading properties. Please recommend something for me?

[@clerissonmesquita]

Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it, keep it up the outstanding job, have a great day.

[@jesserivera2062]

I have the ryobi 1800 with all the quick connects but I’m only getting 1300 psi with the yellow nozzle. What could be the problem my pressure washer is brand new.

[@upgtx]

1800 should be with a 0° nozzle I think.

[@LazyCrazyGuy]

You got to love the fact that thousands of questions get asked and yet I don't find any responses from Josh. Almost feels like it's pretty pointless to ask, since the question will not be answered unless he makes a video discussing the topic. I mean I know he can't answer this much and I'm sure he's pretty busy but wow I've never seen any other channel with this many questions and no answers.

[@imjoshv]

Hi I’m sorry about that. I run a full time detailing business so I dont even see most of the comments come through. I’m trying to adjust to make more time and answer questions

[@LazyCrazyGuy]

@@imjoshv I figured as much, it's a lot for anyone to deal with let alone somebody who has a detailing business. Keep up the great videos, I definitely enjoy them. Have a great Happy 4th of July weekend. I know you'll get around to most of the questions via videos. You usually do. P.S. I somehow knew my comment would bite me as I figured you'd somehow see it, lol 😅

[@MonkeyCraftXD]

I have a 2800 psi is that to much?

[@DarEyezKnight]

very clearly explained thumb up

[@martinramirez6973]

Is 1800 psi good for detailing

[@carlosberrios1021]

What about psi for a semi?

[@y66llhuaweu98]

I need a pressure washer to was my car and for cleaning my ground. I do not want to spend a lot of money. How many PSI do I need?

[@AB-80X]

1.1 GPM for 3000 PSI. That's really odd. 3000 PSI is pointless, we want water flow.

[@flytyingguy1]

What if your using a foam cannon?

[@basketball798]

4000 psi yes you can wash any car with. You just need to move faster and keep distance

[@Aimon30boy]

is 3500 psi with a 40 tip harm for a tesla

[@enriquecarrillo3909]

Josh, enjoy your channel and just subscribed. Based on your review I’m thinking of purchasing the Ryobi 1600psi model. Is that too powerful to wash our new vehicle? Thanks again.

[@imjoshv]

Hi, If you use the 40 degree nozzle you should be fine. But i also mention going to a larger orifice nozzle which will increase your gpm and decrease the psi! I dont remember off the top of my head if the 2.5 or the 3.0 is better but here is the link to them amzn.to/3Kd76wG

[@enriquecarrillo3909]

Thanks for replying so quickly Josh. I looked at the link you sent, those are 2.5 orifice the white one is the 40 degree one probably ideal for washing the car. These are for our new cars so needless to say I’ll be careful to maintain a safe distance, however I do like the increased GPM to remove the soap, etc., quickly. Thanks again.

[@enriquecarrillo3909]

Josh one last question, I noticed that according to the chart on that Amazon link you shared with me, the 3.0 is 184 gpm, 3.5 is 2.14 and 4.0 is 2.45 so which is the ideal? The 3.0 which has the greatest gpm? Thanks again Josh, I haven’t ordered it yet until I get your thoughts on the matter. Take care.

[@enriquecarrillo3909]

Josh one last question, I noticed that according to the chart on that Amazon link you shared with me, the 3.0 is 184 gpm, 3.5 is 2.14 and 4.0 is 2.45 so which is the ideal? The 3.0 which has the greatest gpm? Thanks again Josh, I haven’t ordered it yet until I get your thoughts on the matter. Take care.

[@enriquecarrillo3909]

Josh, as I looked at your review of the heads it appears that the 2.5 may be the ideal head. It seems that you believe the 3.0, even though it has an increased GPM the PSI was a bit low for your liking. So I guess I’ll order the 2.5 one. Thanks.

[@stevegwilliams]

Question? Can using a pressure washer create "Rust" on your car. I was told using a pressure washer can cause rust on the spaces on your car like head lights,door handles,etc.

[@alexandernewsome1581]

Why isnt anyone speaking from the perspective of distance. How can i blow paint off with 3400 psi if im not as close as you would be or if backed up further just for the wash an rinse. That wouldnt make a difference?

[@alexandernewsome1581]

Right when i commented you did lol

[@fulviomastrelia7049]

Whats better? PSI or GPM?… my is 3.500 PSI 1.8 GPM its works Fantastic! But just few days ago die, im purchasing One but i cant decide

[@imjoshv]

It’s a mixture really but gpm is very important for rinsing the car and removing the residue

[@fulviomastrelia7049]

@@imjoshv its not PSI important for Rising all the dirty stock in surface?