An expert has revealed how a common car-washing mistake could land motorists with a repair bill costing hundreds of pounds. Many vehicle owners are turning to pressure washers to get their motor sparkling with the minimum of effort and fuss this spring.
But parking your car in the wrong place while you do it could spell disaster according to Graham Conway, managing director of leading car leasing specialists Select Car Leasing.
He said: “Pressure washers can be an incredibly handy tool to give your car a new lease of life in a short space of time. But hosing down your motor on a gravel driveway could be a serious error and leave you facing forking out hundreds of pounds to repair dents and scuffed paintwork.
“It’s almost inevitable that we all let the nozzle point towards the ground at some stage during the wash - and this can send gravel flying towards your car. These tiny stones then act almost like missiles, scratching the paint and causing damage to the bodywork. It’s advisable to choose where you park your car wisely before starting the wash, preferably on a surface without debris that could inadvertently cause damage.”
Pressure washers are powerful tools that spray water at high velocity to remove caked-on dirt and grease from surfaces. However, the sheer force of the jets means they should be used with care and consideration.
They can shatter glass, carve out pieces of wood and damage brickwork, while the pressure can also cause injury to humans and animals. Care should also be taken to how pressure washers are directed, as pointing them too close to a surface can cause serious damage.
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Mr Conway added: “Power-washing your car is definitely easier and less time-consuming than doing it with a bucket and sponge, but you should know what you’re doing before you start. Standing around one metre back from the car is advised at all times to make sure you’re not applying too much pressure.
“To start, you should adjust the nozzle to around 5-8cm wide to blast the top layer of dirt and grime and use a slightly wider and less powerful setting for more fragile areas such as the windows.
“Next, switch to the least powerful setting to apply the detergent and let it sit for a few moments to work its magic. Switch to an attachable car brush to get rid of the most stubborn dirt and grease, giving the wheels a scrub, too.
“It’s also important to rinse the brush thoroughly when finished so no debris is hiding there for the next time it is used. Finally, rinse the car off with a high pressure setting while being careful to apply slightly less force to the windows.”
