Do you pressure wash your car?

[AmmarYasirA]

So I know when I bought my car that the wheels were "repaired" (very poorly) by the previous owner. Was washing the wheels and next thing you know.... Paint chips off.

Now I know with higher powered pressure washers you're supposed to be more careful, but this was just a small, electric, 1800 psi pressure washer.

Was it me or the wheels? I've seen a ton of people pressure wash their cars. But was it due to my ignorance in washing the car? Or could it have been the crappy wheel finish?

[Westersund]

It was a poor paintjob. I've not used anything but a pressure washer for 11 years and I have never ruined the paint on a car or the wheels.

[chickdr]

The paint on the wheels is really poor(for M Roadsters anyway). When I had my tires changed, one wheel chipped badly. Since you are in Atlanta, let me recommend the Wheel Wizard in Chamblee for a repair. They refinished my wheel and it has held up well.

[Spedracer81]

I use a 3100psi Pressure washer on my car but I hold the wand about 10"s away, I find it's a good to remove the heavy debris (mostly front bumper) then I go back and hand wash the rest...I never P-wash the wheels when their on the car, heard it can cause damage to braking components...I waxes my rims so most of the dirt just hoses off..my 2 cents..

Oh and yes, the clear on my OEM rims have chipped off...and I have a coupe..

[RADRACR]

Originally Posted by Spedracer81

I never P-wash the wheels when their on the car, heard it can cause damage to braking components

I understand that a shot of water to super hot parts is bad, but how would something get damaged otherwise?