Pressure washers may damage your tyres

[dave]

UK tyre industry watchdog TyreSafe has warned that there might be a safety risk with washing your tyres with industrial strength water jets, as used in hand-washing services.

The extreme pressure used by some hand-washing pressure washers can do damage to tyres in as little as five seconds, if the nozzle is held close enough to the tyre. In effect, the water creates microscopic holes in the tyre wall, which can weaken it and increase the danger of a blow-out.

Apparently, the problem is worsened by the use of strong soaps and detergents, as they might break down some of the chemicals used to protect and strengthen the rubber.

The safety group advises that pressure washers up to 110 bar, held at least 20cm away from the tyre should be safe.


source www.fastcar.co.uk

 

[T14086]

So this isn't just a Fiat problem then?

 

[Venters]

High strength pressure washers can damage more than tyres!
Although the damage might not be as dangerous.
Detergents we use in ours is actually considered corrosive! according to stickers on the barrel!
They really should make sure people know what they are doing with them before letting them use them.

 

[luvduvs]

I used to work in a car wash cafe (looong time ago ) and no one seemed to care how far the nozzle should stay away from the car. Come to think about it, is it possible to cause a dent with the jet? Reason I ask is a few months ago I got my GP back, washed by the dealer, but then noticed a dent on the hatchlid. But then again why of all places the hatchlid and not anywhere else?

 

[Venters]

Pressure washer could dent car!
Or atleast an idiot using one could. Lance close to paint then shuts it down thrust from the pressure stops and the force exerted by the operater to keep the lance at a set distance doesn't stop as quick, Bang lance hits car! :bang:

 

[luvduvs]

Pressure washer could dent car!
Or atleast an idiot using one could. Lance close to paint then shuts it down thrust from the pressure stops and the force exerted by the operater to keep the lance at a set distance doesn't stop as quick, Bang lance hits car! :bang:

Well thing is I don't have proof that it was the dealer who dented my car - I did inspect the car before taking it back (but then again probably not properly)..

 

[blu73]

I've seen paint taken of a citreon ax bonnet with a pressure washer, twas funny (for me, the guy was well upset)..

 

[luvduvs]

I've seen paint taken of a citreon ax bonnet with a pressure washer, twas funny (for me, the guy was well upset)..

That's why I try to wash the car myself (though I haven't actually had the chance to because the GP's been back to the dealer's so many times I've been getting free car washes for the last few months!)

 

[jug]

if someone used a pressure washer (or even a jetwash from argos) on my car i would abuse them with a butter knife.

 

[blu73]

would that be a blunt rusty bread knife??