First test

22nd March 2008

if there’s one car cleaning gadget that’s really worth investing in, it’s a pressure washer. The ability to blast away grime and rinse off suds with ease makes a real difference, and helps cut down the time you’ll spend valeting.

This is Halfords’ latest offering and has a decent specification, with a five-metre hose, a 1,500 Watt motor, 90-bar pressure and a flow rate of 360 litres an hour. Accessories include a wheel brush, variable-flow lance and soap bottle which attaches to the washer and sprays solution directly on to your car.

It’s a heavy machine that takes some effort to move, but this is made easier by its robust wheels. The HP1500 comes ready to run and is easy to set up. We liked the fact that hose attachments are supplied in the box – often, washers don’t come with them – and also that the lance clips on to the handle for storage. It all feels solid and the tough, durable plastic easily withstood a few bumps.

In the cleaning stakes, the flow rate and motor are not class leading, but it still performs well, and is reasonably quiet. There’s an automatic stop facility, so it doesn’t run when you’re not pulling the trigger.