Karcher K4 Full Control Pressure Washer after 5 yrs of use IN 4k
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- what to watch if you are in the market for a new pressure washer, I review my 5 yr old KÄRCHER K4 Full Control Pressure Washer in this video, purchased by myself from Amazon, it’s my own opinion based on my own use and experience with the machine.
** Review is based solely on purpose of cleaning cars, not around the garden or commercially **
For a comparison review between the K4 and K2, take a look at my good friend Mark’s video from SparkLean Autos
• Karcher K2 vs K4 - Whi...
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Links to some of the equipment used in this and other videos I regularly use....
Amazon Links for recommended products
AUTOGLYM POLAR BLASTER amzn.to/34fmpAR
AUTOGLYM POLAR BLAST FOAM amzn.to/3uhyY9F
KÄRCHER K4 - amzn.to/3b1ZbCJ
KÄRCHER K4 Compact amzn.to/3BT9KDB
KÄRCHER K5 Compact amzn.to/3cYLR2a
KARCHER WD3P wet vac amzn.to/3hkTx14
ANGLED QUICK RELEASE EXTENSION 1/4'' - amzn.to/3xvxkrZ
KÄRCHER 15M HOSE - amzn.to/3r1PY2N
SHORT TRIGGER GUN (KÄRCHER K FIT) - amzn.to/2NJv5eh
MTM SGS35 STAINLESS STEEL GUN
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stainless-...
MTM HYDRO PF22 SNOWFOAM LANCE
amzn.to/34KfzH3
WARM AIR DRYER FOR ALLOYS AND CREVICES - amzn.to/2RyTKDW
EZ SMALL WHEEL BRUSH - amzn.to/3fNdfmi
EZ LARGE WHEEL BRUSH - amzn.to/3dOvPHU
Interior Scrub Pads 4 pack amzn.to/2RrTBCu
RECORDING EQUIPMENT
APPLE IPHONE
PHONE HOLDER amzn.to/3L1BgCV
MANFROTTO MINI TRIPOD amzn.to/3uZwH6q
TRIPOD amzn.to/3MgBhD8
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I certify that this review is based on my own experience and is my genuine opinion of this product and that I have no personal or business relationship with this brand. I have not been offered any incentive or payment originating from the brand to film this review
#karcher #carcleaning #review - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Other than getting the hose connector turned around (watch out for that one), the machine is simple to put together and use czcams.com/users/postUgkxfQauTxLT0JLSvqkq10rD79TU4k0Vz8zP . And very nice, too. I'm surprised at the power-it's more than we'll ever need, and we've not even used the most powerful setting yet.I've cleaned off a dirty concrete porch to get it ready for sealing, started to clean siding, and I know this pressure washer will be terrific for cleaning tools this fall.The only issue we had is we had turned around the hose connector, and it leaked. Once it was on correctly, though, we had no problems with the connection. Just remember that the end with the green knob goes towards the hose. It's obvious now what we did wrong, but not necessarily obvious at the time.
Thanks for the video .Just had the K4 bought for my 50th birthday .My old Karcher is still going strong after 18 years never missed a beat.
Hi, I’m sorry I’ve only just seen your comment , wow 18yrs , that’s incredible , here’s to another 18 with your K4 👌
Totally agree with you on karchers, quality bit of kit for the money and most people who have problems don’t look after them properly. Can’t wait for the accessory round up too 👍🏼
Thanks Nick!, still waiting on the Nilfiskians to comment 🤣
Great video, very professional, one of the best reviews for the K4 I have seen. I would say that you definitely wasn’t waffling, everything you said was concise and on point. Very well presented 👌🏻
Thank you for the very kind feedback, I’m glad you enjoyed it, and you’ve made my day!!, 😁
Thank you. Bought mine today. Tororrow is carpet washing time. This will help me keep my new K4 healthy long I hope.
Awesome !!, glad the video helped
I totally agree, I ve never had issues with Karcher and my k4 compact is 5 years old.The only thing I do different is after you have initially turned the water on and pulled the trigger to bleed the air out of the machine etc, after all the air is out I keep the trigger pulled and then turn the machine on and let It force any remaining air out.
This way puts less load on the motor in case it starts stuttering. I hope that makes sense 😁. Great review as always.
Ah that’s a great point Dean, yes I can see the logic there !, great tip 👌
Thank you.
Great video Graeme, my technique for starting mine is to attach both hoses but not the gun and then turn on the tap till all the air is out and once the direct hoses 15m is not bubbling I attach the gun quickly with the trigger pulled and any air in the gun is quickly expelled. Looking forward to the accessories video 👍🏻
Hi Paul, that’s another great way to do it mate. As I’ve now upgraded to a longer hose and quick release short trigger that’s how I now do it with that 😅
Spoiler alert 😂
Nice video. Lots of overlooked tips / best practices that people should follow for any pressure washing machine.
Thank you guys!, yes you’re right!! It could apply to any brand of pressure washer 😀
Thank you very much sir for highlighting your experience with K4.
You are very welcome 👍
hi graeme, i got my reconditioned karcher K4 delivered today, i opened the box and it was already assembled which was a bonus, i had a look over it and there was no obvious signs of use what so ever, the hose looked unused and the whole unit looks like a brand new machine, i paid £109 for it which is £100 less than the big car/bike shop, it says on the karcher website that reconditioned is new machines that have been returned or boxes damaged in transit, if it needs a new part they'll replace it and test it before despatch, i thought reconditioned was an old machine tarted up but far from it! i would recommed going down this route to anyone, i wont get to play with it for a couple of days though! enjoyed your informative video 👍🏼
Thanks mate, yeah they do send with new hoses and trigger guns but you’ve got a pristine example too!, well done 👍
Superb video. Great presentation skills. Just bought a K4 today so this was a great help. Not used it yet but Thanks George
Hi George , glad you enjoyed the video & I hope you equally enjoy your K4 👌
Brilliant and insightful! Thankyou
Very kind, thank you 👍
Spot on review Graeme. I too bought a K4 FC about 5 years ago. I moved from a burned out Nilfisk so am also very fussy about bleeding out the water before switching on.
I had forgotten about the indicator lights on the wand and checked to confirm I too have them!
The only issue for me is that the clipped hose connection to the body went through a bad phase of popping off the clip fitting when the unit is switched on. The clip looks ok and it’s stopped doing it.
Interested to hear about the replacement longer hose and seeing the Auto Glym snow foam lance in action. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Des, yes I was hearing there was an issue with the clip mysteriously popping off, recommendations were to use a zip tie to hold the split pin.
The AutoGlym lance isn’t too bad if you can get it sub £30 but tbh personally I feel the KDN Detailing basic lance is every bit as good if not a slightly better foam from it 🤔
Hi just got a k4 yesterday day great machine .Great review by the way
Thank you David!, glad you like it 👍
Great video. New subscriber. Just bought one of these as my old one lasted 10 years before dying. Looking forward to the info on the upgraded hose you've put on 😊
Welcome along Stephen 👋 I’ve added the links to the hoses below the video , but do check out the ‘upgrade’ video too.
Thanks for Subscribing 😎
Very good video. Cheers man.
Thanks Gary 👍
Karcher have the reputation they have because they are very well made and reliable. I’ve heard similar good things about Bosch pressure washers. Most of the durability will be in in how the user looks after it as you mentioned. Draining the pump down after each use especially in the winter and priming it when the unit it switched off. Little things like that. I’ve recently got a water softener for the hose so hoping that will improve things further, but water in the south of England is ridiculously hard.
Oohh yeah think of the seals!!, I’ve heard of people pumping in antifreeze while leaving it in the garage overnight in winter 🤣
@@GMDetails that is completely unnecessary but people are stupid. Given anti freeze stops water from freezing (obviously) that just isn’t needed if you drain the pump down after using it. That’s like having solution to a problem of a problem lol
🤣🤣 you’re spot on mate 🤣🤣
loved this video some great tips ❤
Glad you liked it!!
Great video Graeme! The Karcher pressure washers have always been my 1st choice. I have had a couple of issues previously with a K2 & K4 but the K2 was user error with the pump cracking due to not flushing the water out it and storing it in the garage through the winter. K4 was just unlucky with a wee seal but was fixed no probs under warranty. I've used Nilfisks for industrial use and also Karcher. My opinion and findings are that I wouldn't touch a Nilfisk.
Thanks mate. I just don’t get where the Nilfiskian fanboys are at, I’ve used a few of them and they feel flimsy and feel easily broken, I’ve even see one go up in smoke so at the lower end they’re all just domestic machines really..
I agree I wouldn’t ever buy a Nilfisk either 😂
Good video. I borrowed one of these last weekend, and I was very impressed. So I'm thinking of buying one myself. I think £200 is a good price, and it will save my hands from freezing when I wash my car and motorbike in the winter.
Nice one! Glad you found the video enjoyable 👍
I had a K6.8 that I had so long I can’t remember how old it was, definitely 10 years at least. I was waiting for it to give up so I could get a k7 Compact. Got fed up waiting a got the K7 in a Black Friday deal. Had a K4 Compact years ago which lasted years. Sold the K6.8 for £120 so if Karchers only last a year or two, that not been my experience!
I’m looking at the K5 compact and it looks amazing but can’t justify it while the K4 is working so well.
You’ve certainly had great experience with them , I hate to see haters unjustifiably laying into any brand for no reason, Karcher certainly have done you proud 👌
Awesome video Graeme, I think with Karchers it’s all about looking after them as mentioned, having said that my neighbour and in laws have been through 2 each in as many years! It seems that the lower number models are less robust, but then they cost a lot less, I’ve got a Nilfisk Titan 120, had it just over two years with no problems, but as you say, they do like to fall over which is a pain, and the stock hose is horrible!
Thanks mate!!, I definitely think there’s a huge difference in quality between them, it’s almost as if the lower models are farmed out to be manufactured elsewhere to keep costs down, I’ve seen this from other German brands in washing machines simply to have their brand name on a low price point range but a far inferior machine. Maybe 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks again for the music mate, I love it 👌
Like Dyson vacuum cleaners.
I worked in an electrical superstore when Dyson were first introduced , the amount of units we had to return was unbelievable
@@GMDetails My Mum owned 3 of them and none of them lasted longer that 2 years. They had parts on them that broke easily. I've got a Henry which I bought 13 years ago and it is still going well.
Good old Henry 🤗
Top video, looking to upgrade from the k2 to a k4. 👍🏻👍🏻
You won’t regret it Adam, what an upgrade it is 👌
Thanks for watching mate
Thank you! I will be buying a K2 within next two months. I hope your tips will help me to keep it well cared. :) Thanks again!
Hopefully!!, just remember to drain it after use to prevent freezing in winter 👍
@@GMDetails I will definitely drain it even though I'm from Sri Lanka. It will definitely help in many ways. By the way, do you take it to a service centre and oil it or do something like that?
I don’t think you’ll have much trouble with it freezing in Sri Lanka , if it does we’re all in trouble 🤣
No need to take it to a service centre , just use it and enjoy 👌
@@GMDetails Thanks a lot! :) Keep up the great work! Stay safe!
You too!!, thank you 👍
Just bought one and not tried it yet, looking forward to using the K4 and after watching your fantastic video I’m well impressed and informed. Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to produce this review. Ps also got the same snow foam and bottle too ! 👍 cheers buddy.
Aw cheers Danny!, great to hear thanks for commenting mate, enjoy your cleaning to the max now 😀
@@GMDetails used it on mine and the neighbours car and used the auto glym rapid aqua wax , cars look fantastic but ordered a rubber hose as you said , no good mate. Spent more time untangling than washing the motors ! Think I maybe get the pipe for to use warm water too for the K4. The roads in Larne Northern Ireland and quite muddy with tractors on the roads a lot especially where I live 👍
Aw sorry to hear you didn’t get on with the rubber hose, mines can get under your feet but generally no tangles but the Rapid Aqua Wax sounds amazing.
@@GMDetails sorry m8 apologies was meaning to say I’ve ordered a rubber hose as that plastic one is a nightmare You should try the Aqua wax its very good indeed.
Ahh 🤣🤣
Great video thanks 👍🏻
Thank you 🙏
I have the older version without the gimmicky lance. After about 4 years I noticed that it has lost a bit of pressure. I too changed the hose which has made it better, it does however still fall over. I didn't drain it one winter and when I went use it water was coming out of the casing. It turned out it had split a large o'ring which seals the water cooling jacket. Easily replaced for a few quid. I did try the dirt blaster attachment on my Transit and it was very successful....very successful in removing the laquered layer on top of the paint. I have various attachments such as the T racer patio cleaner which I also use for cleaning the algae off the roof of my van. And a 90 degree angle lance which is handy for cleaning the underside of the car. The built in detergent dispsenser is a great way of using up the expensive cleaning fluids Karcher sell very quickly even on a low setting. Not a bad machine, but I would say if your budget allows go for the K5 or a pro model.
Thanks for the info, I’ve upgraded to the K5 compact and it’s brilliant I must say!, tho I do miss the neatness of the K4 casing for storing things on it , the compact stores the power cord and the lances but that’s its limit, still, an excellent machine tho 👌
Had a k2 for 14 years always been reliable
They are great machines, can’t remember how long I had mine for but was a brilliant wee thing
Great job 👍
Thanks mate 👍
Clicked on your video as I'm thinking of buying a new K4 but my OCD kicked in when I was watching you rinse the snow foam off. I was taught to wash and rinse from the roof down as opposed to lower parts of the car and work up. You're making extra work as the dirty foam is running down what you have already cleaned. Just an observation. Thanks for the review, it's helped me make up my mind.
Hi mate, thanks for bringing this up, I’m not gonna say yours or mine is a better way, whichever you’re happy with doing, I’ll explain why I do it this way tho, I like a snowfoam to sit for around 10-15mins to soften the grime which I then power wash off with the gun, not simply rinsed away as that won’t remove anything.
Working from the bottom up on darker colour cars allows a visual indicator to see where you haven’t been, thus helping the snowfoam to actually do its job, it makes sense to me but as I say , no real right or wrong way as long as you enjoy what you’re doing 😁
@@GMDetails You've convinced me on the K4, one has been ordered and should be with me next week. Thanks for the honest review helping me decide, Nobby Nomad...
@@nobbynomad2010 glad you enjoyed the review mate 👍
Autoglym rep reccommended us to wash up so the soap makes more than one pass and you get more out of the soap. I thought it was strange but makes sense.
Brilliant Bob!, cheers mate 👍
I have been using a K4 Compact for about 4 years, it's been very good.
I wash my own car every week, and some of my friends cars too, so it gets a lot of hammer.
Fantastic!!, are you still using the original hose and lance with it or have you upgraded to a smaller stubby gun?
@@GMDetails Still original hose and gun.
Yes the hose is the biggest flaw, and you have to be very careful not to let it loop up and hit the paint, but with care it's possible to do.
The hose is too short as well, so I have to lift the Karcher up and carry it round the car, but hey, it works for me on my drive.
@DjNikGnashers treat yourself to a 10m flexible rubber hose mate, you’ll wonder why you haven’t done it sooner
Very good video Graeme and good tips for users! I have the exact same machine, albeit not for as long as yourself... My old K2 is 7 years old and my dad uses it now once a week!
I know people complain or point out just how many Karcher units 'fail' but what they don't seem to recognise is just how many are sold... Example, I'm pretty sure there are more Ford Focuses breaking down on a daily basis than Bugatti Veyrons, but that doesn't mean the Bugatti is more reliable as an every day car 🤣
Ha ha brilliant analogy mate , very true, but also so many users either failing to use them correctly or trying to use a domestic machine commercially then complain when it breaks 🤦🏻♂️
I’d love to go back and compare my old K2 from years back and if this K4 broke tomorrow , I’d be back on Amazon buying another one , absolutely love the thing 😂
You just brought statistics into the game! Nice!
😉😜
@@Rain-Dirt 🤣👍🏼
You left a comment on the K5 video which I can’t reply to for some reason but if you’re using a K5 compact it can be used horizontally or vertically 👌
Thanks for the video, inspired me to buy a similar combination.
Have you faced issues with the pressure gauge increasing when autoglym foam cannon attached. The foam comes out at such force, even when I detach and put the K4 back on lowest setting, it seems to spike back up to full power.
Thanks
Hi , the foam lance has to be on full for it to work drawing the liquid from the tank and mixing it in the lance , if it’s coming out too thick try turning the top mixing dial anti clockwise a touch
People talk crap as they have to have the best most in trend machines Ive got a k2 and runs 20 cars most weeks no issues at all tbh
I have the compact version and its everything I need.
Just replaced the hose with a 10m direct hoses replacement under your advisement and I love it. Was worried it my not reach round my 5 series estate but dose so easily.
Just at the end there I see you draining the machine with the tap off. I think you still have the motor running? Is that OK, it doesn't damage it?
I lost my last Karcher to frost damage so am a bit paranoid.
Hey!, good to hear from you , I’m glad you liked the video and followed my upgrade 😊
Yeah re the draining maybe a winter necessity rather than every time but during the summer at least depressurise it by removing the gun or at least pulling the trigger but in winter it’s important to drain ALL the water out so hose off, pull trigger till it all empties out and as soon as you see there’s no more water turn off straight away , perfectly safe to do that
Thanks again 👍
Haha, nice fart-joke!
I'm glad to see an answer to all the other people being overly negative towards Kärcher pressure washers, but most of these critics fail to mention their usage-rituals or the specifics of what went wrong (the exact things I am most interested in at that point). Thanks!
🤣🤣 just my lavatorial sense of humour 🤣 yes funny how they are all quick to blame the machine and not their use, I’ve now got a K5 compact and found it behaving rather strangely a few weeks ago , got to the bottom of it and guess what , it wasn’t the machine at fault , hope you’ll watch that one soon 👌
@@GMDetails I would like to see that actually.
Since we mention the K5, a little question about it: can you also use it when the bodypart is placed horizontally instead of vertically? I feel that can help with "not falling over" /manoeuvrability.
Good review
Thanks 👍
Good review. I have a K4, but the original Karcher hose drove me mad. It was so rigid and kinked so badly it was dangerous. I bought an after market hose which is much more user friendly and connect it to a Suttner Pro gun. I use the AutoGlym snow foam lance with Bilt Hamber autofoam which cleans well and doesn’t leave a white residue on the drive for hours afterwards.
Just works so much better doesn’t it?, a whole different machine entirely with a different hose , have you tried Touch Less yet Paul?
Which aftermarket hose do you guys recommend. The hose that came with it is driving me mad!!
I bought a 15mtr Flexiwash hose from Direct Hoses. It needs a little bit of effort to recoil it after use, but it’s a whole lot easier than the awful Karcher standard hose. I always fully uncoil it before switching the water supply on, and empty the pipe after use before recoiling.
@@paul6749 that’s great Paul, thanks.
Direct hoses was where I got mine from, Amazon sell the reinforced tube too so it’s really where you think best deserves your money 😅
K4 premium priced (around £320) twice as the k4 basic in my country. Which variant would you suggest?
K4 basic would do me just fine for car duties , whether you need the additional tools with the premium would depend on your circumstances but the internal workings of both machines are exactly the same , so it it was just for cleaning cars, yeah I’d save some money and go for the basic version 👍
Any idea the difference between the power control and the full control? Outlet rrp price are the same but the full control is slightly cheaper on offer.
Yes mate, as I understand it they are the same with a different lance, the full control being a slightly older model to the newer power control. My advice is get the cheaper of the two and swap the Karcher lance for a short QC gun
Really want this for motorbike and car
Some good deals on Karcher Outlet just now you can get a universal K5 for £130
Can you recommend a decent long garden hose that won’t leak? Need to run it through my house in order to use a pressure washer……
Hi Dave, I’ve used both the Hozelok ones & now use a Karcher hose reel, both are very good quality with the Karcher being a stiffer hose, depending on how long you need it to be but either brand will be perfect mate
amzn.to/2YSmKtR
Can I use it without a tap water (which is under some kind of pressure) and get water from a water tank (clean rain water), water bucket?
Hi, yes you can there’s a dedicated suction hose that Karcher sells just for this purpose amzn.to/3Wyeo4m
I do disagree with one thing though the tornado Lance bit is the best thing in the world for the carpeted wheel arches it’s perfect
🥴 I see where you are coming from but what if it was just off slightly and touched on the side of the wheel arch or damaged a seal around an abs sensor , I just wouldn’t risk it on my own car, actually I’d try it if the wheels were off but not with them on
@@GMDetails yeah I have a short extension for the stubby hun that does this it’s brilliant buddy but yeah you need to be careful
Can you suggest a solution to use the K 4 for cleaning outdoor rugs?
Certainly!!, you could use Bilt Hamber Surfex HD at around 1-20 spray on lightly agitate with a soft bristle brush if the rug is in good condition and rinse away with the Karcher keeping the lance quite far back so as not to damage the rug 👍
Would you recommend this for me to start a business doin driveways and porches etc?
No it’s a domestic machine , take a look at the pro models and maybe to save some money on start up , look at the Karcher outlet for a reconditioned one 👍
With the LED lance like you've got when you plug in a snow foam gun or cannon (Or whatever you want to call it). Which setting does it go to? Mix, Soft, Medium or hard? I'm looking at getting a K4 and they all come with the LED lance now.
When you disconnect the vario lance it reverts to Full power , it’s only the later K7 which has the Bluetooth connectivity, you’ll be fine with a K4 👌
@@GMDetails Thank you for your help. Just looking at getting my first pressure washer and after watching your Videos. The K4 seems the best place to start but not looking at changing the lance at the moment. Was just wondering which setting it reverted too.
@@cmtrains cool!, you’ll not go far wrong with a K4 , are you going for the compact or power model?
@@GMDetails Im going for the Full Control. Going to risk the Karcher Outlet get one for £109.99. Rather than £200 Brand new.
That’s a great price mate, hope you enjoy it 👌
I recently bought a k4 power control and although it works ok I find it under powered for car washing actually less powerful than my cheap b&q one any recommendations for something more substantial?
It might be the lance itself not delivering good enough pressure, I upgraded my whole hose and gun using quick release nozzles and it’s got the pressure just nice now.
I’ve made a video on the upgrade if you look at my latest one you’ll see which one I went for and all links in the description for you to check out 👍
czcams.com/video/RZ0upw5xSgg/video.html
@@GMDetails thanks I’ll check it out 👍👍
@@GMDetails I’m tempted to get rid and go for a petrol one now i have been disappointed with the k4 power wise since new a couple of months ago 👍
@@nigelhumphreysfsuk2833 depends of your budget,I bought a red electric one yrs ago(Italian pump) was silent running virtually and proper car wash twist and use Lance,blew petrol models away,personally I prefer electric,less to go wrong in my opinion, cost me £500 but I'm going back to 04,brilliant washer,my local hand car wash has same old battered washer,doesn't owe him a bean,things near enough on 9 hrs x 6days a week it's about 16yr old
Ps sorry so vague I took I'll shortly after purchasing and sold it for half wot I paid but it was a great machine,the guy seen it running for 30 seconds and money was out,no haggling,he knew it was a very fair deal
Do pressure washers not damage the paint work? My cousin has a pressure washer and it seems to of absolutely demolished her paint but the paint might of already been damaged I don't know
Yes they can inflict some serious damage to paintwork on older cars like classics and are not advised for use on eg a convertible roof.
But domestic pressure washers will be perfectly safe if you don’t put the water jet too close to the painted panels, I covered this in a couple of my earlier videos with the Fiesta explaining what the safer areas of the water jet are safe, I’ll pop a link to the video below for you if you want to check it out.
I’m sorry to hear your cousin has had damage caused by a pressure washer but it’s possibly either due to a bad repair, poor paintwork, the age of the car or user error , the pressure washer itself won’t do any damage as it needs someone to point the thing at it 🤣
Brilliant question tho, thanks for asking it 👍
czcams.com/video/gl3wtnBaQ2k/video.html
Hi ! After that foam wash , do you still need hand wash? or this is good enough?
Hi, if it’s only lightly soiled it can be enough but for a better finish I’d always recommend a hand wash afterwards
Hiya! You kindly linked me to this video of yours from Specky McSporran's channel. Just watched this video, really helpful thank you and the tip about the Karcher outlet site looks very handy, some great prices there!
Did you get your K5 yet? I'm upgrading from my old Lidl/Parkside unit which has been surprisingly good! I'm wondering whether to go for the K4 or just bite the bullet and get a K5. Both seem like a nice big step up from my current one. I think Karcher may have changed the names of their kit now cos I can't find a 'Full Control' one, I think it may now be called 'Power Control'? I don't detail for a living, just mine and family cars so I'd guess either model would be fine. Time to watch your video about upgrading Karchers now 👍
Hi Steve!, glad you enjoyed it mate, I thought it would be of some use for you.
I have just taken delivery of the K5 , this time I went for the compact as it’s small for puttin in the car if I need to, and £200 which wasn’t bad at all.
So the K5 coupled with my direct hoses rubber hose and trigger gun I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s like (been on holiday so not had a chance to try it yet )
Did that every time, making sure no water , still died , loads told me k2 no buy better , but I went budget , karcher k2 even if £50 just don't, however long it takes you to save and buy better : do it
Great advice mate, 100%
Great review. I notice when I use my K4 with the various lance, the display keeps switching to mix, medium, hard, then back to medium. Pressure keeps fluctuating. Even though it's brand new, I notice the hose keeps going into a loop or two. Could this be the reason.
The pressure will fluctuate if you haven’t allowed it long enough for water to flow through it before you switch it on, sometimes takes quite a while depending on how long your hose is from tap to the K4, the hose loops are they from the K4 to the gun?, if so that’s the standard hose for you , it’s best to upgrade the hose if you want a flatter less plastic hose then I recommend a flex rubber hose , either from Direct Hoses or I believe Amazon also sells them , I hope that’s given you food for thought
@@GMDetails thanks a million
@@GMDetails sorry, when u bleeding the K4 before you start. You don't switch it on, but do you turn on the water supply? Thanks in advance.
Yes mate , just press the trigger and allow the water to pass through the machine without it being powered up , it’ll spurt a few times as the air is passing through the system , I usually disconnect the trigger and leave it running while I set up other things for a few minutes
Bro, what bar do you wash your car on?
Please answer me. and great vid btw it awesome keep it up.
Hey!!, the K4 from Kärcher is a 130 bar machine , I usually use it on full power for the car , thanks for watching 👌
@@GMDetails Omg, thanks for telling me.
Also karcher need to be much better going forward including prices , lots of much better full stop out there now
Like?
I do quite like the look of the Ava machines but being of Chinese manufacture I’d doubt their reliability over the Karcher , I’m happy with my machine in over 5 years use as a domestic machine
I've got the exact same set up as you but when I try snow foaming it shoots the foam right across the carpark and I can't seem to turn it down I have to stand about 10ft away from the car. Any ideas
😮 Sounds as if you’ve got the lance fan turned too far open, turn the fan dial to nearly closed and have the top dilution dial turned almost fully clockwise , half a turn back from fully closed should be perfect 👌
@@GMDetails I've give that a try thank you
What power level do you use washing the car? Setting #2 medium or #3 hard?
It’s always on maximum, there’s no way to reduce it when you remove the Karcher lance and replace with the gun, all you do is change your technique and adjust how close you go to the area you want to clean 👍
Hi mate can you link me to a good rubber hose for the karcher k4
This is the one I have Will, only in black and it’s incredible www.directhoses.net/collections/hoses-for-karcher-k-series-rubber-flexiwash/products/karcher-style-replacement-rubber-longlife-hose-quick-fit-connections?variant=33703734538
If you want the swivel connector on one end this is the link for that one www.directhoses.net/collections/hoses-for-karcher-k-series-rubber-flexiwash/products/karcher-style-replacement-rubber-hd-longlife-hose-quick-fit-anti-kink-connection
I hope you are going to answer this for me ! THANKS ! CAN I PLEASE have a URL/Link where to buy that AutoGlin Polar Blaster whit that adaptation to fir my k4 full control ?! I am new to this and i don't have a clue.. thanks!
Hi Alex, you are in luck my friend, Amazon have an amazing deal on it at the moment amzn.to/3FDPfLC
Let me know how you get on with it 👍
@@GMDetails Thank you! will buy that !
@@GMDetails I bought this foam blaster and it doesn’t fit my gun the adapter is different… now i have to find a adapter…
It should come supplied with the Karcher adaptor as it states in the listing on Amazon, it should be in the box if not get onto Amazon customer care , it’s a separate connector which clips into the QC fitting 😲
Nice to hear Scottish accent!
Thank you Mags 🏴
Good review. Link to the newer hose?
Thanks Steve, there’s a few to choose from whether you want swivel connectors etc so take a look here www.directhoses.net/collections/hoses-for-karcher-k-series-rubber-flexiwash
One honoust answer to this product. They all brake down within 3 a 4 times use. Numerous complaints. DONT BY!!!!
I can categorically say you’re talking nonsense, no they ALL do not break within 3 to 4 uses , if you listened to the video I’ve had this over 5 years!!, with more than 3 or 4 uses , machine has been PERFECT my friend 👍
Been through several karchers. There okay for the weekend warrior but just about last out of the warranty period. Bought a kranzle k10 and wowwww. Also polar blast is rubbish. Looks good but no cleaning power. Buy some bilt hamber auto foam or touchless and watch the dirt fall off.
Hi Leon, that’s what these mid priced Karchers are designed for , home use not commercial, I wouldn’t use one valeting professionally but perfect for me at home.
I was really surprised his good polar blast has been for me, I wasn’t expecting great results and was very surprised , you even see the results in the video, Bilt Hamber is on another level of course with it being alkaline , different results for different people , appreciate the comment tho , thanks 👍
@@GMDetails no probs at all. If it works for you then great. Obviously if you wanted to up Yr game then yes as mentioned better results. I've tried polar blast but did very little. I personally demand a snow foam that cleans and bilt hamber auto foam offers that. Going to try there new touchless to. Glad what works for you.
@@leonbradley1407 check out my touchless videos , it’s a very good product 👍
Yeah, I second bolt hamber auto foam. It isn't as foamy, but the cleaning power is top notch
Have you ever need to change the carbon brush yet ?
Great question thanks Harris, no not in 5 years but remember it’s only used domestically
Where does the power come for the LEDs in the handle?
There are a couple of batteries in the handle
You could actually draw power from the water pressure, a small generator powered by the flow could light LEDS and they won't need much power.
That would actually be pretty cool
This is what I purchased as they came out. Wanted to up my game, and to be honest what a waste of money. The last went, it was under warranty so karcher sent me one straight away. Then it went again but as the warranty expired. Have they got issues with them or what? Then I started to loose pressure. Never had pressure washers with so many issues.
Very odd, guess I’m just lucky with mine 😳
Purging the air is a necessity. But it doesn't mention it in the instructions. It's similar to a Shower Pump, they should not be run, dry.
100% 🙏
Why does no one mention the cheap and frustrating Karcher bayonet interlock system for swapping out attachments, just took off main lance yellow insert left on trigger. Removed with long nose pliers, fitted karcher foam gun leaks from interlock and yet another yellow nozzle left in the trigger wish Karcher would sort out bayonet fitting. Have loads of attachments but hate to change them as you don’t know if they are going to disconnect or connect correctly. Complained to Karcher’s who sent a pack of yellow inserts with a range of o-rings with unintelligible diagrammatic instructions.
I can honestly say I’ve never heard of this problem Michael, does sound frustrating if it’s happening to you and Karcher does seem to be helping sending you some spares 👍
Thanks for leaving a comment 👌
@@GMDetails Been doing a wee bit more digging and apparently this has been going on for some time. Suggestions have included glueing the yellow inserts in place or reaming the yellow inserts. Just tried PVA glue on my lance and snow gun (have to be able to remove insert to replace o-rings) but will use the callipers on the trigger to check the right size for a reamer and extract the insert first so as not to damage the sealing ring. Wish I had been as lucky as you cause when the pressure washer is in normal operation it’s a very good machine.
Best of luck with it mate , I know troubles like this would really put me off a brand ☹️
Ok nice, but what abt water, is it inbuild tank or???
No it doesn’t have an inbuilt tank it’s connected to mains water via a hose pipe, it can draw water from a bucket but you’ll need a Kärcher water feed hose for this purpose 👍
1:50 little passing of wind there..ha
🤣🤣🤣💨💨
do you drain the water from it at the end of each use ? or only in winter times
Great Question Sergiu, yes always, even in summer that way it’s part of a routine & not forgotten about 👍
@@GMDetails and I assume that you turn it off if you take some breaks when cleaning ? like waiting for the foam to dwell on the car and so on
Yes mate, it’s not on constantly
Is it better than Bosch Aquatak 130?
Hi, I’m not familiar with Bosch power washers to be able to provide an opinion, I do love Bosch appliances and looking at all the specs for you I’d think the 135 would be closest to the K4, it’s also cheaper on Amazon right now for some reason than the 130 🤔
As far as buying any upgrades for Bosch they won’t be as easily available as Karcher , end of the day the choice is yours
My favourite part was the fart!!😂
🤣🤣💨
Is the pressure washer motor noisy?
Great question John!, personally I didn’t find it particularly noisy coming from a K2, that makes some racket and the K4 is a lot quieter than any of the Nilfisk machines that whine when stopping.
I’d say it makes no more noise than an idling diesel car engine for perspective , hope that helps
@@GMDetails comparing with k5 which one is quiter
@@johnimperial9777 personally I can’t tell them apart in that respect, both sound like they have the same motor , if you’re looking for a super quiet machine then the only one I have used which is near silent is the Kranzle K7 but that’s a very expensive piece of kit, Karcher did make a super quiet K4 machine but discontinued it
Is it silent? I heard other waterjet brands and it's loud af
No it’s not silent but it isn’t as loud as the K2
@@GMDetails I was also gonna ask about that haha, thank you 😚
@@chainjail4834 no problem, if I had to describe both the K2 is like a forced air high pitched whoosh and the K4 is like a deep, grunt like a V8 😍
Farted at 1:50 lol💨
🤣
A neighbour has this model I don't like it, actually not working right,can't get it off the mix mode,that led lit handle to me is just gimmicky, I lent her my karcher 4.99, she was so impressed,like most products now I find the guts just aren't in them,older stuff was better made (in my opinion)
Hi Wayne , sorry for the late reply , that’s odd that the mix isn’t right, yeah the led handle is crap, don’t use it at all and I agree older things work better 🤣
first foam then water :)
If it’s a warm day I’ll rinse first to cool the glass in particular as the surfactants in snowfoam can bake a pretty nasty chemical residue onto the glass which is a nightmare to remove. Same with the bodywork I’d sometimes go straight in with foam but if the top layer of dirt can be removed by a pressure rinse I’d rather do that first so the chemical has a better chance of working on the traffic film so it’s really not always one method , not for me anyway 👍
Simple they want you to spend , the k2 should be advertised as 0nce every other month only or will die after warranty, neighbour has same k4 👍
Consumerism eh 🤔 I suppose it’s not in their interest to make an appliance to last 10yrs for £80 that’s madness , good for us but bad for them 😬
My K4 isn’t showing any signs of dying just yet , be interesting to see how long it’ll go on for, I have tried the K7 and I really don’t think it’s worth paying the extra for, what do you use ?
@ 1:52 unwanted air 😂😂
Better out than in 😅
The fact it couldn't remove the bird crap just by the pressure alone is a bit disappointing looking at one for myself
Hi David , sorry for the very late reply , I didn’t get notified of your comment , yeah I know I was talking about bird crap at that point but I don’t know what that mark was next to the wheel, it was a gluey mess like chewing gum or something , citrus bug remover took care of it tho 👍
never buying karcher again had a k2 the piece of shit didnt last 2 years and i hardly used it so
i bought a AVA P70 EVOLUTION . 20 YEAR WARANTY sounds good to me
Yeah there’s only £300+ of a difference there so hopefully it doesn’t pack in like the K2 👍
Who the hell rinses from the bottom up? 🤦
All the detailers I know do it. Gets the harder dirt and grime off first.
Prewashes and snow foams always from bottom , shampoo from top 👌
You are applying on a clean car 🚗 it's better to apply on adirty one
I covered this point in the video, it’s not a clean car but the camera can’t see the dirt because it’s bombarded with white light particles and reflects as ‘clean’
Thank you for watching and commenting tho 👍
No idea how to wash a car!
Start from the top and work your way down!
I take it you are referring to the pre wash Wazz? As the shampoo stage of a wash is done top to bottom but as this is a review for a pressure washer , not how to ‘wash a car’ but thank you for watching and leaving your kind feedback 👍
helllo good morning have a wonderful day, watching from qatar I m new viewers in your yt, and I hug you hope you turn my home and thanks. stay connect,keep safe godbles more power
Hello, thank you and a warm Scottish welcome to you in Qatar. Keep safe 👍