The UK weather is not kind to a car’s paintwork. Whether it’s dust and sand in the summer or rain and salt in the winter, there is always something that ruins your pride and joy’s perfect appearance.
There are more benefits to regular washing than just aesthetics, though. It will keep new cars looking newer, and used cars are more likely to sell quicker and for more money if you keep them washed and polished.
There are several approaches you could take to washing your car regularly, some requiring more effort and some costing you more cash. These are the different methods you can take when it comes to keeping your car clean.
The quick and costly method
You could abdicate all responsibility and head to a car wash, either a manned one or one of the automatic drive-through setups that you find at garages around the country. Alternatively, if you prefer a more thorough and personalized touch, you can opt for a professional car valeting service.
Do this once a week, or even once a fortnight, and the cost will soon add up. It might save you the effort, and often, you need not even leave your car, but work out how much you spend each time, and you might have second thoughts.
The DIY cash saver
To really save cash, you will need to get your hands wet and break out the car shampoo. You can go super cheap with a basic bucket and sponge, but having the right tools for the job will make it quicker and easier. This might require a bit of up-front investment, but think of the savings from not going to a car wash. Plus, your time is valuable too.
A pressure washer is a perfect purchase to make your car washing endeavors quicker, easier, and more efficient. They will repay your investment in other ways too – they will help keep various outdoor features in your garden looking spick and span.
There are plenty of affordable options out there, too, all of which will cope with washing your car and all those other domestic jobs.
These are the things to look out for when buying a pressure washer:
Pressure and flow rate
The higher the pressure a washer produces, the more efficient it will be at performing its main job. While you might not want to blast your car’s paintwork with the most forceful of settings, this will come in particularly handy when you turn your washer onto your patio furniture or flagstones.
The Pro-Kleen pressure washer is a great option here, as it has a maximum pressure rate of 135 bar. It’s also got an adjustable nozzle, so you can concentrate that power when you need it and dial it back when you don’t.
Nozzle attachments
Simply blasting water at the thing you want to clean will only go so far, so a range of nozzle attachments and accessories will widen the range of tasks you can take on.
The Bosch EasyAquatak 120 comes with a range of handy add-ons, including a patio cleaner, a wash brush, and a high-pressure detergent nozzle. It’s got an adjustable nozzle so that you can utilize everything from a gentle rinse to high-power blasting. It’s compact and light, too, so it packs away neatly.
Hose length
You don’t want to be hauling the whole pressure washer around when you’re spraying different parts of your car. A longer hose, such as the 5m-long one on the Turtle Wax TW110, will enable you to move further without having to move the base unit around.
Portability
If you do have to move your pressure washer around, then you want one that isn’t too hefty. The Nilfisk C 110 bar Pressure Washer comes with a solid set of wheels that make moving it around that bit easier.
Build quality and durability
Sure, you could go as cheap as possible, but it is better to go for a unit that works and will last. Have a look at reviews, check for one that is built with durable feeling materials, and don’t automatically assume that expensive means best.
