How to choose a Karcher household mini-washer for washing a car
Who is this article for?
If you just decided buy a mini sink and do not know where to start, then read this article. She will help you make your choice.
What are the high pressure washers
Apparatus high pressure (AED) can be divided into 2 large groups: professional and household. As a rule, professional ones call it - high pressure apparatuses, and household ones are called - mini washers ... For the correct selection of professional high-pressure washers, it is recommended to contact the sales specialists professional equipment Karcher and this article will not talk about them.
Why choose a mini-sink from Karcher
The German company Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co KG was founded by the inventor Alfred Karcher back in 1935. In 1950, he invented and patented the first cleaning device that worked on the principle of hot water under high pressure. Thus, the company Karcher is the ancestor of modern mini-washers and to this day is a leader in their development and production, having highly qualified engineers at its enterprise. Today the main focus of Karcher is the development and production of washing and cleaning equipment. Washing Körcher - a guarantee, German quality and reliability, which are known all over the world. Karcher provides a 2-year warranty for all its home appliances.
What are mini washers or high pressure washers (HPA) for?
Mini washer or a high pressure washer (HPA) is a versatile device that helps in cleaning a wide variety of contaminants using a high pressure water jet and with the ability to use a variety of replaceable nozzles and chemical detergents... The greatest application of the Karcher mini-wash was found in car cleaning, but this is not their only purpose. Also, mini washer will help you to cope with the cleaning of terraces, mossy garden paths, boats and other equipment, building facades, roofs, swimming pools, sewer cleaning, etc., making the work easier and saving significant amounts of water (up to 80%).
Main characteristics of mini-washers
Pressure... Household mini-washers Karcher can deliver a pressure of 100-160 bar. In order to effectively wash a car, it is enough to have a pressure of 120-130 bar.
Performance... Productivity shows the flow rate of water per hour or per minute. On average, this is 7-12 l / min.
Supply voltage... All Karcher household mini-washers can operate from a 220 V power supply network.
Power consumption... Engine power in Karcher sinks is on average 1.5 - 2.5 kW.
Household high pressure washers Karcher
Karcher manufactures wide range of household mini sinks from primary class to semi-professional. All Karcher household mini-washers are classified by series: from 2 to 7.
Mini washers entry level
, as a rule, have low cost, small dimensions, light weight, compactness. They are intended for infrequent and short-term use. The main purpose of such washes: occasional cleaning of small, dirty areas. The service life of entry-class sinks is limited, the pressure is not high - 100-110 bar. Pumps of sinks of this class, as a rule, are made of durable industrial plastic, which significantly reduces the service life of the device.
Attention
... Mini-washers Karcher of the K 2 series are the simplest sinks. For their work, water supply from an external source under pressure is required. If water is supplied to the device by gravity, then the pressure at the outlet of the device will drop dramatically, which will significantly reduce the already low service life.
Middle class minisinks - these are the most popular household car washes Karcher (Karcher) for washing the car. Series K 5 is the most the best option for a family with one or two cars and a small amount of other minimum wash work. The performance and service life of the devices is significantly higher than that of entry-level sinks. The pump of these sinks is no longer made of plastic, but silumin. The outlet pressure reaches 120-140 bar. Water can be supplied to the inlet of the apparatus, either under pressure or by gravity, this does not affect the outlet pressure and productivity.
High class minisinks - this is already a semi-professional option and they are designed to eliminate pollution in large areas. The pumps of such sinks are made of brass, which further increases the service life of the device. The outlet pressure of the apparatus reaches 150-160 bar. Mini-washers of this class can be suitable for a family with two or three cars, other equipment, a large cottage and a plot.
Complete set of mini-washers Karcher
The standard set of Karcher household mini-washers includes a high-pressure apparatus itself, a high-pressure hose 3-12 meters, a gun, a fitting, a pressure-adjustable nozzle and, depending on the model, may have an additional nozzle - a mud cutter, a tank for chemistry. The device has a built-in filter for fine water purification in the form of a mesh on the inlet pipe.
Recommendation
... If the water supplied to the apparatus may not be clean enough, then it is recommended to use an external fine water filter, which has a transparent flask and is installed with outside device to the inlet. The use of this filter creates additional cleaning of the incoming water from suspended particles of debris, allows you to see the degree of filter contamination without looking inside the device, and very easily allows you to clean the filter from the accumulated debris.
About what is not included in the package of Karcher mini-washers
The package does not include mini-washers low pressure hose, through which water is supplied from the source to the inside of the device. If the water is supplied from a water main, then a garden hose with a diameter of ½ inch may be suitable, it is possible only for the convenience of connecting to the device to recommend using universal connector, which easily connects to the mini-washer connection without the use of any clamps and can fit standard hose diameters: 1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 inches.
If water is supplied to the mini-sink by gravity from any container, then for normal work must be purchased separately suction hose with non-return valvewhich prevents water from flowing out of the hose when the pump of the device is turned off.
For contact washing, separate attachments in the form of different brushes may be required.
If you are going to wash your car in a contactless way, you will need a separate foam nozzle for non-contact cleaning or it is also called - foam nozzle.
Quite a lot of car owners, repeatedly faced with queues at car washes, high prices and not the most best quality service, come to the idea that you need to buy your own mini-sink. High pressure washers (AHP), which are also called a mini-car wash or karcher for washing a car, are produced today in many types, of different power and purpose. Consider important parameters, selection criteria and prices for this type of equipment.
A few words about the Karcher company
The Kärcher company is today a multinational corporation with more than 6 thousand employees. The company's products are recognizable all over the world and are sold in 160 countries, 36 thousand locations service ensure proper repair and maintenance. At the same time, the area of \u200b\u200bpresence of the company's products in the world is expanding every year. In Russia, this company is also very popular, in terms of growth rates and total sales, our country has now entered the top five leaders. Many owners of mini-car washes call their devices Karcher, even if they are made by other manufacturers.
In more than 70 years of its history, Kärcher has received numerous awards and prizes. The advantages of Karcher products, as evidenced by the reviews, are:
- extraordinary strength;
- a service life that significantly exceeds any analogues (subject to the rules of use);
- big choice versatile accessories that make the equipment multifunctional;
- modern design and well thought-out design of absolutely all components, the highest ergonomics;
- reference product quality, excellent technical parameters;
- high productivity of equipment, which saves time and high quality processing.
It is not for nothing that Karcher equipment is considered the leader among special equipment for cleaning and washing purposes among all manufacturers in the world. Legendary German quality and reasonable prices make equipment of this company the best choice for the user.
Criteria for choosing a Karcher for washing a car
The parameters influencing the choice, judging by the reviews, are:
- weight and dimensions;
- power;
- performance;
- pump material;
- high pressure hose length;
- availability and functions of additional equipment;
- company manufacturer;
- cost.
When purchasing a Karcher for washing a car, the buyer can forget about the dimensions and weight, focusing on other characteristics. However, when using AED, it is often necessary to move the device from place to place, while too much weight or inconvenient dimensions will inevitably cause fatigue. If you pay attention to the negative feedback from users of such equipment, you can often notice complaints about the large weight or too large dimensions. If weight more often affects the usability, then the dimensions remind of themselves when determining the storage location of the device. However, it should be remembered that small dimensions and weight are most often found in low-power household appliances, so a balance must be struck between necessary properties and dimensions.
Engine power and performance are related characteristics. Productivity is measured by the amount of water consumed over a certain period of time. Household mini-washers Karcher are equipped with motors from 1.4 to 2.5 kW, professional models - an average of 3-7 kW. The devices also differ in the material of manufacture of the pump - Karcher manufactures pumps for its high pressure pumps from plastic, silumin and brass. And if special plastic can withstand operation for 4-5 years (when used about once a week), then professional devices of the Xpert class (with a brass pump) serve more than ten years with daily use.
The high pressure hose does not have a low price. Therefore, when choosing a mini-sink, you should immediately decide on the length of the hose that is convenient for tasks a specific person... If the machine is used primarily for washing the car, a 6–8 meter hose is usually sufficient. Often, a shorter one is enough if the sink itself weighs a little. When buying inexpensive units, the user is often faced with the need to additionally purchase various attachments and accessories. Sometimes it is more expensive than taking the right package initially. Let's list the most necessary things that should be included with a mini-sink:
- High pressure hose (designed to pump water from the device to the gun).
- Low pressure hose. There are no special requirements for it, the main thing is that it ensures its function - it delivers water from the water supply system or container to the apparatus.
- Spray gun required for applying chemicals to surfaces and spraying water under pressure.
- Foam nozzle that makes it possible to wash the car in a non-contact way.
- A filter for the water supplied to the unit, so that you have to clean the mini-sink itself less often.
- Active detergents and other necessary chemicals in an amount sufficient for test launches of the device after purchase.
There is a wide range of additional accessories for Karcher AVD. Foam nozzles come in various sizes, special brushes are made for washing cars, hoses with a check valve are made to take water from containers, so that water does not flow out of the hose, and there is no interruption in the operation of the unit.
AED today is made by quite a few companies, both world famous and fairly new. When choosing a brand, it should be remembered that, despite the merits of other companies, the Karcher company remains the leader in this market segment, the quality of its products is time-tested, prices are affordable, and the reviews of the owners are usually positive.
Price ranges and some specific examples
Speaking about the cost categories of a Karcher mini-car wash for washing a car, one must not forget that the device can belong to different classes, so prices sometimes differ significantly. There are several types of Karcher AEDs - household ones marked K (with an electric motor) or G (with a gasoline engine). Professional devices are labeled HD (no hot water) or HDS (heated). Besides, the lineup may include several classes (for example, for electrical marked K, these classes are five - K2, K3, K4, K5 and K7), differing in terms of power and performance. At the same time, the price range can be quite wide - K type sinks are sold from 3.7 thousand rubles for K2 Basic to 30-38 thousand rubles. for K7.
Devices with gasoline engines are sold for about 30-70 thousand rubles, depending on the power. Professional HD types cost from 40 thousand and more, HDS - from about 130 thousand rubles. Let's consider several models of sinks in more detail.
KärcherK5 Premium
Convenience and comfort are provided by the reel for winding the outlet hose and hooks for storing the power supply cable. 8m hose that can be easily connected to and removed from the device thanks to the Quick Connect system. All accessories are stored on the machine itself, are available and are almost always ready for use. The set includes a Vario Power jet nozzle, a water filter and a cleaning agent in a container that is inserted into the sink body, as well as a dirt blaster. Can take water from a barrel or tank.
Pressure range - 20–145 bar, capacity max. 500 l / h, supply voltage 230 volts, power 2100 W. The sink weighs 14.5 kg, dimensions (mm) 350x426x880. Prices for this model are in the range of 20-22 thousand rubles.
KärcherK2 Basic
A household appliance designed for infrequent use, removing small dirt. Used to wash street or garden furniture, garden tools, wheelbarrows, bicycles and more. The main advantages are considered to be low weight and size, lightness, low cost. A water filter integrated in the sink protects the pump from solid particles in the supply water. Water is taken exclusively from the water supply system.
- the highest pressure 110 bar;
- maximum productivity 360 l / h;
- composite pump;
- air cooling of the motor;
- power 1.4 kW;
- outlet hose 3 m long;
- dimensions 280x176x443 mm;
- weight 4 kg.
In various stores, the prices for this model of mini-sinks are 3,700-4,000 rubles.
KärcherXpert HD 7125 X
If you need a Karcher car wash for frequent or professional use, it makes sense to consider the Kärcher Xpert HD 7125X. This is a fairly compact, powerful and lightweight AED. One of the advantages is the delivery of a 15-meter hose in the kit and the presence of a drum in the structure for winding it. The primary task of this model is to work for a long time, efficiently and without interruption. A powerful engine with a large capacity, axial pump with a cylinder head made of brass and three pistons made of stainless steel - the basis for a long service life and low probability of malfunction. Both pump ports (inlet and outlet) are also made of brass and are particularly resistant to damage and corrosion.
The maximum pressure is 160 bar. Usually, most working time is carried out at 150 bar. To dispense water, this AED uses a 3-position nozzle, which makes it possible to quickly and easily adjust the stream. Choose between high pressure fine jet, high pressure fan spray or low pressure spray. The dosing valve for the detergent makes it possible to add detergent even to the high pressure jet. The design includes a voluminous oil tank, the function of which is to lubricate the entire mechanism in a timely manner and with the required efficiency. The oil level is quite easily checked using a special indicator. Like any other professional equipment, the Kärcher Xpert HD 7125X is relatively expensive - there is information about the price range from 50 to 65 thousand rubles.
In this article we will consider the question of which Karcher is better to buy for a car wash. Of course, this subject is not as important as, say, wheel disks: the car runs fine without it. However, few people will like to find the inscription “wash me” on the hood. Even less attractive is the thought of the old way washing the car with a bucket, rags, newspapers and some drying.
Going to a professional car wash is undoubtedly the way out. For those who are not too limited in money and time.
The average car owner usually lacks both. Karcher, on the other hand, will save you from dirty, long and boring work, make the regular costs of washing your car unnecessary and protect you from stinging inscriptions with your fingers on board the car. Although the initial investment for the purchase of a mini-car wash will have to be done.
Which Karcher is better to buy for car wash depends on what kind of vehicle fleet you have. One thing is a scooter or a bicycle, another is a full-fledged car, and quite the third is two or three cars. All mini-sinks are divided into classes; Let's consider each and figure out which one is more suitable for our purposes.
Mini-sinks of the 2nd series
On the one hand, it would seem perfect option: they are very inexpensive, small-sized, not heavy. However, the outlet pressure is quite low - from 100 to 110 bar, so water from the tap must be pumped to Karcher: if you use gravity, then there will be no pressure in the sink. In addition, the pumps in K2 sinks are made of plastic, albeit quite durable, so the resource in them is small. Such Karchers are suitable for cleaning small surfaces or bicycles.
Karcher middle class
These include mini-sinks K 3.500, K 4.600 and K 5.200. They give out pressure from 120 to 140 bar, are equipped with a removable tank for detergents for 1 liter (starting from the 4th series), thanks to which there is no need to add detergent, you can simply change the container; water supply by gravity is quite suitable for them, the pump is made of silumin at K 3.500 with K 4.600 and aluminum at K 5.200, due to which the service life of the devices is significantly extended. The mini-car wash of the 4th series also includes a jet lance and a mud blaster, which make cleaning the car easier and faster.
Even cooler Karcher 5.200... It handles dirt on large surfaces and is suitable for handling 2-3 cars at a time. The productivity of this sink is 460 l / h. Karcher of this generation is complemented by two nozzles and a 9-meter hose that can withstand high pressure. The offer of the company, which gives a 3-year purchase guarantee, is also interesting.
High class
This includes mini-sinks 6 and 7 series. These are already semi-professional units. The likelihood of buying them should be considered if you live in a large house with a rather large plot and have at least 3 cars. They cost much more, but their characteristics are incomparably higher.
For example, the K 6 operates at pressures of up to 150 bar and a capacity of 550 l / h. The model is supplemented with a detergent regulator, a compartment for storing unused in this moment nozzles and a reel that automatically winds up the hose. The K 7.650 achieves an output of 600 l / h at a pressure of 160 bar. Karcher is equipped with wheels, since it is quite large. The hose is already attached to it at 12 meters, and the pump is made of brass, that is, it can last up to 20 years.
What is included and not included in the package?
Whichever model you choose, it comes with:
- high pressure hose from 3 to 12 meters (depending on the class of the mini-sink);
- a gun with a fitting;
- pressure control nozzle.
When deciding which Karcher is better to buy for a car wash, most of our car owners stop at 4 or 5 series. The two is not at all suitable for the set goals, the K 3.500 is somewhat weak, although it is quite suitable for those whose car is mainly in the garage and drives on city, not too dusty roads. As for the high-class Karcher, they are more likely intended for wealthy people or small car washes.
The question of choosing additional equipment for a car is quite complicated. It is necessary to take into account many subtleties, technical characteristics and features of device operation. It is especially difficult for a modern car owner to choose a Kreher for washing a car at home. Such a device is presented in hundreds of options, the buyer is simply lost in the proposed models and does not know which characteristics are better to give preference to. That is why today we will figure out which Karcher is better to buy for our own use.
The European company Karcher offers both household and industrial equipment for its customers, but we immediately discard the second option due to the huge cost. AT garage conditions we do not need so much potential, and the overpayment will be tangible. It should be noted that the household versions of the original Karcher are not so cheap.
The main technical characteristics of Karcher for household use
German corporation Karcher carries out production various equipmentwhich has been working with water and pressure since 1935. During this time, the Germans have accumulated great amount valuable experience and excellent model proposals for their customers. Household mini-sinks Karcher are compact and easy to use. The buyer will not see the complexity of managing the basic functions of the equipment.
We recommend paying attention only to the offers of official sellers, because with such a purchase you will receive a two-year warranty and the possibility of free equipment repair at any official service center of the manufacturer. The purchase of a sink should be based on cold calculation and simple considerations. Choose equipment based on its technical and functional characteristics:
- the working pressure of the mini-washer for the machine must be from 120 bar, with a lower pressure it is impossible to achieve good results;
- the performance of the equipment is better to choose not too high - the optimal water consumption will be 8-10 liters per minute;
- rated power and load on the electrical network - you should not choose equipment that consumes less than 1.5 kilowatts;
- the class of the selected model in the manufacturer's lineup - Karcher has equipment of the primary, middle and high class;
- suitable cost for you and full comparability of the price with the technical characteristics of the selected device;
- good compactness parameters, which will allow the use of a mini-sink in the maximum range of works.
With the help of such equipment, you can not only wash your car, but also perform various jobs for cleaning the garage, and different surfaces at the dacha or at the estate of a private house. Pressure washer is versatile and sufficient soft way cleaning metal and plastic surfaces... If you often have to visit a car wash in the city, then with the help of such a tool you will also get savings.
The process of choosing the technical characteristics of the equipment is quite important, so give it special attention... Sometimes it is better to overpay a few hundred rubles and ensure a sufficiently high-quality functioning of the device. Remember that you are buying a mini-sink for a long period, the quality of the washed surfaces will directly depend on the correctness of your choice.
Complete set of mini-car wash Karcher for washing the car
Another important issue to consider when buying a sink for household use is the availability of certain devices and devices. With the help of additional equipment, water is applied to the surface of the body, then a soapy layer of active foam is performed, as well as a high-quality washing off of this layer after the completion of its work.
If you decide to take the simplest mini-sink from a German manufacturer, then you will face the need to purchase additional devices. Often this option turns out to be an order of magnitude more expensive than the opportunity to purchase more functional equipment at once. We recommend that you pay attention to the presence of the following important additions to your Karcher mini-sink:
- high pressure hose, which serves to supply water from the sink to the spray gun;
- a low pressure hose for supplying water to a mini-sink does not have to be a factory one - it can be a regular ½ inch rubber hose;
- gun for spraying water and applying active chemical substances on the car body must be sufficiently long and comfortable in shape;
- the set should include a foam nozzle, which will provide the possibility of high-quality contactless washing;
- it is also advisable to have a filter for water purification before serving, otherwise the device will have to be cleaned often;
- detergents and elements of active chemistry for testing the system operation immediately after its purchase.
You can use Krecher directly in the garage if you have a water supply in your garage. Otherwise, you will have to use the equipment in the country or in the courtyard of a private house. You need to choose a place from which water can easily drain and not cause you any inconvenience. For one full-fledged car wash, more than forty liters of water are consumed, so be prepared for additional drainage.
Modern Karchers, which are designed for car wash, have all such equipment by default. When buying a device from a store, find out if the mini-sink is ready for use. Also, be careful when purchasing additional devices. Some shops, by default, hang equipment that will never be useful in household use. For more information on choosing a car wash device, see the following video:
Summing up
If you decide to acquire a high-quality and functional device for washing your car, take advantage of the opportunities presented by the German company Karcher. The excellent European quality of this equipment will allow you to wash your car and get real pleasure from this process. It is enough to try washing the car once with the help of a contactless mini-car wash to understand how pleasant this process is.
In addition to moral pleasure, such a purchase will also provide certain savings opportunities, because the cost of washing a car in service centers and specialized companies is constantly growing. If you often wash your car and take care of your paintwork, buying a car wash will allow you to get a return on your investment in a few months. Do you have any experience of operating Karcher for personal use?
Each of the motorists at least once, but thought about buying a personal mini-wash for a car. No one better than the owner of the "iron horse" will not take care of appearance your favorite. Huge queues at car washes at any time of the day, “biting prices” for the services of companies with new expensive washing equipment, car wash employees who will never wash your car “as they do” - all this oppresses, crushes and eats away at the soul from the inside ... And after repeated collision with this "evil", are you already seriously thinking about buying a compact car wash? Then this article will be helpful to you.
We will only share useful tips, we will destroy the existing myths, we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of high-pressure devices. Without embellishment, only empirically confirmed facts!
What is the difference between Karcher mini-washers?
We will deal with the classification of high pressure washers. Household sinks are made in bright yellow, electric models start with “K” and petrol ones with “G”. Professional sinks of non-soiled anthracite color (gray) are “HD” without hot water and “HDS” with hot water.
We are interested in household sinks, so we will continue to study their classification.
The new model range includes 5 classes: K 2, K 3, K 4, K 5, K 7. Than more figure in the class name, the more pressure and performance indicators and the better the equipment.
Note: Models within a class do not differ in technical specifications! They differ only in design and equipment. This means, for example, that Karcher K 5 Compact and Karcher K 5 Premium are absolutely identical in terms of power and performance.
To get a sense of what each class is capable of, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the following visual infographic.
- Primary grade K 2 - K 3 can work 20-30 minutes a week.
- Middle class K 4 - K 5 can work from 40 minutes to 1 hour per week, depending on the intensity of the load.
- Upper class K 7 can work from 1 to 1.5 hours per week.
Of course, these are all unspoken approximate indicators that only demonstrate that household models calculated for private use, non-commercial! (If, for example, you decide to open a small business for washing cars, even "purely for friends, neighbors, neighbors of friends, friends of neighbors", then it is better to purchase an initial machine professional grade, they are designed for daily load).
What is the difference between the Standart, Premium and Compact series of sinks?
When you have chosen why you need a mini-washer and how often you want to use it, that is, you have decided on the class, let's move on to choosing a series. So, it is precisely belonging to a certain series that makes sinks of the same class so different from each other.
Standard series (these are models K 2, K 3, K 4, K 5, K 7 - they look like this).
The design of the case is vertical, ergonomic - the models work ONLY in an upright position (standing). The handle is plastic, fixed (not removable).
In the K 2 model, the detergent is fed into the sink via a suction tube. In K 3, chemistry must be poured into the tank of the apparatus. And K 4, K 5, K 7 are equipped with the Plug'n'Clean system - you just need to insert the bottle with the agent into a special compartment on the body of the sink.
Equipment:
- Together with K 2 Supplied with gun with 4 m hose, 1-position spray lance, mud blaster.
- Together with K 3 supplied with a gun with a 6 m hose, a Vario Power spray lance (you can change the pressure directly from the gun), a mud blaster.
- Together with K 4 Supplied with a gun with 6 m hose, Vario spray lance, mud blaster, 1 l universal cleaner.
- Together with K 5 Supplied with a gun with 8 m hose, Vario spray lance, mud blaster, 1 l universal cleaner.
- Together with K 7 Supplied with gun with 10 m hose, Vario spray lance, dirt blaster, universal cleaner 1 l.
Premium Series (K 2 Premium, K 3 Premium, K 4 Premium, K 5 Premium, K 7 Premium)
Vertical design, fixed handle. They work only vertically (standing). They differ from the Standard series by the presence of additional accessories in the kit, in particular K 4 Premium, K 5 Premium, K 7 Premium are equipped with a hose reel. A K 3 Premium and K 2 Premium chemical tank.
Compact Series (K 2 Compact, K 4 Compact, K 5 Compact, K 7 Compact).
Compact body, the product is taken into the sinks using a special suction tube.
K 2 Compact without wheels, with short carrying handle. K 4 Compact, K 5 Compact, K 7 Compact are equipped with a retractable telescopic handle, they work only in a horizontal position (lying down). The rest of the equipment of the models is the same as in the Standard series. 
What do Car and Home mean in the model names?
Each series has modifications: Car and Home. This means that in addition to standard set car wash kits and adjoining territory respectively.
The Car package includes:
Can mini washers take water from the barrel?
The fact that the pressure washer is connected to the water supply is something we all know. But how about using water from a barrel or cistern. It all depends on what sacrifices you are willing to make for this.
The first way is to let the water flow by gravity. We put the container on a level above the mini-sink so that water "flows" into the device. A tap can be installed at the bottom of a large barrel or cistern so that a large volume of water can be used for operation.
The second way is to use a suction hose with a check valve. It prevents water from flowing back into the container. You can buy a hose with a check valve for a minisink (this is an option for those who value their time and know that sometimes it is better to pay and save themselves from unnecessary problems), or do it yourself (in this case, you will need patience and experience watching "Crazy Pens").
Which sink to choose if you plan to use water from containers? It is better to purchase a device starting with the K 4 series, because the pressure created by the sink when taking water from the tank may be slightly less than when powered from the water supply.
Will I be able to wash my car myself the same way as in stationary car washes?
Thanks to its design of pumps and brushless motors, the water consumption of the Karcher household series of mini-washers ranges from 360-600 l / h. This allows you to create big flow water. It is enough to knock off dried mud, road dust, and in order to remove more complex stains - oil and fat, anti-icing agents, etc. - you will need the help of good chemicals for the car. But still, you will not achieve absolutely the same effect as from a trip to a stationary sink using a household high-pressure apparatus. In addition, Karcher cannot be used at temperatures below 0 °. Therefore, do not be fooled by purchasing any Karcher K model, you will not completely get rid of the need to go to car washes, however, these trips will become much less frequent.
In general, let's figure out what determines the efficiency of cleaning surfaces using high-pressure washers. Everything is simple here - the optimal combination of several factors:
- - water consumption
- - nozzle outlet pressure
- - chemistry + time of its exposure
- - distance to the object
- - spray angle
Therefore, if you want to get the maximum effect from working with a personal minisink, then choose a model with high water consumption and pressure indicators, and also do not skimp on the purchase of high-quality detergents (after all, as you know, a stingy pays twice).
How to choose the right minisink?
Everyone pays attention first on the pump material ... The better and stronger material, from which the pump parts are made, the longer your sink will serve you, the more often it can be used, but the more expensive the model will be.
2-3 class - composite - polyamide + fiberglass - special, resistant to stress. As a rule, the working life of such devices is enough for 70-100 hours of work - 4-5 years (use once a week).
Grade 4 - aluminum + composite (+ water-cooled engine) - opens the line of washes with a brushless water-cooled motor. Starting from the 4th class of washing, water is taken from the tank without any problems.
Grade 5- silumin: aluminum + silicon (+ water cooling system for the engine) - corrosion resistance, strength, durability. It will last much longer, and the loads for which these models are designed are not like the initial class.
7th grade - silumin: aluminum + silicon (+ water cooling system of the engine) - if your budget allows, then get a better top-class sink - maximum pressure, maximum performance. It will serve you faithfully for 10+ years.
Xpert - brass - these are semi-professional car washes, suitable for those who plan to wash several cars quite often. Pumps for professional high-pressure washers are made of brass - now you understand that Xpert models are capable of withstanding the toughest loads.
What is the optimal hose length?
Let's make a reservation right away that high-pressure hoses are expensive (20-25% of the cost of an avd), and therefore immediately purchase a sink with a hose that suits you. A 6-8 meter hose is enough for washing a car. Buy a sink with a long hose if you still plan to use it to wash the facade of the house, fence, paths. A hose that is too long is just as inconvenient as a short one, if you do not seduce you to drag it along, then pay attention to the models with a hose reel (Premium - at the end of the model name).
Is the minisink suitable only for those who have a country house or summer cottage?
No. Appliances starting from class 4 have metal pumps, the power of which is sufficient to take water from containers. Therefore, if you wish, you can wash your car near the garage or elsewhere (you can get confused and drag water into a barrel). 30-40 liters is enough to remove the main layer of dirt, 60-70 liters - apply shampoo and wash it off.
How to wash your car?
Everything needs to be done quickly enough. After all, you are not in boxing, but in the open air. Dry, shining scorching sun - the surface dries up much faster. The shampoo is applied with a low pressure jet, and after 2-3 minutes it is washed off with a high pressure, "problem areas" can be rubbed with a brush. Do not allow the shampoo to dry - otherwise it can damage the paintwork.
For the best effect, we recommend buying not "Car Shampoo", but "Active foam for non-contact washing". Chemistry, which is designed to be connected directly to the device, is not so "effective", because it passes through the internal units in the sink, which is why it contains fewer aggressive components that ruthlessly eliminate dirt.
Active foam for non-contact cleaning is formed using a special nozzle that is attached to the gun. Foam quality depends on the product and the foam nozzle itself: it can drain "in three streams" from the surface (what will it clean then !?), or it can envelop the car with a foam blanket, the airy consistency better separates dirt particles, which will achieve an excellent effect.
We always advise our customers to abandon the idea of \u200b\u200bbuying a car wash with a complete set. It is better to assemble your car care kit with accessories much better. Karcher Car washers are supplied with a plastic foam nozzle (the tank for the product in the nozzle is only 300 ml - this volume is not enough to wash the car, you will have to top up). We recommend purchasing a foam nozzle with a brass nozzle - it forms really high-quality foam, the reservoir for the product in it is 1 liter, and besides, it is much more durable and more economical (saving chemicals by 2-3 times).
In order for the Karcher sink to generate the maximum water pressure, make sure that the water intake hose and connectors are in a good condition ... If the connectors are old or cheap, they may leak air, causing the machine to sneeze.
Thoroughly rinse the rag to avoid any cloudy deposits on the surface of the machine. Karcher has special brushes with soft bristles that allow you to more thoroughly wash away dirt from the car, while leaving no marks on the surface.
To make your Karcher sink serve you as long as possible, we recommend purchasing an additional water purification filter. All impurities contained in the water supplied to the inlet of the high-pressure apparatus negatively affect the pumps of the models, sometimes reducing their service life in half. This filter is easy to disassemble and wash. So, if you have any doubts about the quality of water, it is better to play it safe and buy this filter additionally.
Why Karcher?
The first AED was designed more than 50 years ago by the German engineer Alfred Karcher, the then owner of the company. Just like 50 years ago, Karcher is still the leader in the production of this technique in the world.