How to choose a household minisink Karcher (Karcher) for washing the car
Who is this article for?
If you have just decided buy a mini-sink If you don't know where to start, then read this article. She will help you make your choice.
What are high pressure washers?
Apparatus high pressure (AVD) can be divided by 2 large groups: professional and household. As a rule, professional ones are called so - high-pressure apparatuses, and household ones are called - mini-sinks . For the right choice of professional high-pressure cleaners, it is recommended to contact the sales specialists. professional equipment Karcher and will not be discussed in this article.
Why a Karcher mini-sink
The German company Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co KG was founded by inventor Alfred Karcher back in 1935. In 1950, he invented and patented the first cleaning device that worked on the principle of feeding hot water under high pressure. Thus, the Karcher company 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. Moika Karcher is a guarantee, German quality and reliability, which are known all over the world. Karcher provides a 2-year warranty on all its household appliances.
Why do we need mini sinks or high-pressure apparatus (HP)
Mini washer or a high-pressure apparatus (HPA) is a universal device that helps in cleaning a variety of contaminants using a high-pressure water jet and with the possibility of using a variety of interchangeable 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, facades of buildings, roofs, swimming pools, sewer cleaning, etc., making the work easier and allowing you to save significant amounts of water (up to 80%).
The main characteristics of mini sinks
Pressure. Karcher household mini-washers can produce a pressure of 100-160 bar. In order to effectively wash the car, it is enough to have a pressure of 120-130 bar.
Performance. Productivity shows water consumption per hour or per minute. On average, it is 7-12 l / min.
Supply voltage. All Karcher household mini-washers can be operated from a 220 V power supply.
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 elementary grade to semi-professional. All Karcher household mini-sinks are classified into series: from 2 to 7.
Minisinks 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 sinks: episodic cleaning of small contaminated areas. The service life of entry-level sinks is limited, the pressure is not high - 100-110 bar. Wash pumps of this class, as a rule, are made of durable industrial plastic, which significantly reduces the service life of the device.
Attention
. Kärcher minisinks of the K 2 series are the simplest sinks. For their operation, water supply from an external source under pressure is required. If water is supplied to the apparatus by gravity, then the pressure at the outlet of the apparatus will drop dramatically, which will significantly reduce the already low operating life.
Middle class mini-sinks- these are the most popular household sinks Karcher (Karcher) for washing the car. Series K 5 is the most best option for a family with one or two cars and a small amount of other mini-wash work. Productivity and a resource of work of devices is much higher, than at sinks of initial level. 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, both under pressure and by gravity; this does not affect the outlet pressure and performance.
High-class mini-sinks- 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 pressure at the outlet of the device 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 Karcher mini sinks
The standard equipment of Karcher household mini-washers includes the high-pressure apparatus itself, a high-pressure hose of 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 chemical tank. The device has a built-in filter for fine water purification in the form of a mesh, standing on the inlet pipe.
Recommendation
. If the water supplied to the device 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 purification of the incoming water from suspended particles of debris, allows you to see the degree of contamination of the filter without looking inside the device, and very easily allows you to clean the filter from debris accumulated in it.
About what is not included in the package of Karcher mini-washers
Not included in the set of mini sinks low pressure hose, through which water is supplied from the source to the inside of the apparatus. If the water is supplied from the water supply, then a garden hose with a diameter of ½ inch may be suitable, you can only recommend using universal connector, which is easily connected to the nozzle of the minisink without the use of any clamps and can fit standard hose diameters: 1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 inches.
If the water to the minisink will be supplied by gravity from any container, then for normal operation must be purchased separately suction hose with non-return valve, which prevents water from flowing out of the hose when the machine's pump is turned off.
Contact washing may require separate nozzles in the form of different brushes.
If you are going to wash your car in a contactless way, you will need a separate Foam nozzle for touchless car wash 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 cleaners (HPA), which are also called a mini-wash or a Karcher for washing a car, today come in many types, of different capacities and purposes. Consider important parameters, selection criteria and prices for this type of equipment.
A few words about Karcher
The company Kärcher (Kercher) today is a multinational corporation, which employs more than 6 thousand employees. The company's products are recognizable all over the world and are sold in 160 countries, 36 thousand places after-sales service ensure proper repairs and maintenance. At the same time, the area of presence 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. Many owners of mini car washes call their devices Karcher, even if they are made by other manufacturing companies.
Over the course of more than 70 years of its history, Kärcher has received numerous awards and prizes. The advantages of Karcher products, according to reviews, are:
- extraordinary strength;
- service life, significantly exceeding any analogues (subject to the rules of use);
- big choice diverse accessories that make the equipment multifunctional;
- modern design and thoughtful design of absolutely all components, the highest ergonomics;
- reference product quality, excellent technical parameters;
- high performance technology that 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, as well as affordable prices make the equipment of this company the best choice for the user.
Criteria for choosing Karcher for washing a car
The parameters that influence 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;
- price.
When purchasing a Karcher for washing a car, the buyer can forget about the dimensions and weight, focusing on other characteristics. However, when using an AED, it is often necessary to move the apparatus from place to place, and 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 a large mass or too large dimensions. If the weight often affects the ease of use, 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 you need to strike a balance between necessary properties and sizes.
Engine power and performance are interrelated characteristics. Productivity is measured by the amount of water consumed over a certain period of time. Karcher household mini-sinks are equipped with engines with a power of 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 produces pumps for their AEDs from plastic, silumin and brass. And if the special plastic withstands operation for 4-5 years (when used about once a week), then the professional devices of the Xpert class (with a brass pump) last more than ten years with daily use.
The high pressure hose is not cheap. Therefore, when choosing a mini-sink, you should immediately decide on a hose length that is convenient for tasks. specific person. If the machine is mainly used for car washing, a 6–8 meter long 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 nozzles and accessories. Sometimes it costs more than initially to take the necessary equipment. We list the most necessary things that should be included with a mini-sink:
- High pressure hose (designed to pump water from the machine 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 tank to the apparatus.
- Spray gun required for applying chemicals to the surface and spraying water under pressure.
- Foaming nozzle that makes it possible to wash the car in a contactless way.
- The filter of the water supplied to the unit, in order to less often have to clean the mini-sink itself.
- Active detergents and other necessary chemicals in an amount sufficient for test runs of the device after purchase.
A fairly wide range of additional accessories for Karcher AEDs is available. Foam nozzles come in various sizes, special brushes are made for washing cars, hoses with a check valve are made to take water from tanks so that water does not flow out of the hose and there are no interruptions in the operation of the unit.
Today, AEDs are 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, Karcher remains the leader in this market segment, the quality of its products is time-tested, prices are affordable, and owner reviews are usually positive.
Price ranges and some specific examples
Speaking about the cost categories of a Karcher mini-wash for washing a car, one must not forget that the device may belong to different classes, so prices sometimes differ significantly. There are several types of AED Karcher - household marked K (with an electric motor) or G (with a gasoline engine). Professional devices are labeled HD (without water heating) or HDS (heated). Besides, the lineup may include several classes (for example, for electric ones marked K, there are five of these classes - K2, K3, K4, K5 and K7), which differ in terms of power and performance. At the same time, the price range can be quite wide - type K 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 type HD have a cost of 40 thousand and more, HDS - from about 130 thousand rubles. Consider several models of sinks in more detail.
KarcherK5 Premium
Convenience and comfort are provided by a drum for winding the outlet hose and hooks for storing the power cable. 8 m hose, easy to connect to and remove from the machine thanks to the Quick Connect system. All accessories are stored on the machine itself, accessible and almost always ready for use. The kit includes a Vario Power jet nozzle, a water purification filter and a cleaning agent in a container that is inserted into the sink body, as well as a dirt cutter. Can take water from a barrel or tank.
Pressure range - 20–145 bar, maximum capacity 500 l/h, supply voltage 230 volts, power 2100 watts. The mass of the sink is 14.5 kg, dimensions (mm) 350x426x880. Prices for this model are in the range of 20-22 thousand rubles.
KarcherK2 Basic
Household appliance designed for infrequent use, removal of small contaminants. Used for washing street or garden furniture, garden tools, wheelbarrows, bicycles and more. The main advantages are considered to be low weight and size, lightness, low cost. The water filter integrated into the sink protects the pump from solid particles contained in the supply water. Water is taken exclusively from the tap.
- maximum 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 mini-sink model are 3,700–4,000 rubles.
KarcherXpert 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 in the design of the drum for winding it. The primary task of this model is to work for a long time, efficiently and without interruption. Powerful high-capacity motor, axial pump with brass cylinder head and three stainless steel pistons are the basis for long service life, as well as a low probability of malfunctions. Both pump ports (inlet and outlet) are also made of brass and are particularly resistant to damage and corrosion.
Maximum pressure - 160 bar. Usually, most time work is carried out at 150 bar. For dispensing water, this AED uses a 3-position nozzle, which makes it possible to quickly and easily adjust the jet. You can choose between high pressure fine jet, high or low pressure fan spray. The detergent dosing valve makes it possible to add detergent even to the high-pressure jet. The design includes a volumetric oil tank, the function of which is to lubricate the entire mechanism in a timely manner and with the necessary efficiency. The oil level is quite simply checked by a special indicator. Like any other professional equipment, 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 washing a car. Of course, this subject is not as important as, say, wheel disks: the car drives 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 fashioned way washing the car with a bucket, rags, newspapers and some drying.
Going to a professional car wash is definitely a 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 regular car wash expenses unnecessary and protect you from stinging finger inscriptions on the side of the car. Although the initial investment for the purchase of a mini-sink will have to be made.
Which Karcher is better to buy for washing a car depends on what fleet you have. It's one thing - a scooter or a bicycle, another - a full-fledged car, and quite a third - two or three cars. All mini-sinks are divided into classes; Let's take a look at each and see which one is more suitable for our purposes.
Mini sinks of the 2nd series
On the one hand, it would seem perfect option: are very inexpensive, small-sized, not heavy. However, the outlet pressure is quite low - from 100 to 110 bar, so the water in Karcher from the tap must be supplied by a pump: 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 their resource is small. Such Karchers are suitable for cleaning small surfaces or bicycles.
middle class karchers
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 of 1 liter (starting from the 4th series), thanks to which you do not need to add detergent, you can simply change the container; they are quite suitable for supplying water by gravity, the pump is made of silumin for K 3.500 with K 4.600 and aluminum for K 5.200, due to which the service life of the devices is significantly extended. The 4th series mini car wash also comes with a jet lance and a dirt blaster, which make cleaning the car easier and faster.
Even cooler Karcher 5.200. It copes with pollution of large planes and is suitable for processing 2-3 cars at a time. Productivity of this sink is 460 l/hour. This generation of Karcher is complemented by two nozzles and a 9-meter hose that can withstand high pressure. The offer of a company that gives a 3-year warranty on the purchase is also interesting.
high class
This includes mini-sinks 6 and 7 series. These are already semi-professional units. The probability of buying them is worth considering if you live in a large house with a rather big plot and have at least 3 cars. They are much more expensive, but their performance is incomparably higher.
For example, K 6 works with a pressure of up to 150 bar and a capacity of 550 l/h. The model is supplemented with a detergent regulator, a storage compartment for unused this moment nozzles and a drum that automatically reels the hose. At K 7.650, the capacity reaches 600 l/h at a pressure of 160 bar. Karcher is equipped with wheels, as 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?
Whichever model you choose, it comes with:
- high pressure hose from 3 to 12 meters (depending on the class of the mini-wash);
- pistol with fitting;
- nozzle for pressure regulation.
When deciding which Karcher is better to buy for car washing, most of our car owners stop at 4 or 5 series. The deuce is not at all suitable for the goals set, K 3.500 is somewhat weak, although it will do for those whose car is mostly in the garage and rides on city roads that are not too dusty. As for the upscale Karchers, they are more likely 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 the operation of devices. It is especially difficult for a modern car owner to choose 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 it is 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 such a large 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 domestic use
The German corporation Karcher carries out the production various equipment, which has been working with water and pressure since 1935. During this time, the Germans had accumulated great amount valuable experience and excellent model offers for their customers. Karcher household mini-sinks are compact and easy to use. The buyer will not see difficulties with the management of the main functions of the equipment.
We recommend that you pay 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-wash for the car should be from 120 bar, with less pressure it is impossible to achieve good results;
- the performance of the equipment is better to choose not too large - the optimal water flow rate 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 line - Karcher has equipment of primary, middle and high class;
- the cost suitable for you and full comparability of the price with the technical characteristics of the selected device;
- good compactness parameters that will allow you to use the mini-sink in the maximum range of work.
With the help of such equipment, you can not only wash the car, but also perform various works garage cleaning, and different surfaces at the cottage or on the estate of a private house. The pressure washer is versatile and sufficient soft way cleaning metal and plastic surfaces. If you often have to call on a car wash in the city, then with the help of such a tool you will get cost 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-wash Karcher for washing the car
Another important issue to consider when buying a sink for domestic use is the presence of certain appliances and devices. With the help of additional equipment, water is applied to the surface of the body, then a soap layer of active foam is made, as well as high-quality washing off of this layer after its work is completed.
If you decide to take the simplest mini-sink from a German manufacturer, you will be faced with the need to purchase additional devices. Often this option turns out to be an order of magnitude more expensive than the opportunity to purchase immediately more functional equipment. 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 factory-made - it can be a regular ½-inch rubber hose;
- gun for spraying water and applying active chemical substances on the car body should be long enough and comfortable shape;
- the kit should have a foam nozzle, which will provide the possibility of high-quality contactless washing;
- it is also desirable to have a filter for water purification before serving, otherwise the device will have to be cleaned often;
- detergents and elements of active chemistry to test the operation of the system 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 organization of the drain.
Modern Karchers, which are designed for car washing, have all such equipment by default. When buying a device in a store, find out if the mini-sink is ready for use. Also, be careful when purchasing additional devices. Some stores, by default, hang equipment that will never be useful in domestic 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 a car once with a touchless mini-wash to understand how pleasant this process is.
In addition to moral pleasure, such a purchase will also provide certain opportunities for savings, because the cost of car washing in service centers and specialized companies is constantly growing. If you frequently wash your car and take care of the paintwork, buying a car wash will allow you to recoup your money in a few months. Do you have experience with Karcher for personal use?
Each of the motorists at least once, but thought about buying a personal mini-wash for the car. No one better than the owner of the "iron horse" will take care of appearance your pet. Huge queues at car washes at any time of the day, “biting prices” for the services of companies with new expensive washing equipment, car washes employees who will never wash your car “just like themselves” - all this depresses, crushes and corrodes the soul from the inside ... And now, after repeated encountering this "evil", have you already seriously thought about buying a compact car wash? Then this article will be useful for you.
We only share useful tips, we will destroy the existing myths, we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of high-pressure apparatuses. Without embellishment, only empirically confirmed facts!
What is the difference between Karcher mini washes?
Let's deal with the classification of high-pressure apparatuses. Household sinks are made in bright yellow, the names of electric models begin with the letter “K”, and petrol models with “G”. Professional sinks in non-marking anthracite color (grey) 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. more figure in the name of the class, the greater the 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 an idea 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.
- Top class K 7 can work from 1 to 1.5 hours per week.
Of course, these are all tacit estimates that only demonstrate that household models calculated for private use, non-commercial! (If, for example, you decide to open a small car wash business, even "purely for friends, neighbors, neighbors of friends, friends of neighbors", then it is better to purchase an initial machine professional class, they are designed for daily use).
What is the difference between the series of sinks: Standard, Premium and Compact?
When you have chosen why you need a minisink 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.
Series standard (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 - models work ONLY in a vertical position (standing). The handle is plastic, fixed (not removed).
In the K 2 model, the detergent is fed into the sink by means of a suction tube. In K 3, chemistry must be poured into the tank of the device. And K 4, K 5, K 7 are equipped with the Plug’n’Clean system - you just need to insert the bottle with the product into a special compartment on the sink body.
Equipment:
- Together with K 2 supplied gun with 4 m hose, 1-position jet lance, mud blaster.
- Together with K 3 supplied gun with 6 m hose, Vario Power jet lance (pressure can be changed directly from the gun), mud blaster.
- Together with K 4 gun with 6 m hose, Vario spray lance, dirt blaster, 1 liter universal cleaner.
- Together with K 5 gun with 8 m hose, Vario spray lance, dirt blaster, 1 liter universal cleaner.
- Together with K 7 gun with 10 m hose, Vario spray lance, dirt blaster, 1 liter universal cleaner.
Premium Series (K 2 Premium , K 3 Premium , K 4 Premium , K 5 Premium , K 7 Premium)
Vertical version, fixed handle. Work only vertically (standing). They differ from the Standard series in 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 housing, the agent is taken into the sinks with the help of 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 and can only be used in a horizontal position (lying down). Otherwise, the equipment of the models is the same as that of 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 accessories for car washes are additionally supplied with kits for car care and adjoining territory respectively.
Car package includes:
Can mini-sinks take water from the barrel?
The fact that the pressure washer is connected to the water supply is known to us. 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 minisink so that the water "flows" into the apparatus. A faucet can be embedded in the bottom of a large barrel or cistern so that a large volume of water can be used for work.
The second way is to use a suction hose with a check valve. It prevents water from flowing back into the container. A hose with a non-return valve for a mini-wash can be bought (this is an option for those who value their time and know that sometimes it is better to pay and save yourself from unnecessary problems), or do it yourself (in this case, you will need patience and experience watching Crazy Hands).
Which sink to choose if you plan to use water from containers? It is better to purchase a device starting from the K 4 series, because the pressure created by the sink when taking water from the tank may be slightly less than when powered by a water supply.
Will I be able to wash my car on my own in the same way as at stationary car washes?
Thanks to its pump design 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-on dirt, road dust, and in order to remove more complex stains - oil-fat, anti-icing reagents, etc. - here you will need the help of good chemistry for cars. But still, you will not achieve absolutely the same effect as from a trip to a stationary car wash using a household high-pressure apparatus. In addition, Karcher cannot be used at temperatures below 0°. So don't be deceived by purchasing any Karcher K model, you will not completely get rid of the need to go to car washes, but these trips will become much less frequent.
In general, let's figure out what determines the effectiveness of cleaning surfaces using high-pressure cleaners. Everything is simple - the optimal combination of several factors:
- - water consumption
- - nozzle outlet pressure
- - chemistry + exposure time
- - distance to the object
- - spray angle
Therefore, if you want to get the maximum effect from working with a personal mini-sink, then choose a model with high water consumption and pressure, and do not skimp on the purchase of high-quality detergents (after all, as you know, the miser pays twice).
How to choose the right minisink?
First of all, everyone pays attention on pump material . The better quality and stronger material, from which the pump parts are made, the longer your sink will serve you, the more often you can use it, but the more expensive the model will cost.
2-3 grade - composite - polyamide + fiberglass - special, resistant to loads. As a rule, the working resource of such devices is enough for 70-100 hours of work - 4-5 years (use once a week).
4 class - aluminum + composite(+ motor water cooling system) - opens a line of sinks with a brushless water-cooled motor. Starting from the 4th class, sinks take water from the tank without any problems.
5th grade- silumin: aluminum + silicon (+ system of water cooling of the engine) - resistance to corrosion, durability, 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 (+ engine water cooling system) - if your budget allows, then get a better top-class car wash - 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. Brass is used to make pumps for professional pressure washers - now you understand that Xpert models can withstand the heaviest loads.
What is the optimal hose length?
Let's make a reservation right away, high-pressure hoses are expensive (20-25% of the cost of the pressure washer), and therefore immediately purchase a sink with a hose that suits you. For washing a car, a hose 6-8 meters long is enough. Buy a sink with a long hose if you still plan to wash the facade of the house, fence, paths with it. A hose that is too long is just as inconvenient as a short one, if you are not attracted to dragging it along, then pay attention to models with a hose reel (Premium - at the end of the model name).
Minisink is only suitable for those who have a country house or cottage?
No. Starting from class 4, devices have metal pumps installed, the power of which is sufficient to take water from containers. Therefore, if you wish, you can wash your car near the garage or somewhere else (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 a car?
Everything needs to be done fairly quickly. After all, you are not in boxing, but in the open air. Dry, shining scorching sun- drying of the surface is much faster. The shampoo is applied with a low-pressure jet, and after 2-3 minutes it is washed off with a high one, “problem areas” can also be rubbed with a brush. Do not allow the shampoo to dry - otherwise it may damage the paintwork.
For the best effect, we recommend buying not "Car Shampoo", but "Active Foam for Touchless Washing". Chemistry, which is designed to be connected directly to the device, is not so “effective”, because it passes through the internal components in the sink, which is why it contains fewer aggressive components that ruthlessly eliminate dirt.
Active foam for contactless washing 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 be drained “in three streams” from the surface (what will it clean then !?), or it can envelop the car with a foam blanket, the airy consistency separates particles of dirt better, which will achieve an excellent effect.
We always advise our customers to abandon the idea of buying a sink with a complete Car. It is better to assemble your car care kit with accessories much better. Karcher Car sinks are supplied with a plastic foam nozzle (the tank for the product at the nozzle is only 300 ml - this volume is not enough to wash the car, you will have to top it up). We recommend purchasing a foam nozzle with a brass nozzle - it forms really high-quality foam, the product tank in it is 1 liter, and besides, it is much more durable and economical (saving chemistry by 2-3 times).
In order for the Karcher sink to generate 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 can let air through, which will cause the device to “sneeze”.
To avoid a cloudy coating on the surface of the machine, rinse the cloth thoroughly. Karcher has special brushes with soft bristles that allow you to thoroughly wash off the dirt from the car, while leaving no marks on the surface.
In order for your Karcher sink to serve you as long as possible, we recommend purchasing an additional water filter. All the impurities that are contained in the water supplied to the inlet of the high-pressure apparatus adversely affect the pumps of the models, sometimes reducing their service life by 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 in addition.
Why Karcher?
The first AED was designed over 50 years ago by the German engineer Alfred Karcher, then the owner of the company. Like 50 years ago, Karcher is still the leader in the production of this equipment in the world.