Pressure Washers

A pressure washer handles the pre-rinse, the snow foam and the final rinse of a safe wash. The range covers electric machines from Active (2.0, 2.3 and 3.0), Kiam (DTLR 2 Lite and 2 Pro) and Gorilla Power (GP4, GP6 and GP8), an Active wall mount and 15 metre hose, and Bronze, Silver and Gold detailing business start-up packages.

How to choose

• Flow before pressure: litres per minute decides how fast the rinse carries dirt away and how well a foam lance works. The DTLR 2 Lite gives 8.45 L/min at 150 bar, the 2 Pro 10 L/min at 160 bar.
• Own car or business: Gorilla Power class the GP4 and GP6 as domestic, the GP8 as semi-professional; the start-up packages suit a new detailing business.
• Fittings: foam lances and stubby guns must match the gun's fitting; Adapters & Quick Connects covers most mismatches.

Good to know

• Add reach with a longer high pressure hose, not an extension lead; if you must use a lead, unwind it fully so it cannot overheat.
• Drain it and store it frost free over winter: water left in the pump can freeze and crack it.

What PSI pressure washer do you need for car detailing?

UK machines are rated in bar, and 1 bar is about 14.5 psi. The Kiam DTLR 2 Lite runs at 150 bar (about 2,176 psi) and the DTLR 2 Pro at 160 bar (about 2,321 psi). Past that, compare flow rather than pressure: litres per minute decides how fast the rinse carries dirt away and how well a snow foam lance works.

Is a 3000 PSI pressure washer good for car detailing?

3,000 psi is about 207 bar. A bigger pressure figure on its own does not make a better wash, because flow does the rinsing, so compare litres per minute first and check the fittings match your foam lance.

Related: Pressure Washing & Water Systems, Snow Foam Lances, Hoses & Hose Reels. Popular brands here: Active, DTLR by Kiam, Equip2clean.