13 Best Pressure Washer for Washing Cars and Pickup Trucks

As you are reading this guide, I can assume that you are interested in knowing, what is the best pressure washer for washing cars and pickup trucks, and how to choose the right pressure washer for car detailing. Is that right?

Investing in a good pressure washer for cars and trucks can prove to be an excellent investment if you are tired of taking your car or pickup truck down at the car wash every month and spending huge amounts of money on it.

A car washing pressure washer helps you remove all the dirt, dust, grime, and other stains accumulate on your car after every few rides. The best part is that it is a one-time investment, and it is bound to save you plenty of money in the long run.

pressure washer for washing cars
(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and images. I earn advertising/referral fees if you make a purchase by clicking them. There is no extra cost to you. See our full disclosure here. )

And if you are looking to buy a reliable, robust, and best pressure washer for car detailing, in that case, this is the most appropriate and resourceful guide for you because here we have curated an extensive list of 13 top-rated electric pressure washers and the best pressure washer for washing cars and pickup trucks at home.

In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices and Best Pressure Washer for Car Detailing on the Market:

Preview
Best Choice
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer, 2030-PSI Working Pressure, PWMA-Rated,...
Premium Pick
AR Blue Clean AR2N1 Electric Pressure Washer-2050 PSI, 1.4 GPM, 13 Amps Quick...
Best Value
Stanley SHP2150 Portable Electric Pressure Washer, 2150 PSI, 1.4 GPM, 13 AMP,...
Title
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer, 2030-PSI Working Pressure, PWMA-Rated,...
AR Blue Clean AR2N1 Electric Pressure Washer-2050 PSI, 1.4 GPM, 13 Amps Quick...
Stanley SHP2150 Portable Electric Pressure Washer, 2150 PSI, 1.4 GPM, 13 AMP,...
Power Source
Corded Electric
Corded Electric
Corded Electric
Maximum Pressure
2030 PSI
2050 PSI
2150 PSI
Item Weight
31 Pounds
29 Pounds
25.57 Pounds
Hose Length
20 Feet
25 Feet
25 Feet
Item Dimensions
15.6 x 13.5 x 33.9 Inches
25 x 17 x 18 Inches
14.57 x 13.58 x 26.77 Inches
Best Choice
Preview
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer, 2030-PSI Working Pressure, PWMA-Rated,...
Title
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer, 2030-PSI Working Pressure, PWMA-Rated,...
Power Source
Corded Electric
Maximum Pressure
2030 PSI
Item Weight
31 Pounds
Hose Length
20 Feet
Item Dimensions
15.6 x 13.5 x 33.9 Inches
More Information
Premium Pick
Preview
AR Blue Clean AR2N1 Electric Pressure Washer-2050 PSI, 1.4 GPM, 13 Amps Quick...
Title
AR Blue Clean AR2N1 Electric Pressure Washer-2050 PSI, 1.4 GPM, 13 Amps Quick...
Power Source
Corded Electric
Maximum Pressure
2050 PSI
Item Weight
29 Pounds
Hose Length
25 Feet
Item Dimensions
25 x 17 x 18 Inches
More Information
Best Value
Preview
Stanley SHP2150 Portable Electric Pressure Washer, 2150 PSI, 1.4 GPM, 13 AMP,...
Title
Stanley SHP2150 Portable Electric Pressure Washer, 2150 PSI, 1.4 GPM, 13 AMP,...
Power Source
Corded Electric
Maximum Pressure
2150 PSI
Item Weight
25.57 Pounds
Hose Length
25 Feet
Item Dimensions
14.57 x 13.58 x 26.77 Inches
More Information

Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Different Types of Pressure Washers for Washing Cars:

Before we get into learning about the best pressure washer for car washing and how to wash a car with a pressure washer, you need to understand the different types of pressure washers for washing cars first so that you can know what pressure washer type will suit your needs.

Some of the most popular types of pressure washers based on their power source are explained below:

Electric Pressure Washer

The electric pressure washer for cars are the most widely used car wash pressure washers, and it needs to be connected to an electric power source for functioning.

Most car owners and drivers prefer this kind of pressure washer because all they require is electricity available in every home, so it is a convenient kind of pressure washer for washing cars and driveways.

However, the most common drawback with electric pressure washers for car detailing is that their cord’s length restricts them, so their reach also gets restricted.

This can be a big problem during pressure washing a car because you may not be able to reach every corner of your vehicle due to the limited cord length.

Gas Pressure Washer

Gas pressure washers are car cleaning pressure washers that use gas as the major source of fuel to power the pump, which makes it a good alternative for people who are concerned about power consumption and want to use a more sustainable energy source.

It is ideal for both; medium and heavy-duty cleaning tasks. However, they cannot be used indoors since they generate a lot of fumes and are generally heavier, which makes them very hard to move around.

Moreover, the gas pressure washer for car detailing also produces a lot of noise compared to other types of washers. Therefore, these gas-powered pressure washers are primarily used for commercial purposes.

Diesel Pressure Washer

Diesel-powered pressure washers are similar to Gas pressure washers and are suitable for all medium and heavy-duty works. They use diesel as the primary energy source to power the pump and are equipped with extended life diesel engines.

These kinds of pressure washers for cars are available in various sizes; thus, you can get a small one or a big one depending on your convenience.

Like gas-powered pressure washers, diesel pressure washers also generate fumes and are not suitable for indoor use. They are mainly used outdoors and for commercial purposes. They are trendy among cleaning contractors and in the US Military.

Hydraulic Pressure Washer

Hydraulic pressure washers are of the newest technology and use a hydraulic mechanism to produce energy and do not need fuel or electricity for functioning. This makes them the most eco-friendly among all the pressure washers for washing cars and trucks. They hardly make any noise and are compact and lightweight, suitable for moving and carrying around.

They are suited for commercial purposes and are mostly used in the farming industry. They can be hooked up to a tractor or other type of farm machinery that has hydraulic power and can be used to wash cars in remote areas without needing gas or electrical power.

Must check: Advantages and Disadvantages of Waterless Car Wash You Need to Know

What PSI Pressure Washer Do I Need to Wash Car?

It is essential to use a gas or electric pressure washer that has the appropriate power for your cleaning purposes. A washer’s power that determines its cleaning capability is called PSI (pounds per square inch). The higher is the PSI, the more force the water will have while cleaning your vehicle.

The cleaning units of a pressure washer determine how good it is at the cleaning. The cleaning units of a washer can be calculated by multiplying the PSI and GPM (gallons per minute). If you are cleaning a car or pickup truck, having a pressure washer with the maximum capacity of 1200 to 2800 PSI is quite suitable.

psi pressure washer

Many people have this question in their minds when thinking of buying a powerful electric pressure washer for washing cars; What is a good PSI for a pressure washer? What psi pressure washer do I need to wash car? And what is the recommended psi for a pressure washer to wash a car? Well, we have the answer for you.

The recommended PSI for a pressure washer to wash cars is 1200 to 1900 PSI.

The 1200 to 1900 PSI range is safe to use for cars and trucks, and if you go higher than this, it can be damaging to the paint of your vehicles and going lower than this will not be able to clean your car thoroughly. And the ideal range of GPM as given by experts for washing cars is 1.4 to 1.6 GPM.

You might also like: 14 Best Car Wash Soap for Pressure Washer on the Market

13 Best Pressure Washer for Washing Cars and Pickup Trucks:

Now that you know what type of pressure washer you need for washing cars at home and how much PSI should a pressure washer have for washing a car, it’s time to have an extensive look at the list of top-rated and best pressure washer for car detailing and cleaning.

Here we have listed the top 13 best pressure washers for washing cars and pickup trucks available on the market right now. This list contains some of the most popular, corded, and portable electric pressure washers and some of the best gas-powered pressure washers for cars you can buy at an affordable price.

So without further ado, let’s begin to check out what is the best pressure washer for washing cars and which particular pressure washer is best for car cleaning at home. Here we go:

Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer

One of the most popular electric pressure washers on the marketis the Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer, with an excellent rating of 4.5 stars. The powerful motor (14.5 amp/1800 W) of this unit can deliver maximum cleaning performance.

This corded electric pressure washer constitutes two detergent tanks, which means that you can store two types of detergents for different cleaning tasks. You can use this high-pressure power washer for cleaning homes, buildings, RV’s, cars, trucks, boats, decks, driveways, patios, lawn equipment, and more.

sun joe spx3000 pressure washer

The Sun Joe Electric Pressure Washer 2030 PSI also has a feature known as the Total Stop System, which allows the pump to stop by itself when the trigger is disengaged. There are five quick-connect nozzles that allow you to have different pressures for more challenging cleaning to wider spreads for gentle cleaning like your car.

The Key Features of Sun Joe Pressure Washer SPX3000:

  • Water Pressure: 2030 PSI
  • Motor: 14.5 amps
  • Wattage: 1800 watts
  • Weight: 31 pounds
  • Dimensions: 33.9 x 13.5 x 15.6 inches
  • Warranty: 31 pounds

Pros:

  • Easier to carry and move around due to its lightweight.
  • Availability of plenty of safety features.
  • Auto shut-off to save energy and extend the life of the pump.
  • Dual detergent tanks are present.

Cons:

  • Leakings were reported by some users.
  • Absence of water reserve tank.
  • Ward length is not long enough.

AR Blue Clean Electric Pressure Washer

The AR Annovi Reverberi Blue Clean pressure washer is one of the best electric pressure washers available in the market. With a 20-foot long hose, this electric power washer makes it convenient for you to wash your car even from a distance.

The power cord is also long enough at 30 feet, which means you can easily clean your vehicle even if the power socket is far away. The AR Blue pressure washer also comes with an adjustable spray and two pressure wands.

ar blue clean pressure washer

With easy assembly and easy application, this product is exceptionally user-friendly. The AR Blue Clean Pressure Washer 1900 PSI also has four quick-change tips, including a 25-degree nozzle tip, a rotary turbo nozzle, a 28-ounce detergent reservoir, and a low-pressure soap nozzle.

If you want a robust, durable, and reliable electric pressure washer for washing cars and pickup trucks, then you should definitely go for this high-pressure car cleaning tool.

The Key Features of AR Blue Clean 1900 PSI Electric Power Washer:

  • Water Pressure: 1900 PSI
  • Motor: 13 amps
  • Weight: 27 pounds
  • Dimensions: 28.5 x 12.25 x 11.25 inches
  • Warranty: 1 year

Pros:

  • Availability of adjustable spray.
  • Easy assembly and operation.
  • Soap tank available.
  • Quick connect garden hose adapter available.
  • Negligible noise production.
  • The durability of construction.

Cons:

  • Short warranty coverage.
  • Fluctuating pressure were reported by some users.
  • Expensive compared to other similar washers.
  • Not suitable for heavy-duty jobs.

Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer

Stanley’s 2150 PSI electric pressure washer is a top-notch washer, ideal for cleaning cars and pickup trucks. With an elegant design, a high-pressure foam cannon, and a 25-foot soft, flexible hose, the product is super lightweight and durable.

There is a professional-style pressure washer gun available with it that can be used to clean small areas. In addition to this, there are 4 quick-connect nozzles for adjusting the water pressure according to your cleaning needs.

stanley shp2150 electric pressure washer

The Stanley 2150 PSI Pressure Washer hardly produces any noise while working, and it is capable of removing the toughest stains with its high-pressure foam cannon. There are many attachments provided with the washer, but you will not face much difficulty in assembling it.

It has a really excellent rating of 4.5 on online shopping sites which means this electric pressure washer by Stanley is loved by the users.

The Key Features of Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer with Spray Gun:

  • Water Pressure: 2150 PSI
  • Motor: 13 amp
  • Weight: 25.57 pounds
  • Dimensions: 14.57 x 13.58 x 26.77 inches
  • Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

  • Various attachments available for most common projects.
  • Various attachments are available for most common projects.
  • A high-pressure foamer was included.
  • Good warranty coverage.
  • The flexibility of usage.
  • 4 quick-connect nozzles ranging from 0 to 40 degrees are present, along with a nozzle tray.
  • Easy assembly and operation.

Cons:

  • Cord length is relatively short.
  • Unavailability of hose reel or wheels.
  • Some users reported leakage.

Karcher K1700 Electric Power Pressure Washer

Offering 1700 PSI, the Karcher electric pressure washer is a great middle-range option for cleaning your cars and pickup trucks. With large wheels, it is convenient for the users to move it around anywhere they want.

This portable pressure washer also comes with a removable bucket that doubles as hose storage, a removable half-gallon soap tank, and a foot-operated on/off switch that makes it easy to power it off and saves electricity.

karcher 1700 psi pressure washer

It has three nozzles only, but they are of utmost importance: a turbo nozzle, 15-degree all-purpose nozzle, and detergent nozzle. The Karcher 1700 PSI Pressure Washer is effortless to assemble, and it will take you 5 minutes. It also has a compartment for storing accessories and other personal items.

If you want a top-rated and best electric pressure washer for washing cars, and which is specifically designed to offer high cleaning performance and exceptional ease of use, then give it a try.

The Key Features of Karcher K1700 Electric Pressure Washer 1700 PSI:

  • Water Pressure: 1700 PSI
  • Hose length: 20 feet
  • Weight: 20.7 pounds
  • Dimensions: 17.25 x 16.5 x 33 inches
  • Warranty: 3 years

Pros:

  • Amazing warranty coverage.
  • Presence of removable bucket that acts as convenient storage.
  • Compact in size, making it easy to store.
  • Detergent tank attached.
  • Excellent stability because it has a low center of gravity.
  • Quite affordable.

Cons:

  • Malfunctioning of soap dispenser reported by certain users.
  • Not powerful enough for heavy-duty work.
  • Only 3 nozzles are present.

Greenworks 1500 PSI Pressure Washer

This 1500 PSI electric pressure washer by Greenworks is perfect for cleaning cars, pickup trucks, patios, and driveways. Its powerful 13 Amp motor provides 1.3 GPM, which is quite suitable for auto detailing. It comes with large wheels, and you can use it either vertically or horizontally for better stability during the cleaning of vehicles.

best pressure washer for washing cars

If you wanted a high-pressure car cleaning tool, then you won’t have to worry because its water pressure is enough for blasting through grime and dirt, thus thoroughly cleaning your vehicles’ surfaces.

This powerful power washer boasts a rating of 4.4 on most popular online shopping sites, which is a testament to how much users like it. The Greenworks Electric Pressure Washer 1500 PSI also has an adjustable wand allowing for much more flexible use, along with 2 nozzles, a soap applicator, rotary brush, 25 feet hose, and a surface cleaner as well.

The Key Features of Greenworks 1500 PSI Electric Pressure Washer:

  • Water Pressure: 1500 PSI
  • Motor: 13 amps
  • Weight: 7.7 Kg
  • Dimensions: 11.42 x 17.12 x 9.45 inches
  • Warranty period: 1 year

Pros:

  • Presence of long hose.
  • On-board storage is available for accessories.
  • Autor power shuts off when the trigger is released.
  • Affordable washer.
  • Lightweight making it easy to carry and move.
  • Compact, which means easy storage.

Cons:

  • Not much powerful.
  • Two nozzles are not much.
  • Missing a foam cannon or detergent bottle.

Sun Joe SPX3001 Pressure Washer

Sun Joe’s SPX3001 pressure washer is ideal for heavy-duty cleaning, with its powerful motor, the high water pressure of 2030 PSI, and 76 GPM. It has got a maximum rating per CSA test standards. The length of the pressure hose is 20 feet, and that of the power cord is 35 feet.

This high-quality and best pressure washer for washing cars and driveways is provided with 5 quick-connect spray tips, ranging from 0 to 40 degrees, along with a soap dispenser tip to tackle all kinds of cleaning tasks (light, medium, and heavy-duty cleaning).

sun joe spx3001 pressure washer

The 20 feet pressure hose comes with an on-board reel that keeps the hose organized for quick and easy clean-up and storage. The Sun Joe SPX3001 Electric Pressure Washer has also got an on-board storage compartment for storing accessories or other personal items. With this washer, you can clean not only your vehicle but also your lawn, garden, and patio.

The Key Features of Sun Joe 2030 PSI Electric Pressure Washer with Hose Reel:

  • Water Pressure: 2030 PSI
  • Motor: 14.5 amp
  • Wattage: 1800 Watt
  • Weight: 32 pounds
  • Dimensions: 14.4 x 16.5 x 33.5 inches
  • Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

  • 5 Quick-connect tips are available for light, medium, and heavy-duty cleaning.
  • Auto shut-off for conservation of electricity when the trigger is released.
  • Presence of 40-ounce detergent tank.
  • Easy assembly and user-friendly operation.
  • Powerful enough for patio, garden furniture, pavers, bricks, and cars.

Cons:

  • Some say that 20 feet hose is short for specific tasks.
  • Difficulty in using a hose reel.
  • Absence of foam cannon.
  • Leaking reported by some users.

mrliance 3600PSI Electric Pressure Washer

One of the most powerful electric pressure washers out there, mrliance 3600PSI, boasts of an 1800-watt motor that can generate a brilliant water pressure of up to 3600 PSI at 2.4 GPM water flow allowing the users to clean anything.

This kind of electric power washer is perfect for heavy-duty cleaning, and its air-cooled industrial motor helps the washer blast through grime and dirt on the surfaces for a thorough cleaning. It comes with 4 quick-connect spray tips, ranging from 0 to 40 degrees for low to high-pressure wash.

The design of this high-rated and best pressure washer for car detailing and cleaning is compact, making it easier to set up and store. The mrliance 3600 PSI Electric Pressure Washer also has the auto shut-off feature that shuts off the pump automatically when the trigger is released, making it energy-efficient.

The Key Features of mrliance Electric Pressure Washer Machine with 4 Interchangeable Nozzle and Hose Reel:

  • Water Pressure: 3600 PSI
  • Wattage: 1800 Watt
  • Weight: 20 pounds
  • Dimensions: 31.1 x 12.7 x 12.2 inches
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Hose length: 20 feet

Pros:

  • Presence of 4 quick-connect spray tips.
  • High-pressure washer that can clean dirt, gunk, oil, and rust within seconds.
  • Safety Automatic Total Stop System.
  • Easy installation and setup.

Cons:

  • No on-board storage is provided to store the accessories like the additional spray tips.
  • Short pressure hose for some.

AR Blue Clean AR2N1 Electric Pressure Washer

This AR Blue Clean Pressure Washer can be used in dual modes: In-cart mode and Handheld mode. In-cart means that it can be placed in its wheelie cart and moved easily around while cleaning, and handheld mode means that you can also remove it from its card and carry it in your hands while cleaning.

ar blue clean ar2n1 electric pressure washer

This 2050 PSI electric pressure washer for washing cars at home comes with new and improved quick hose attachments and a stainless lance with quick-release nozzles instead of the plastic all-in-one style.

The washer has on-board storage compartments that allow you to store the quick change nozzles, turbo nozzle, and power cords. The engine of the AR Blue Clean 2-In-1 Electric Pressure Washer does not produce any noise, and the total stop system shuts the pressure washer off when the trigger is released.

The Key Features of AR Blue Clean 2050 PSI Pressure Washer for Car Detailing:

  • Water Pressure: 2050 PSI
  • Motor: 13 amp
  • Wattage: 1750 Watt
  • Weight: 29 pounds
  • Dimensions: 25 x 17 x 18 inches
  • Hose length: 25 feet
  • Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

  • Side holster provided for wand storage.
  • Greater stability than previous models.
  • Easy to assemble and user-friendly operation.
  • The pressure hose is long enough.
  • Durable spray gun.
  • Dual modes make it more convenient to use.

Cons:

  • Unsatisfactory customer service.
  • Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks or commercial use.

PAXCESS Electric Pressure Washer 2150 PSI

A high-pressure cleaner, Paxcess pressure washer boasts a water pressure of 2150 PSI at 1.85 GPM and can easily remove dirt and grime. Ideal for light, medium, and heavy cleaning, this high-pressure cleaner machine can be used to clean your cars, trucks, sheds, siding, patios, decks, and driveways.

paxcess electric pressure washer

This heavy-duty electric pressure washer comes with an onboard hose reel for its 26 feet high-pressure hose for easy use and storage. It features the safety automatic total stop system that automatically stops the pump upon the release of the trigger.

The Paxcess 2150 PSI Electric Pressure Washer also has powerful adjustable spray wants that can be adjusted between narrow fan patterns for high pressure, broad fan patterns for low pressure, and foam patterns.

The Key Features of Paxcess Electric Pressure Washer 2150 PSI with All-in-One Nozzle and Hose Reel:

  • Water Pressure: 2150 PSI
  • Wattage: 1800 Watt
  • Hose length: 26 feet
  • Weight: 22.8 pounds
  • Dimensions: 13.89 x 11.41 x 30.7 inches
  • Warranty: 1 year

Pros:

  • High-pressure washer; capable of heavy-duty cleaning.
  • Long hose length.
  • Built-in detergent tank provided.
  • Compact in size and lightweight.
  • Adjustable spray wands provided.
  • GCFI protection provided.

Cons:

  • Not durable enough.
  • Not enough warranty coverage.
  • Expensive.

Karcher K5 Premium Electric Power Pressure Washer

Karcher’s K5 Premium Pressure Washer is a bit on the expensive side of electric power washers, but it is so good at its job that it can be a great investment rather than a wastage of money.

This is a powerful electric pressure washer with 2000 PSI and 1.4 GPM due to its induction motor that has water-cooling technology, extending its lifespan up to 5X. This Karcher washer’s pump does not require maintenance and is corrosion-resistant, making your life easier.

karcher k5 premium pressure washer

Its dirt blaster spray wand can handle heavy-duty tasks in much less time, and it also has a vario power spray wand that means that the wand is easily adjustable from the wand itself.

The Karcher K5 Premium Electric Pressure Washer for washing cars comes with an on-board detergent tank and an integrated hose reel for easy storage of the 25 feet high-pressure hose.

The Key Features of Karcher K5 2000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer:

  • Water Pressure: 2000 PSI
  • Motor: 13 amp
  • Wattage: 1560 Watt
  • Weight: 32 pounds
  • Hose length: 25 feet
  • Dimensions: 34.33 x 13.07 x 16.77 inches
  • Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

  • Futuristic design.
  • 50% better washing and cleaning capabilities compared to other systems.
  • It does not produce noise during operation.
  • Low energy consumption.
  • Durable and easy maintenance.

Cons:

  • Expensive.
  • Mediocre 1.4 GPM output.
  • Heavy at 32 pounds.

Homdox 2500 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Homdox Power Washer boasts a powerful 1600 watt motor that generates a staggering 2500 PSI cleaning power. Ideal for middle and heavy-duty work, this powerful electric pressure washer can easily blast through grime and dirt to clean surfaces in a thorough manner.

This high-pressure washer machine is capable of cleaning your cars, pickup trucks, boats, RVs, driveways, decks, patio furniture, and more.

homdox pressure washer

The copper connections are attached to the hose and nozzle to ensure zero leakage and effortless hookup. The Homdox 2500 PSI Power Washer has a compact and upright design with axle-mounted wheels that enable easy mobility and has a 20 feet high-pressure hose. It also features the Automatic Total Stop System, ensuring energy conservation.

The Key Features of this Professional Car Washer Cleaner Machine with Hose:

  • Water Pressure: 2500 PSI
  • Wattage: 1600 Watt
  • Hose length: 20 feet
  • Weight: 17.66 pounds
  • Dimensions: 19.29 x 11.42 x 11.02 inches
  • Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

  • Lightweight and so, easy to move.
  • Easy installation.
  • Lightweight and so easy to move.
  • Easy installation.
  • Availability of 4 quick-connect spray tips and spray dispensers for light, medium, and heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
  • Adjustable spray mode.
  • Silent functioning.

Cons:

  • 20 feet hose length can feel short to some users.

STANLEY SHP1600 Electric Pressure Washer

This 1600 PSI Pressure Washer by Stanley is ideal for light-duty work, such as washing your car, as it has got a low water pressure and experts say that for cleaning cars or trucks, the pressure should be low so that it does not damage the paint of the car.

With a 35-foot power cord, GFCI plug, this portable electric pressure washer comes with a 20-foot long pressure hose which makes the total range of the machine more than 50 feet. The wand of this power washer is short, making it easier to manage, but if you require it to belong, then for that, they have provided you with an extension.

stanley 1600 psi electric pressure washer

The Stanley 1600 PSI Electric Pressure Washer for washing cars has an adjustable nozzle, enabling you to change the spray according to the type of cleaning you want. You can use it to clean decks, siding, pavement, cars, pickup trucks, outdoor furniture, pools, and more.

The Key Highlights of Stanley SHP1600 Electric Pressure Washer with Vari-Spray Nozzle:

  • Water Pressure: 1600 PSI
  • Motor: 12 amps
  • Weight: 15.21 pounds
  • Hose length: 20 feet
  • Dimensions: 11.02 x 10.04 x 17.72 inches
  • Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

  • Design is compact, which makes it easy to carry around.
  • Flexibility in usage.
  • Variable nozzles are available.
  • Affordable.
  • 4.4 average rating.

Cons:

  • The length of the cord is short.
  • Absence of hose reel or wheels.
  • Not suitable for medium or heavy-duty work.

Greenworks 1700 PSI Pressure Washer

This 1700 PSI electric pressure washer by Greenworks is a great pressure washer for car wash that can be used vertically as well as horizontally, providing the user with more excellent stability. It comes with 2 quick-connect tips – a 25 degree and a 40-degree tip for various cleaning applications.

It comes with a 20 feet high-pressure hose along with a reel for enabling better reach and easy storage and a 30 feet power cord with inline GFCI for use on exterior outlets.

best pressure washer for car detailing

There is also a soap applicator provided with the power washer that can be used to apply soap on any surface. Compared to a gas powered pressure washer for washing cars and pickup trucks, this pressure washer by Greenworks makes a lot less noise while functioning.

In addition to auto detailing, the Greenworks Electric Pressure Washer 1700 PSI can be used for cleaning patio furniture, brick, siding, sidewalks, garage floors, driveways, and more.

The Key Features of GreenWorks 1700 PSI Electric Pressure Washer with Hose Reel:

  • Water Pressure: 1700 PSI
  • Motor: 13 amp
  • Weight: 10.3 pounds
  • Dimensions: 13.2 x 24 x 11.2 inches
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Hose length: 20 feet

Pros:

  • Greater stability during use.
  • Minimal noise produced during operation.
  • Rotary brush available.
  • It comes with a surface cleaner.
  • Lightweight, so easy to move.
  • Affordable.

Cons:

  • Not durable.
  • Leaking issues reported by users.
  • Poor design; challenging to attach the pressure hose.
  • Poor customer service.

Do you know? How Often Should You Wash Your Car? What Experts Recommend

What Pressure Washer Nozzle is Safe for Car?

Choosing the right pressure washer nozzle for a car wash is extremely important, and if you choose the wrong spray tip or pressure nozzle, you can end up damaging the paint of your car. Therefore, if you are confused about what nozzle to use on pressure washer for car, we will help you know the accurate answer.

pressure washer nozzle for car wash

So, if you are curious to know how to choose the right pressure washer nozzle for car wash, then here are the different types of pressure washer nozzles for car wash you should know about:

  • 0 Degree (Red Nozzle): The zero degree red-colored nozzle shoots a direct jet of water on the surface.
  • 15 Degree (Yellow Nozzle): A yellow tip nozzle creates a 15-degree wide sheet of water spray at the nozzle.
  • 25 Degree (Green Nozzle): The 25-degree green tip nozzle creates an even larger sheet or fan of water than 15-degree, thus putting even less pressure on the surface.
  • 40 Degree (White Nozzle): The 40-degree white-colored nozzle is the most gentle spray used for fragile surfaces.
  • 60 Degree (Black Nozzle): The 65-degree black nozzle is used for spraying soap and shampoo on the surface.
pressure washer nozzles chart

Now you know exactly what nozzle to use on pressure washer for car cleaning, and you can choose the one as per your requirement from this pressure washer nozzles sizing chart.

You might also like: 13 Most Accurate Tire Pressure Gauge and Our #1 Pick is…

Best Pressure Washer for Washing Cars and Trucks (FAQs):

Even after going through this encyclopedic guide about the best car wash pressure washer on the market right now, there are a few basic questions regarding washing a car with a pressure washer that you might keep thinking about.

And that’s why we answered here some of the most frequently asked questions about the car cleaning pressure washers and their usage. Check them out and see if these FAQs help you in getting the answer you are looking for. Here we go:

Should I Buy Gas or Electric Pressure Washer for Car Detailing?


Both of these pressure washers work effectively for auto detailing, but gas pressure washers cost more than the electric pressure washers. Along with that, you have to pay for the gas separately, which puts an extra burden on your pocket.

Hence, you can only opt for a high-quality and best electric pressure washer for cars if you find it suitable for your needs.

Can Pressure Washers Damage Car Paint?


Do pressure washers scratch cars? Can a pressure washer damage a car? The answer depends on how much pressure and what size of pressure washer nozzle you’re using.

It’s because the ideal pressure for cleaning a car without damaging the paint is 1200 to 1900 PSI. But if you’re using more pressure than that, there are chances of getting your car paint damaged.

How Much Water Does It Take to Wash a Car with a Pressure Washer?


Generally, high-pressure washers consume almost 10 gallons of water per minute for cleaning cars, which is equal to the standard flow of a faucet. Hence, your pressure washer can never consume more water than what your faucet outlet is providing.

If you wash your car for 10 minutes, that means it will take 100 gallons of water.

Is 2000 PSI Safe for Washing a Vehicle?


Yes, anything less than 2000 PSI should be fine for pressure washing your car or trucks. The ideal pressure is 1200 to 1900 PSI, and most of the light-duty pressure washers can generate such pressure, but whatever they do, 2000 PSI or less are sufficient for a car wash.

What is the Best Pressure Washer for Washing Cars and Pickup Trucks?

After using various types of pressure washers for car detailing and comparing more than twenty top-rated and most powerful electric pressure washers, we’ve prepared this detailed list of the 13 best pressure washers for car washing at home.

The above-explained car wash pressure washer list contains some of the most powerful electric pressure washers and high-pressure car cleaning tools (from 1200 PSI to 3600 PSI ), which can be used for many other purposes (for cleaning homes, buildings, boats, deck, driveways, patios, lawn equipment, and much more.) other than just cleaning cars, trucks, and RV’s.

But if you are curious to find out what’s our recommendation on the best pressure washer for washing cars and pickup trucks, In that case, we have two favorites among all these amazing portable electric pressure washers for cars.

We’ve found Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer (which comes with1800-Watt/14.5-amp motor) and AR Blue Clean AR2N1 Electric Pressure Washer ( which is a 2-In-1 electric pressure washer) two of the best-suited ones for different types of car cleaning needs.

Both these car cleaning pressure washers generate enormous pressure, which ensures maximum cleaning performance. Plus, it’s durable enough to offer you the best return on your investment.

But again, these two are our top choices for pressure washing a car or pickup truck, and you must consider your requirements before purchasing any high-quality pressure washer nozzle or best pressure washer for the money. That’s all! Stay connected for more automotive guides.

You may also be interested in checking out:

About Amy Cuban

I am an automotive enthusiast who loves to be around cars. I enjoy working on cars in my spare time and love anything related to automobiles. I like using different types of car accessories, car gadgets, and innovative car care products.

Leave a Comment