Karcher - most suitable for a TVR?
Discussion
Hello all - am considering a decent Karcher pressure washer for predominantly car cleaning and would value some advice of specific models/accessories? My budget is not vast (likely £100 max), and I am sensitive to not using a washer which could damage the TVR and its not-so-robust seals. Any advice appreciated!
) and definitely don't use it in the engine bay - you'll be fine, honest.I use a power washer pretty much every day washing cars, I had decent use from an early Kew washer and have had one karcher which was crap, it spent more time getting repaired than it did in my garage, they sent me two replacement washers both packed in eventually got a full refund, fwiw Ive used a bosch aquatic for around 4 years and its still spot on. think I paid around £120 for it from ebay it was classed as graded (box was scruffy but washer new)bosch is much better made, the hose is reinforced and twice the length of the karcher.
ukwill said:
my spare is a karcher k2.35 - its perfectly adequate for car cleaning. Whats more, it works perfectly well with a foam lance.
to each his own.
very trueto each his own.
though the detailing 'shops' would tell you anything less than a £300+ Kranzle is next to useless - funny that all they sell is Kranzle!!
For car cleaning, check the flow rate (as opposed to working pressure), as some of them don't pump out enough water to rinse foam or heavy dirt off. While I am no expert, I think the rule of thumb is to aim for over 350 litres...
The working pressure is more important for stone cleaning and such like.
Just checked and the K386 is at 380 litres an hour versus 330 for the K291. My Aquatak is around the same as the K386, and I am not sure I would want any less water flow for rinsing, especially on a wide spray setting.
The working pressure is more important for stone cleaning and such like.
Just checked and the K386 is at 380 litres an hour versus 330 for the K291. My Aquatak is around the same as the K386, and I am not sure I would want any less water flow for rinsing, especially on a wide spray setting.
Edited by morebeanz coz I bothered to check up on stuff
Edited by morebeanz on Wednesday 5th March 13:45
morebeanz said:
For car cleaning, check the flow rate (as opposed to working pressure), as some of them don't pump out enough water to rinse foam or heavy dirt off. While I am no expert, I think the rule of thumb is to aim for over 350 litres...
The working pressure is more important for stone cleaning and such like.
Just checked and the K386 is at 380 litres an hour versus 330 for the K291. My Aquatak is around the same as the K386, and I am not sure I would want any less water flow for rinsing, especially on a wide spray setting.
I'd really love to know where that little gem originated from. I've used the k235 several times now, as I find it easier to use than a much more powerful one I have. I think it is specced at 360litres p/h. It provides more than enough power to clean both our cars. Regardless of the state they are in.The working pressure is more important for stone cleaning and such like.
Just checked and the K386 is at 380 litres an hour versus 330 for the K291. My Aquatak is around the same as the K386, and I am not sure I would want any less water flow for rinsing, especially on a wide spray setting.
Edited by morebeanz coz I bothered to check up on stuff
Edited by morebeanz on Wednesday 5th March 13:45
ukwill said:
I'd really love to know where that little gem originated from.
Happy to help - it's my personal experience with a few (although necessarily finite) number of pressure washers that they don't spray enough water. I'm not talking about pressure here, but volume. Pressure will shift the spots of mud, etc, but volume of water will help to address a larger area.That experience is echoed by many of the folks on Detailing World...
morebeanz said:
ukwill said:
I'd really love to know where that little gem originated from.
Happy to help - it's my personal experience with a few (although necessarily finite) number of pressure washers that they don't spray enough water. I'm not talking about pressure here, but volume. Pressure will shift the spots of mud, etc, but volume of water will help to address a larger area.That experience is echoed by many of the folks on Detailing World...
i've used the most basic Karcher up the the 3.99 which i use now and there is no difference in cleaning results - FACT
firstly, snow foam by Auto Rae Chem lance - allow to dwell - rinse with pw - repeat with snow foam - rinse with lance - them 'sheet' rinse with hose using filtered water (a luxury extra!!)
and the result on a very dirty 4 x 4 is the same with the £40 pw as the £100 pw
oh and for under the arches i use the 'proper' Karcher underbody lance (£10 off ebay sellers)
Mustang Baz said:
Halfords now seem out of the Karcher K399 and only show the K291. Is there any major discernable difference in quality/car cleaning ability as I have Halfords vouchers to use!
Per Halfords, the K.399 model is now obsolete, with the nearest option seeming a K.291 (albeit a lower flow rate). Any one any experience of this? Am thinking of coupling this with an Auto-Rae foam lance. Gassing Station | Bodywork & Detailing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff