I’ve always preferred washing my own vehicles at home. It’s more satisfying and in my opinion, I do a better job than my local car wash. That being said, I never pressure wash under my car. For some reason, it just seemed like more trouble than it was worth.
This Summer, I decided to take a peak underneath my daily driver and the amount of grime, dirt, and debris that had built up was shocking. I knew it was time for a good cleaning. But is pressure washing under your car really worth the effort?
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of pressure washing under your car. We’ll also provide some tips on how to pressure wash under your car successfully.
So, let’s get started!
Should You Pressure Wash Under Your Car?
The undercarriage of your vehicle takes a beating. It’s constantly exposed to dirt, grime, salt, rocks, and other debris. Over time, this can lead to rust and corrosion.
I found the longer you avoid pressure washing under your car, the worse the build-up will be. If you live in an area with harsh winters, the salt used to de-ice the roads can speed up the process.
Pressure washing under your car is the best way to remove built-up grime, dirt, and debris. It also helps prevent rust and corrosion. Plus, it makes it easier to spot potential problems. So, whether you wash your own car or take it to a professional, you should consider pressure washing the undercarriage on a regular basis.
The Pros of Pressure Washing Under Your Car
Now if you’re still on the fence about pressure washing under your car, let’s take a look at some of the pros:
Removes built-up grime, dirt, and debris: All the dirt and grime that builds up under our cars needs to be constantly removed to avoid rust and corrosion. Just spraying it with a hose isn’t going to cut it. Using a pressure washer will prevent the dirt and grime from getting out of control and damaging your car.
Helps prevent rust and corrosion: The undercarriage of a car is the most susceptible to rust and corrosion as it’s constantly exposed to the elements. Pressure washing under your car regularly will help remove any build-up that could lead to rust and corrosion.
Makes it easier to spot potential problems: When you can see clearly under your car, it’s much easier to spot potential problems. This could be anything from a cracked hose to a leaking fluid line. Pressure washing under your car gives you a better view of what’s going on and allows you to fix any problems before they become bigger issues.
The Cons of Pressure Washing Under Your Car
Even though I’ve been advocating pressure washing under cars since I started doing it myself, there are some downsides that you should be aware of:
Can damage sensitive components: The components under our cars are usually well protected from the elements. But, if you’re not careful when pressure washing, you can damage sensitive components. So, it’s important to know where these components are and take precautions to avoid damaging them.
Takes time and effort: If you’ve ever washed your car on your own, you’ll know the feeling of satisfaction that comes with a job well done. Well, that “job well done” feeling will have to be put on hold until you pressure wash under your car. Pressure washing the undercarriage of your car is a time-consuming task. But, in my opinion, it’s worth the effort.
Tips to Pressure Wash Under Your Car Successfully
Now that we’ve discussed the pros and cons of pressure washing under your car, I want to go over some tips that will make it much easier and less time-consuming:
Use the appropriate pressure washer nozzle: There are different types of pressure washer nozzles for different applications. Using the wrong nozzle can damage your car or take longer to clean. So, make sure you’re using the right nozzle for the job.
Identify sensitive areas: As I mentioned before, there are certain areas under your car that are more sensitive to damage. These areas include the brake lines, suspension components, and electrical systems. So, before you start pressure washing, take a few minutes to identify these areas.
Protect sensitive components: Once you know where the sensitive areas are, you can take steps to protect them. This could involve covering them with a cloth or tape. Or, you could just avoid spraying them directly with the pressure washer.
Less is more: Some pressure washers can be a lot more powerful than you might think. And focusing the tip in the same area for too long can cause damage. So, it’s important to start with a lower setting and work your way up. This will prevent you from damaging your car and make the process much easier.
Take your time: As I mentioned before, pressure washing the undercarriage of your car is a time-consuming task. Unless you have a lift at home, you should expect to bend and twist in awkward positions. So, take your time and be careful not to rush.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to pressure washing under your car. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pressure wash under your car is up to you. But, if you do decide to pressure wash under your car, I hope these tips will help you do it successfully.