I'm planning on buying a pressure washer, I think most car washes use washers that are rated somewhere around 1500 psi, however since I also want to use my washer to do the siding on my house and a few other things I'm looking at somthing in the 2200-2500 psi range.

Now here'* the car related question, would this still be safe to use on my vehicles?

General rule of thumb. Dont go any closer than the distance you would spray your arm.

So if you wouldn't put your arm closer than 3 feet from the nozzle, dont go closer than 3 feet from the paint

Take a look at this article:

http://www.bsmagri.com/Products/Wash...e/article.html

I ended up going with a 13 HP Honda gas3,500psi, 4.3 GPM. When I have it at the highest setting and was cleaning the wood deck, I was actually removing pieces of wood. If I kept it there long enough I would have cut through a 2x6. Also when I first press the nozzlle it actually pushes me back.

2300-2500 is reasonable for any US based projects around the house. (hey Frank..I'll trade ya!) Like Rob mentioned... don't get too close, start off further away and move closer as needed.

I've got a pressure washer with a Honda 6 or 6.5 hp engine; I think it'* like 2400 or 2700 psi (don't remember exact model). I use it on the car.

Just be careful on nozzle selection. The 40 degree is fine for the body, and the 30 degree is ok for underbody/wheelweel and wheels/tires. But the 15 degree can peel paint off wood, and the 0 degree will bore holes in concrete, so I stay away from those on the car.

I use it on the engine compartment also, though ONLY with the 40 degree nozzle, and not too close (for fear of cutting wires, etc.)

I used to have a Karcher 2,400 psi with a Honda motor on it but it lasted 2 seasons. For some reason the pump broke and when I brought it back to Karcher all they said was yup, it'* gone. They didn't give me my money back but gave me around $200.00 off of the new Karcher pressure washer. Now I have a almost new 5 HP Honda motor that Mick wants to build a Go Kart with..............Ya like that'* going to happen in my lifetime!