Keep Your Sedan Shiny With the Best Pressure Washers for Cars
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Upgrade your car-washing game by trading that garden hose for a powerful pressure washer.
Best Overall
Craftsman 2100 MAX PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Best Bang For The Buck
Greenworks 1600 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
Upgrade Pick
DeWalt 2100 MAX PSI Electric Jobsite Pressure Washer
While automobile owners can absolutely use a garden hose and sprayer attachment to keep their cars clean, a pressure washer for cars is a better option. These machines produce a high-pressure stream of water capable of quickly and effectively removing dirt and grime. They also come equipped with a variety of nozzles for applying a thick lather of soap and thoroughly rinsing the vehicle.
While pressure washers speed up the process of washing a car, you can’t just use any old machine. Many are far too powerful and will strip your car’s paint, or they don’t come with the proper nozzles or reservoirs for easy application of soap. To ensure we picked options appropriate for automobiles, we enlisted the help of Isaac Lee, senior vice president of operations for San Diego-based car wash Soapy Joe’s. Read on to see the best pressure washers for cars before choosing one that’s right for you.
- BEST OVERALL: Craftsman 2100 MAX PSI Electric Pressure Washer
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Greenworks 1600 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
- UPGRADE PICK: DeWalt 2100 MAX PSI Electric Jobsite Pressure Washer
- BEST GAS-POWERED: Westinghouse 2700 PSI Gas-Powered Pressure Washer
- BEST CORDLESS: Ryobi One+ HP 18V EZ Clean Power Cleaner Kit
- BEST ELECTRIC: Sun Joe 14.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer
- BEST HIGH-PRESSURE: Greenworks 3000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
- BEST COMPACT: Ryobi 1800 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
- BEST PROFESSIONAL: AR Blue Clean 2300 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
How We Chose the Best Pressure Washers for Cars
We looked at more than two dozen of the best pressure washer models to choose the top ones for washing cars. We compiled our final list based on their ability to produce the appropriate pressure and flow rate for optimal cleaning power without the risk of damage. They also feature nozzles, hose lengths, and soap applicators suited to washing cars.
Understanding that budgets for these machines vary, our list covers a variety of price points. It also includes a broad range of sizes, such as larger models that sit on wheels and smaller lightweight models that you can carry from garage to driveway.
Our Top Picks
The list below includes pressure washers best suited for washing a car. These models produce a safe amount of pressure for cleaning vehicles and come with accessories and features that make the job easier.
Best Overall
Craftsman 2100 MAX PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Product Specs
- Flow rate: 1.2 gallons per minute (GPM)
- Max pounds per square inch (PSI): 2,100
- Power: Corded electric
Pros
- Ample cleaning power yet not enough that it will strip paint
- Compact size and wheels make it easy to move around
- Plenty of onboard storage for wand, nozzles, and other attachments
Cons
- No way to switch from wash to rinse without emptying and cleaning the soap tank
This electric option from Craftsman checks all the boxes for those wanting a pressure washer for car-washing duties.
Its max 2,100 PSI is powerful enough to blast most grease and grime from a car without creating so much pressure that it damages the paint or breaches waterproof seals around doors and windows.
Since it’s compact, lightweight, and has wheels, the Craftsman is easy to move in and out of storage. Its 25-foot kink-resistant hose is long enough to work around a car or truck without repositioning it. There’s plenty of onboard storage for the nozzles, hose, cord, and wand, and the soap tank is removable for easy filling and cleaning.
Get the Craftsman pressure washer for cars at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or Walmart.
Best Bang For The Buck
Greenworks 1600 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
Product Specs
- Flow rate: 1.2 GPM
- Max PSI: 1,600
- Power: Corded electric
Pros
- Compact size and light overall weight make it easy to carry and store
- Includes 2 nozzle types and a detergent bottle attachment for applying car wash soap for pressure washers
- Produces enough pressure to clean vehicles thoroughly without causing damage
Cons
- Some customers report leaks around the hose fitting and wand connection
This power washer from Greenworks is a great budget-priced car-washing solution. While it may not be as powerful as some pricier pressure washers, its max pressure of 1,600 PSI is enough to cut through most grease and grime. It comes with two nozzle types and a detergent bottle that attaches to the wand to apply soap.
Besides being cheaper than most power washers, this model is also lighter and more compact. It’s about the size of a small suitcase, weighs just 13 pounds, and comes equipped with a large carrying handle. And with its 35-foot power cord, it can reach vehicles parked far from a power outlet.
Get the Greenworks 1,600 PSI pressure washer for cars at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Greenworks.
Upgrade Pick
DeWalt 2100 MAX PSI Electric Jobsite Pressure Washer
Product Specs
- Flow rate: 1.2 GPM
- Max PSI: 2,100
- Power: Corded electric
Pros
- Square shape, wheels, and telescoping handle make it easy to transport and store
- Wand and nozzles fit conveniently inside the pressure washer frame
- Produces plenty of pressure for cleaning but not enough to strip paint
Cons
- Must use a detergent bottle attachment to distribute soap
DeWalt is known for making quality tools, and this
is no exception. Its 2,100 max PSI provides ample vehicle cleaning power but isn’t so much that it will strip paint. The heavy-duty pressure washer is protected by an aluminum frame, making it capable of enduring abuse and easy to store.
There’s also storage for the wand and nozzles, and the hose wraps up neatly inside the frame. Integrated wheels and an extendable telescoping handle make it easy to move by allowing users to roll it like a piece of luggage.
Get the DeWalt pressure washer for cars at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Gas-Powered
Westinghouse 2700 PSI Gas-Powered Pressure Washer
Product Specs
- Flow rate: 2.3 GPM
- Max PSI: 2,700
- Power: Gas
Pros
- High max pressure makes it an option for a variety of power-washing jobs
- Ruggedly constructed with a steel frame and large never-flat wheels
- Large half-gallon soap reservoir ideal for bigger power-washing jobs
Cons
- Some customers report the high-pressure hose is prone to bursting
Most gas-powered pressure washers are simply too powerful to use safely on a vehicle. This model from Westinghouse is an exception. With a max pressure of 2,700 PSI and both 25- and 40-degree nozzles, it’s well suited to cleaning cars. Its ample power and high flow rate also lend it to tackling homes, driveways, and decks, making it a great all-purpose power washer.
The Westinghouse comes with three nozzles, a soap applicator tip, and a large half-gallon soap reservoir. Though heavier than electric models, its sturdy steel frame is equipped with never-flat wheels that make it easy to maneuver.
Get the Westinghouse pressure washer for cars at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Cordless
Ryobi One+ HP 18V EZ Clean Power Cleaner Kit
Product Specs
- Flow rate: 0.7 GPM
- Max PSI: 600
- Power: Cordless electric
Pros
- Doesn’t require a power outlet since it runs off a rechargeable battery
- Small size makes it easy to store and transport
- Brushless motor and 18-volt battery provide up to a 25-minute runtime
Cons
- Doesn’t produce nearly as much pressure as a corded model
This pressure washer untethers the user from a power cord, making it a great option for power-washing when there’s no outlet nearby. It runs on an 18-volt-battery brushless motor that provides up to 25 minutes of runtime and produces up to 600 PSI water pressure with a flow rate of 0.7 GPM.
The Ryobi One+ pressure washer also has an adapter that attaches to a standard garden hose or 2-liter bottle for smaller applications, such as cleaning a bike. Users can purchase a foam blaster and spinning brush attachment for cleaning rims, patio furniture, and other tight spots.
Get the Ryobi One+ pressure washer for cars at The Home Depot or Ryobi.