I only use the pressure washer for applying snow foam, I rinse off with the pressure off and no attachment as the gentle stream leaves less to dry off. I used to think snow foam was a gimmick, but after a few goes it works quite nicely if left ten minutes before rinsing as it softens up all the dirt.i would never use a pressure washer to rinse the car at full pressure as it can lift the paint - I know as I did it with my first ever car, was doing the wheel and a tiny bit of paint was damaged and before I knew it a chunk the size of my fist had blown off.monkeyhanger wrote: ↑Thu Jul 09, 2020 6:09 am I do think that the "need" to use pressure washers on cars is oversold. As long as you're cleaning your car regularly so nothing gets baked on and are using microfibre cloths when cleaning so that you're not dragging abrasive crap along the car body surface, you'll be fine.
You can have all the pressure in the world, but it's not going to be enough to remove a splattered bug from the front end without also damaging the paintwork. Some jobs require a careful wipe.
Having applied a sealant in the first place does help. I use G-Techniq C2V3, and the car body feels like it is Teflon coated, it certainly helps to get rid of stains as they do wash off easier.
Pressure washers apply water pressure way beyond that the car would experience driving along at 70mph in the rain. My neighbour jets the wheel arches and underside of his car regularly, water gets to places it wouldn't normally and he's had a few electrical problems with the fog lights (which are accessed through a cut-out in the wheel arch - coincidence?
I have a very good pressure washer (which is capable of pulling the ridges off the decking on it's most powerful setting and the pulse head), but use it purely for cleaning the patio and decking.
2 bucket method with microfibre cloths is fine. If you're washing the car weekly/fortnightly then the amount of crap attached to the car on any given wash is minimal
Fact is you’re going to get a swirl or scratch at some point no matter how careful you are. I’m considering a ceramic myself (and monkey you will already know this) but many people think a ceramic protects against stone chips etc. It won’t. Depending on the product it gives a very deep gloss and protects the paintwork but if you’re getting a ceramic that lasts only six months before top ups you might as well get a good quality wax as it’ll be cheaper. Get a ceramic that’s going to last at least a year if not more.
There also comes a line where you can’t be bothered going through all the faff. Some people spend 5/6 hours a week on their car cleaning it. Sack that. I myself have a full detail planned in for when I first get the car and then it’ll be maintenance washes after that with two/three detailing sessions a year.
Tom if you’re still interested the plan is:-
Wheels (Simoniz ultracare)
Snow foam (meguiars)
Shampoo with two bucket method (autofinesse)
Fallout remover (Simoniz)
Clay bar (Autofinesse)
Dry with drying towel (autoglym)
Polish/glaze (auto finesse triple)
Wax (autoglym hd) or ceramic (still to be decided) including the wheels
Tyre shine (meguairs)
Interior - whatever comes to hand that isn’t loaded with silicone and I’ve a stain repellant for the seats.