5 Best Car Pressure Washers of 2024

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The Best Car Pressure Washers

best pressure washer for car review uk
  1. Best all rounder - Kärcher K2 Power Control High-Pressure Washer

  2. Best value for money - Bosch EasyAquatak 120 High-Pressure Washer

  3. Best low cost option - Paxcess Electric High Pressure Washer

  4. Best maximum water pressure - VonHaus 1600W Pressure Washer

  5. Best budget option - VYTRONIX PW1500 Electric Pressure Washer

Car Pressure Washer Reviews

Editors Choice
  • Assembly is easy and only takes 5 minutes
  • Comes with a good selection of accessories, plus extras that can be purchased, making it very versatile
  • Max pressure of 110 feels powerful enough for all home/garden tasks
  • The adjustable nozzle offers a good variation of water pressure options
  • Compact and lightweight, so much so that it’s easier to pick the machine up to move it around rather than wheeling it
  • Quite a quiet machine - good for urban areas!
  • Can be used with water up to 40°C in temperature, which means that it can clean a greater variety of things, from grease to algae

  • Has a 5 m cable which means that you may need to use an extension
Water Pressure
110 bar
Flow Rate
360 l/h
Power
1400 W
Hose Length
5m
Weight
3.99kg
Overall Score 5Read In-depth Review
Assembly
5
Design
5
Performance
5
Ease of Use
5
Versatility
5
Value for Money
5

Kärcher is known for being one of the best pressure washer brands out there. In addition to some of the large, commercial machines that they produce, they also have a range of smaller pressure washers designed for the home and garden. One of these is the Kärcher K2 Power Control High-Pressure Washer.

With a car that needs constant cleaning, pressure washers are something I use pretty regularly, so I had high hopes that this one would be my new favourite.

Assembling the Kärcher K2 Power Control High-Pressure Washer only takes about five minutes. You don’t need any tools – everything has a push connection. Simply push the pieces together, connect up your water and electricity supply, and you’re good to go!

In terms of design, this pressure washer has a lot going for it. It’s pretty compact and lightweight, although it does also have wheels for easier manoeuvrability. It comes with a 5 m hose and a 5 m cable, along with a variety of accessories. 

I used this pressure washer to clean my car, and the back of another jeep. I was very impressed with its performance – it really didn’t put a foot wrong.

Its has a maximum pressure of 110 bar, which isn’t as powerful as some of the others that I tested, but you honestly can’t tell when you’re actually using the machine – it’s got loads of cleaning power. The flow rate is 360 L /hour.

This is helped by the fact that the pressure washer is so easy to use. With it being so lightweight, you can pick it up and move it around rather than having to wheel it – ideal for when you’re using it on uneven ground.

It also has an adjustable handle – something that none of the other pressure washers had. Even better, this pressure washer was quieter than many of the others that I reviewed which is great for those of you with nearby neighbours.

When it comes to versatility, it really doesn’t get much better than this Kärcher machine either. The pressure washer comes with a hose, a gun, and two lances. One lance offers variable pressure (this is the one I used to clean my entire car), and the other produces an intense jet.

My washer came with the ‘Home Kit’ add-on, so there was also a patio cleaning attachment and a bottle of patio detergent included. Those accessories alone make this pressure washer very versatile, but Kärcher also has several other compatible attachments available to buy.

There are almost 50 accessories available in total, many of which make this pressure washer suitable for tasks that you would have probably never otherwise used it for.

With that in mind, I would say that this pressure washer is great value for money. It comes in at a similar price to many of its competitors, but has the potential to be useful for so many more jobs.

It’s also worth mentioning Kärcher’s Home & Garden app. If you download this onto your phone, they’ll give you customised advice on how much water pressure to use depending on what you’re doing. This personal, interactive element adds a nice touch.

All in all, this is an item that just about everyone would benefit from owning, and it’s definitely one of the best pressure washers all round.

Not only is it the best pressure washer for cars, but it can also be used to clean garden furniture, scrub stone walls, and wash patios.

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Runner Up
  • Easy assembly takes less than 10 minutes, with no tools needed
  • Very compact and lightweight (4.7 kg) - it’s so easy to move this machine around and convenient to store
  • Max pressure is 120 bar which is powerful enough for nearly all household tasks
  • Good motor power - 1500 W that won’t burn out easily
  • Comes with a good selection of accessories, making it very versatile

  • Quite noisy - would likely annoy your neighbours
  • Comes with a brush attachment yet doesn’t come with the required connector supplied - you have to buy this separately
  • The 5 m cable length may be a little too short for some people, but it can be improved by using an extension lead
Water Pressure
120 bar
Flow Rate
350 l/h
Power
1500 W
Hose Length
5m
Weight
4.7kg
Overall Score 5Read In-depth Review
Assembly
5
Design
5
Performance
5
Ease of Use
5
Versatility
5
Value for Money
5

Bosch has turned itself into quite the household name, producing everything from kitchen appliances to garden machinery and power tools. I’ve used many of these over the years, and now my focus turns to their EasyAquatak 120 High-Pressure Washer – I wanted to find out just how well this machine would clean a dirty car, and whether or not it was worth buying.

Bosch-EasyAquatak-120-High-Pressure-Washer-Review-ease-of-useAssembling this pressure washer was pretty simple – it took under 10 minutes. All of the parts fit together easily with straight push connections. Instructions are provided, but you probably won’t even need them as everything is so straightforward.

In terms of design, this is a very compact unit. It’s significantly smaller and lighter than most of the other pressure washers that I tested, yet it offers some impressive features. With a foam nozzle, different jet types and a double water filter, this machine is feels equipped to approach a lot of different jobs.

As soon as I turned the machine on, I could clearly feel its power, and this was evident once I turned it towards my car. With 120 bar max pressure and a flow rate of 350 litres per hour, the water jet is strong enough for just about all household tasks. Needless to say, it cleared the dirt on my car very efficiently. With 1500 W power, this is a machine that you’ll be able to use for several hours during a cleaning session – I don’t believe the motor will burn out easily.

Thanks to its size, I found this pressure washer extremely easy to use – it was one of the best pressure washers in terms of convenience. Being able to move it around wherever needed was very useful. There was no wheeling or heavy lifting involved – simply grab ’n’ go.

Its 5 m cable and hose length worked well for me combined with an extension lead. However, I could see this potentially causing an issue for some. Then again, you could purchase a longer hose and simply swap them over.

Bosch has tried to make this pressure washer as versatile as possible, and they’ve definitely succeeded. When it comes to included accessories, there are two nozzles, a detergent tank, patio cleaner, and a brush.

Unfortunately, the connector to attach the brush to the hose hasn’t been provided – it needs to be purchased separately (which seems counterintuitive). But, putting that fact aside, this pressure washer could be used for so many different tasks, whether you needed to wash a car/trailer/lawn mower or clean your garden furniture and patio.

Whilst I know that some Bosch products can seem a little overpriced, I’d say this one justifies its cost. Therefore, if you’re after good value, this is one of the best pressure washers on the market.

All in all, I was very impressed with the Bosch EasyAquatak 120 High-Pressure Washer. It offers just the right amount of cleaning power and pressure to be a useful home and garden tool, with enough versatility to make it well worth investing in.

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Also Good

3. Paxcess Electric High Pressure Washer

Best low cost option

best car pressure washers Paxcess Electric High Pressure Washer
  • Has a brass, rather than plastic, hose connection, which feels much more durable
  • Hose has a suction feature that allows it to be used with an alternative water supply, rather than just a tap. This gives you the freedom to use the pressure washer in places without a water connection
  • Has a 6 m hose and a 6 m cable, rather than the 5 m options that most pressure washers offer
  • Comes with an adjustable nozzle spray gun and a detergent bottle attachment
  • Max pressure of 120 bar which is powerful enough for most cleaning tasks around the home and garden
  • Can be used with hot water up to 40°C in temperature

  • Only has a single filter, which could shorten the lifespan of the pressure washer if it gets clogged with debris
  • Doesn’t come with many attachments and there aren’t any that can be purchased separately, which limits what this pressure washer can be used for
Water Pressure
120 bar
Flow Rate
420 l/h
Power
1500 W
Hose Length
6m
Weight
7.36 kg
Overall Score 4.8Read In-depth Review
Assembly
5
Design
5
Performance
5
Ease of Use
5
Versatility
4
Value for Money
5

With Paxcess having only been around since 2015, this company may lack the large, loyal following of other brands, but they’ve still managed to build quite a reputation around their pressure washers. I was eager to find out what all of the fuss was about, so I put their Paxcess Electric High Pressure Washer to the test.

Paxcess-Electric-High-Pressure-Washer-Review-performanceAlthough my heart sank a little when I saw that there was a bag of screws included (none of the other pressure washers that I tested required screws for assembly), it was still ready to go in about 10 minutes. Once the hook and handle are screwed on, everything else pushes and clicks into place.

In terms of design, this pressure washer stands out from the crowd for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it comes with a 6m hose and cable, unlike most pressure washers that have a 5m length as standard. Secondly, the hose also has a suction function, meaning the power washer to draw water from a bucket, rather than just a tap. Unfortunately, it only has a single filter, but this won’t be a huge issue if you’re using a clean water source to begin with.

I was already impressed with the design of this pressure washer, and this feeling remained when I started using it. With a max pressure of 120 bar, the turbo nozzle delivers a strong jet of water. It quickly cleaned my car and removed some very stubborn dirt from my trailer. Running at 1500 W, the motor power is excellent and gets jobs done quickly; plus, the flow rate is an impressive 420 litres per hour.

I have to say that I appreciated this machine’s simplicity. Some may prefer a pressure washer with more attachments and functions, but the single spray gun with its adjustable nozzle was all I really needed. It’s also compact and lightweight; it’s easier to pick up the unit and carry it rather than moving it by its wheels.

It is a bit of a shame that there aren’t more attachment options other than the detergent bottle and gun that it comes with. However, in my opinion, it’s still a very versatile machine, just in a different way to some of the other ‘best power washers’ that have lots of accessories.

The suction hose gives you the freedom to use this power washer in places that don’t have a water connection (as long as you can fill a bucket with water). The washer can also be used with hot water up to 40°C, which is useful for tackling greasy surfaces.

It comes just shy of being the cheapest pressure washer featured here, which is why I’ve chosen it as the best low-cost option. If you can afford to spend just a little bit more on this model, I feel it’s worth stretching for the power and versatility that it offers.

Despite not having the same bells and whistles as other pressure washers, the Paxcess Electric Pressure Washer is impressive in its own right. You might not be able to buy accessories for it, but it’s great value. It has high quality components and is ideal for stubborn dirt and greasy stains, as well as for those who want something simple yet powerful.

Judging by this pressure washer, it’s easy to see how Paxcess has been managing to compete with the bigger-name alternatives – this machine really does hold its own.

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4. VonHaus 1600W Pressure Washer

Best maximum water pressure

best car pressure washers VonHaus 1600W Pressure Washer
  • Fast assembly takes less than 10 minutes
  • Best pressure washer for power/value ratio - has a max pressure of 135 bar, which is more powerful than any other machines tested
  • 1600 W motor power, able to cope with being used for long periods of time
  • It’s a lightweight and compact unit, meaning that it’s easy to move around and store

  • Doesn’t come with many accessories, and there aren’t many others that can be purchased separately
  • Squeezing the trigger gun requires a little extra pressure, which leaves the hands a bit sore after a long cleaning session
Water Pressure
90 bar
Flow Rate
330 l/h
Power
1600 W
Hose Length
5m
Weight
5.8kg
Overall Score 4.7Read In-depth Review
Assembly
5
Design
5
Performance
5
Ease of Use
4
Versatility
4
Value for Money
5

When you live on a farm that sits at the end of a winding dirt track, you end up using a pressure washer pretty often – especially when it comes to car cleaning! As a result, I’ve gone through many, but have often struggled to find one that I can rely on.

With the VonHaus 1600W Pressure Washer being designed specifically to clear away stubborn stains, I was hoping that this machine would be my new go-to.

VonHaus-1600W-Pressure-Washer-Review-ease-of-useIt couldn’t have been easier to assemble. Everything pushes and twists into place, with no tools required. Thanks to this, I was able to get the machine set up in less than 10 minutes.

The first thing that I noticed was that this pressure washer has a double filter. The main unit is also quite compact, with a 5 m cable and a 5 m hose, as well as a useful hook for cable storage.

It’s one of the best pressure washers in terms of cleaning power, with a max pressure of 135 bar and a 1600 W motor. The flow rate is 330 litres per hour. It’s the most powerful of the five pressure washers that I tested, and you can feel the extra cleaning power when you’re using it. 

Not only did it do a fantastic job of cleaning my car, but I also used it to clean a hot tub that had been sitting outside for over a year. This is a job that would usually be done manually and the power washer saved so much time. Plus, the variable pressure meant that I didn’t have to worry about causing any damage to the rubber tub whilst I was cleaning it. 

As a lightweight pressure washer, it’s easy to move around – something you may need to do frequently since it only has a 5 m hose. Even so, this is a pretty standard hose length among pressure washers of this level.

What lets this machine down is its lack of accessories. Some of the pressure washers that I tested, such as the Bosch and the Kärcher, came with multiple accessories and also have option of purchasing more separately. This VonHaus washer only came with a spray gun and a detergent tank, and I couldn’t find many other accessories to go with it.

Nevertheless, when you take water pressure and motor power into consideration, VonHaus is selling this power washer for a very reasonable price. It’s definitely the best car pressure washer if you want maximum pressure, especially given that there are other models out there that aren’t quite so powerful yet cost more.

Overall, even though it’s lacking when it comes to accessories, it’s still a fantastic machine with excellent cleaning potential. If you’re after something simple yet powerful, without an eyewatering price tag, then I would highly recommend the VonHaus 1600W Pressure Washer.

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  • Fast assembly takes just 7 minutes and requires no tools
  • Being compact and lightweight (5.87 kg) makes this pressure washer easy to move around and store
  • 1500 W motor power automatically turns off if it starts to overheat
  • The nozzle offers three different levels of water pressure, making the machine suitable for different cleaning tasks
  • Priced lower than most of its competitors
  • Simple and hassle-free to use with a basic design

  • Has a plastic, rather than a glass, filter, which means that you can’t easily see when the filter is clogged
  • At 105 bar, the maximum pressure offered by this machine is lower than all of the other pressure washers that I tested
  • Doesn’t come with any extra attachments and VYTRONIX doesn’t have any that can be purchased separately
Water Pressure
105 bar
Flow Rate
330 l/h
Power
1500 W
Hose Length
5m
Weight
5.87kg
Overall Score 4.2Read In-depth Review
Assembly
5
Design
4
Performance
4
Ease of Use
5
Versatility
3
Value for Money
4

If you’re looking for an inexpensive pressure washer, the VYTRONIX PW1500 Electric Pressure Washer is worth considering. As pressure washers go, it’s not a flashy model, but it’s affordable and good for light jobs.

This machine has been designed for easier tasks such as cleaning cars, garden furniture, and patios. I decided to put it to the test by using it to wash my car, as well as my wheelie bins.

Assembly was very easy and took about 7 minutes. You don’t need any tools – everything just pushes and twists into place.

Much of the design of this pressure washer is pretty standard, from its 5 m hose and cable to its compact size and adjustable nozzle. However, it does have a place for nozzle storage which saves you from losing any pieces.

The main downside was the single filter. Although a few of the other pressure washers that I tested had a single filter too, they were made from glass, rather than plastic like this one. The plastic makes it impossible to see if there are any clogs at a glance, which means that you’ll need to regularly check it.

When it comes to cleaning power, I found this pressure washer to be ‘average’. I’d say that it worked quite well, but definitely not as well as the others that I tested. This is likely down to its 105 bar maximum pressure, which is weaker than all of the others, and it’s lower flow rate of 330 litres per hour.

Nevertheless, this pressure washer is extremely easy to use. VYTRONIX has kept things as simple as possible – you don’t need to faff around with lots of different attachments. Instead, you simply twist the nozzle to adjust the water spray pressure.

The main unit is also pretty lightweight at 6 kg, making it easy to pick up and move around. I found the 5 m cable and 5 m hose were both long enough to offer sufficient flexibility.

Whilst I appreciated not having to deal with lots of different attachments, there’s no denying that accessories do make pressure washers much more versatile. Unfortunately, not only did this one fail to provide extra attachments, but there aren’t any available to buy separately either. 

On the plus side, it’s certainly a very affordable option. It’s the lowest priced of all of the pressure washers that I tested, so this definitely makes it easier to overlook some of its flaws.

To be completely honest, this isn’t a pressure washer that I would choose for myself. I would rather pay a tiny bit more for a machine that offers more versatility and power.

However, if you only have a few light jobs in mind for your pressure washer, then versatility and motor power won’t be quite as important. Instead, you’ll want a reliable machine that doesn’t cost too much – and that’s exactly what the VYTRONIX PW1500 Electric Pressure Washer is.

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Product Testers

Landscape Gardener
Gardening Expert

Derek's Smart Buying Tips

  1. For car cleaning, an electric mains-powered pressure washer will be sufficiently powerful. There’s no need to use a petrol pressure washer for cleaning the car.
  2. There are also battery-powered pressure washers on the market, but I haven’t included them in this list because they lack the power of mains-powered models. For cleaning the car, you’ll want a mains-powered washer.
  3. For light or medium jobs, choose a max pressure of 90 – 120 bar and a flow rate of around 330 L/hour. In fact, when it comes to cleaning the car, you might occasionally want to use a lower pressure of around 80 bar. This will still clean well, without risking damaging the paintwork. Look for a machine with a dial to increase and decrease the pressure, or at least an adjustable spray wand.
  4. To tackle heavy-duty jobs, I recommend a washer with a bar pressure of around 130. This will be sufficient for jobs like cleaning decking, concrete, and patios.
  5. Look out for additional accessories if you want a more versatile tool. For example, angled lances can help with clearing gutters and different nozzles can offer more spray variation. The best pressure washers for your car will have a range of compatible accessories available, meaning additional tools can be purchased at a later date if necessary.

Of the five models we tested, the Kärcher K2 Power Control High-Pressure Washer came out on top. It’s suitably powerful for cleaning the car, as well as other tasks, with 110 bar pressure. It’s hugely versatile, with numerous attachments included; plus, it can be used with warm water up to 40°C, which is useful for tackling more stubborn grime.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Kärcher K2 Power Control High-Pressure Washer
    best car pressure washers Kärcher K2 Power Control High Pressure Washer
    • 5
    • 110 bar
    • 360 l/h
    • 1400 W
    • 5m
    • 3.99kg
  • Bosch EasyAquatak 120 High-Pressure Washer
    best car pressure washers Bosch EasyAquatak 120 High Pressure Washer
    • 5
    • 120 bar
    • 350 l/h
    • 1500 W
    • 5m
    • 4.7kg
  • Paxcess Electric High Pressure Washer
    best car pressure washers Paxcess Electric High Pressure Washer
    • 4.8
    • 120 bar
    • 420 l/h
    • 1500 W
    • 6m
    • 7.36 kg
  • VonHaus 1600W Pressure Washer
    best car pressure washers VonHaus 1600W Pressure Washer
    • 4.7
    • 90 bar
    • 330 l/h
    • 1600 W
    • 5m
    • 5.8kg
  • VYTRONIX PW1500 Electric Pressure Washer
    best car pressure washers VYTRONIX PW1500 Electric Pressure Washer
    • 4.2
    • 105 bar
    • 330 l/h
    • 1500 W
    • 5m
    • 5.87kg

How to Choose The Best Pressure Washer for your Car

Many people go looking for the UK’s best pressure washer to help with cleaning cars. It’s important that the model is suitable for car washing; pressure washers that operate at too high a pressure can damage paintwork.

If you’re keen to purchase a pressure washer for car cleaning (and other tasks!), the following tips will help you make an informed purchase.

READ NEXT: The UK’s Best Portable Pressure Washers

Useful Features to Look Out For

For easier car cleaning, I recommend looking out for pressure washers with these key features:

  • A long hose. Look for pressure washers with a hose of at least 5 m long, anything shorter will be very inconvenient.
  • Wheels. These make it easier to move the pressure washer around your car. Alternatively, choose a lightweight design with a secure carry handle.
  • Variable pressure settings. You’ll need higher pressure for areas around the wheels, and lower pressure for windscreens/windows.
  • Angled nozzles. These make it easier to access different parts of the car. A nozzle that directs water upwards is a great option for getting all the grime out of wheel arches.
  • Built-in detergent tank/detergent bottle included. A soap bottle attachment will automatically apply detergent if desired, meaning less elbow grease is needed!

READ NEXT: The UK’s Best Budget Pressure Washers Under £100

Choosing the Correct Power

Pressure washers that are used predominantly for cleaning cars don’t need to be excessively powerful. You’ll need a max pressure of 100-130 bar.

Look for a flow rate of around 330 litres per hour or more.

This should also be suitable for garden furniture, guttering, and other light/medium duty jobs.

If you’d like to use your pressure washer to clean guttering, you may find these drain and gutter cleaning attachments useful.

If you also need a pressure washer for more heavy-duty cleaning tasks (decking, patios, concrete), choose a model with 130 bar max pressure, and use it at a lower setting for car washing.

Electric vs Petrol Pressure Washers

For cleaning cars, electric pressure washers are sufficient. These are cheaper, slightly less powerful and quieter than petrol pressure washers. They still have enough power to clean encrusted patios and driveways.

The downside to electric pressure washers is that they need to be plugged in and you often need to use an extension cable.

Petrol powered pressure washers are suitable for large scale jobs and heavy-duty cleaning. They are more expensive, more powerful and more work to maintain. They don’t need to be connected to a power socket so you aren’t limited by the power cable.

For car cleaning, and jobs around the home, petrol-powered pressure washers aren’t really necessary.

Car Pressure Washer FAQs

Washing the car with a high pressure jet wash can damage the paint, eventually leading to rust. 

The best pressure washers for car cleaning will have between 1200 – 1900 PSI which generally equates to a max pressure of 80 – 130 bar.

First, you should read the instructions as these can vary from brand to brand.

  1. Run your garden hose to clear any debris in the pipe.
  2. Attach the high-pressure hose to the lance. Connect the hose to the washer/ place the suction hose into a body of water (like a water butt).
  3. Turn on pressure washer.
  4. Squeeze trigger gun gently to check connections are secure. Test on the ground (not your car!).
  5. Rinse the top layer of grime from car using low pressure. For windows, lights and other delicate surfaces, opt for a light spray.
  6. Apply detergent if desired. Allow it to sink in for a few minutes. Don’t allow detergent to dry as it will leave marks.
  7. Use an attachable brush to remove stubborn dirt and grease.
  8. Rinse car fully using a higher setting – no more than 130 bar.
  9. Allow car to dry naturally (or you can use a leaf blower to dry it if you have one!).

Yes, pressure washers work very effectively even without detergent. However, for cleaning cars, you may find using a detergent gives it a better finish and shine. 

For mouldy areas, you should consider using a detergent to kill the spores and prevent them from spreading. 

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