Ryobi Takes an Automotive Focus with its Latest Electric Pressure Washer
Ryobi’s cleaning roster is one of the largest in the tool industry, offering solutions for virtually every need. Just in terms of pressure washers, the brand has more than a dozen spanning the gas-powered, corded, and battery-powered lineups. In the case of corded, a new model has entered the ring, this time targeting automotive cleaning applications. I’m turning my focus to the Ryobi Automotive High-Flow Pressure Washer to see how it can refresh your vehicle and outdoor space.
Check out our recommendations for the year’s best electric pressure washers!
Ryobi Automotive Pressure Washer Performance
- Model: Ryobi RY14AM12
- Max pressure rating: 1200 PSI
- Max flow rate: 1.8 GPM
The Ryobi RY14AM12 automotive pressure washer delivers a top pressure rating of 1200 PSI, which is in the low- to medium-duty range. Pressure washers at this pressure level are ideal for cleaning off patio furniture, walkways, and, in the case of this model, vehicles. Pressure washers with higher PSI can easily damage the clear coat and paint on your vehicle, so it’s critical for an automotive-focused model to reduce that risk by operating at a lower PSI.
What makes this model stand out from the rest of Ryobi’s lineup, especially its compact models, is its flow rate. It has an output of up to 1.8 GPM, which inspires its “High Flow” name. Many of Ryobi’s other corded models are in the 1.1 to 1.2 GPM range. A higher GPM means more water is flowing through at a time, enabling you to more quickly clear dirt and debris from your cleaning surface.
Note: Learn about PSI vs GPM ratings here!
Ryobi Automotive Pressure Washer Design
- Weight: 15 lbs
- High-pressure hose length: 40 ft
- Cord length: 35 ft
- Quick-connect tips
- Includes three nozzles: 15°, 25°, and 40°
Compared to other Ryobi pressure washers, the RY14AM12 is quite compact. It weighs just 15 pounds, and the onboard carrying handle also helps you transport it between working areas.
Ryobi decided against adding wheels to this model, which they often do with their smaller pressure washers. The lack of wheels here isn’t necessarily a negative trait, though, especially because it’s so lightweight. Plus, when you’re washing your car or another small outdoor area, you don’t typically need to move your unit around as much.
Additionally, the 40-foot high-pressure hose gives you an extended reach, so you can leave the pressure washer on one end of your vehicle and reach every side easily.
As expected, it also includes three nozzles: 15°, 25°, and 40°. The 15° nozzle offers a more concentrated spray for removing tough dirt and stains, the 25° is ideal for general cleaning tasks, and finally, the 40° nozzle lets you effectively rinse dirt and debris away.
Ryobi Automotive Pressure Washer Price
This pressure washer retails for $149, and it includes three spray nozzles, a trigger handle, a 50-foot high-pressure hose, a spray wand, and a foamer. Ryobi backs it with a 3-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
So, with so many pressure washers in Ryobi’s catalog, how do you know if this automotive model is right for you? If you plan to use it primarily on your vehicle, this model is a safe bet thanks to the lower pressure rating which has a lower likelihood of damaging paint or other cosmetic details on your car’s exterior. And as mentioned earlier, you can still clean other outdoor surfaces like fences, walkways, and the outside of your home.
With that being said, this model won’t provide top-tier cleaning power for jobs that require higher pressure to remove gunk. For those applications, Ryobi has a compact 1900 PSI/1.2 GPM model at the same price point, or a super-handy 2000 PSI/1.1 GPM model for $50 more.
