Are you in the business of detailing and maintaining cars? A high-quality commercial pressure washer can help you keep all the nooks and crannies clean. The power of a pressure washer depends on two main measurements: PSI, or pounds per square inch, and GPM, or gallons per minute. What’s the difference between PSI and GPM when it comes to cleaning a car?
PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)
Your pressure washer blasts water out of its nozzle with force measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch. This measurement puts the “pressure” in “pressure washer”! Think of PSI as the powerful force that strips dirt and debris off a vehicle.
Many folks believe that a high PSI is always better in a pressure washer. That’s true up to a point, but be wary of the damage that too much pressure can cause. You don’t want to strip the paint off your customer’s vehicle!
Pro Tip:
An effective pressure washer boasts between 2,000 and 3,000 PSI. Adjust the pressure as necessary to remove dirt without stripping the paint.
GPM (Gallons per Minute)
While PSI refers to the force of the water from your pressure washer, GPM, or gallons per minute, measures the flow and the amount of water you’re using. Washing equipment with a high GPM delivers high volumes of water very quickly. Once the force of a high PSI breaks up the dirt and grime on the vehicle, the GPM washes it away.
Unlike particularly high PSI ratings, a high GPM on your pressure washer won’t cause damage. There’s no such thing as too much water flow; in fact, a high GPM will help you wash away dirt more quickly!
Pro Tip:
High-quality pressure washers use between 2.2 and 10 GPM. Use as much water as you need to get the vehicle sparkling clean.
PSI and GPM Comparison
These two measurements work in tandem, not in competition with one another. You’ll need adequate PSI and GPM to clean any car thoroughly and efficiently. The PSI tackles the first part of the task—blasting dirt and grime away—while the GPM quickly handles the secondary cleanup process.
Does your pressure washer have plenty of force (PSI) but weak water flow (GPM), or vice versa? Cougar Chemical offers pressure washer repairs in Nashville that will bring both measurements back into harmony with one another.
While there is a difference between PSI and GPM when it comes to cleaning cars, you need both to clean the vehicle efficiently. The force and volume of the water you use can make all the difference!