There are numerous different snow foam lances in the UK market.
If we are to give you only 1 piece of advice when choosing a foam lance - it would be:
Don't use the foam lance that comes from your manufacturer!
As:
Most pressure washers aren't created with car washing / car detailing in mind.
That means:
That the foam lance that came with your pressure washer, won't create that thick foam that clings to your car's surface.
However:
That is not the only thing you need to keep in mind, when selecting the best snow foam lance.
There are 3 other important factors that make Auto Glanz Snow Storm the best snow foam lance on the UK market!
That's why we've put together this comprehensive 2023 GUIDE to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the best snow foam lance involves considering factors such as foam thickness, ease of use, and value for money.
- A high-quality snow foam lance will produce a thick foam that effectively removes dirt and grime from your car's surface.
- Consider the compatibility with your pressure washer and the adjustable spray patterns when choosing a snow foam lance.
- Proper usage and maintenance are crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your snow foam lance.
Understanding Snow Foam Lances
Before investing in a snow foam lance, it is essential to understand how it works and what makes it the best choice for car cleaning.
In its simplest form, a snow foam lance is an attachment that connects to your pressure washer and produces a foam that helps to loosen and remove dirt and grime from your car's surface. The foam effectively acts as a pre-wash, making the actual cleaning process easier and more effective.
To create the best snow foam, the right combination of water and snow foam detergent is required. This mixture is then sprayed onto your car's surface using the snow foam lance. The pressure washer forces the mixture through the lance and out of the nozzle in a thick, fluffy foam that blankets your car's surface, clinging to dirt and grime and carrying it away as it drips off the car.
The best snow foam is thick and fluffy, clinging to the surface for an extended period, ensuring that it penetrates the tiniest crevices and creases. When left to dwell for a few minutes, the foam reacts with dirt and grime, breaking it down and making it easier to remove. The foam is then rinsed off with water, leaving dirt loosened or removed.
Factor 1: Efficiency (Ability to produce Thick Foam)
The first reason to change your stock foam lance is to get a thicker foam.
So:
Make sure that your choice of foam cannon / foam lance can produce a substantially thicker foam than your standard foam lance.
It consists of several elements - from the design of the filters in the snow lance, water throughout and the size of the nozzle in the foam lance.
They typically come in 3 sizes:
- 1.1 mm
- 1.25 mm
- 1.4 mm
Typically you would use 1.25 mm for a standard pressure washer and 1.1 mm for a small pressure washer. 1.4 mm is for industrial pressure washers. In short - you want to choose one that includes both a 1.1 mm nozzle and a 1.25 mm nozzle, so you can change it, in case the foam is not thick enough.
Factor 2: Ease of Use and Versatility
Your foam lance should be easy to use.
This includes:
- A wide opening - making it easy to fill with water and snow foam
- Indicators - to make it easy to dilute in the foam lance bottle
- Ability to adjust the spray pattern
- Easy to maintain the foam lance
Wide opening
Have you ever tried mixing something into a bottle with an opening the size of a penny?
It isn't easy - and you will likely spill your expensive pre-wash all over.
Make sure that the one you choose has a wider opening.
If it also has a wide base for stability that is also worth noting.
Indicators
You want to be able to see have many ml you have filled in the bottle, so that you can mix pre-wash and water in the correct ratio. Typically it will be a 1 litre bottle.
Spray pattern
Make sure you can adjust both the thickness of the foam and the ability to spray both vertically and horizontally.
That way you can also reach your wheel arches and tall vehicles with ease.
Maintenance
Not all foam lances can be maintained. Make sure that the one you choose can. That way you can buy new foam filters and install.
Factor 3: Value for Money
We all want something cheap.
There is no reason to pay more than needed!
Choose a foam lance that includes the options from factor 1 and factor 2.
Part of it being cheap, also involves the ability of the snow foam to suck up all the mixed in pre-wash.
That is only possible if it has a plumb in the bottom, allowing it to suck up all the contents in the foam lance bottle.
Choosing the Best Snow Foam Lance: Our Recommendation
The best snow foam lance when considering the 3 factors (+subfactors) listed above is Auto Glanz Snow Storm>>
It is a versatile Foam Lance, built with quality components, one of the cheapest, and has the ability to create the thickest foam possible!
Snow Foam Lance Comparison Table:
Snow Foam Lance | Adjustable Foam | Budget-Friendly | Thickest Foam | Wide Opening | Horizontal Spray | Premium Quality | Plumb |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Auto Glanz Snow Storm Foam Lance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
PWP Entry Level Foam Lance | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
PWP Foam Lance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Whichever snow foam lance you choose, ensure it produces a thick foam for powerful pressure cleaning, and is compatible with your pressure washer model, whether it's the Karcher K2, K4, K7 or any other brand. Remember to adjust the foam thickness and coverage based on your needs, and follow proper maintenance and usage guidelines for optimal performance.
Review of the Auto Glanz Snow Storm
Compatibility
Auto Glanz Snow Storm is compatible with most pressure washers - whether it's a Nilfisk, Karcher K series, or any other brand.
It is simply a matter of selecting the right adaptor / connector.
Simply choose the brand of your pressure washer and check the image for the dimensions, to ensure you get the right adaptor.
When installed - it is incredibly easy to use.
Maintaining and Using Your Snow Foam Lance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your snow foam lance, proper maintenance and usage are essential. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your lance when using snow foam:
- Clean the lance: After using the snow foam lance, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Rinse it with water by putting clean water in the foam lance bottle and run some water through. Do not let it sit with unused chemicals.
- Store the lance: Once you have cleaned the lance, make sure you store it properly. Keep it in a dry, cool place to prevent any moisture from damaging the lance.
How To Snow Foam Your Car: Quick Guide
Here's a quick guide to get you started with your new Snow Foam Lance.
Materials Needed:
- Snow foam Lance
- Snow foam detergent / Pre-wash
- Pressure washer
- Water source
Procedure:
-
Prepare Equipment:
- Ensure the snow foam cannon / Snow foam lance is clean and connected to the pressure washer.
- Fill the snow foam cannon with the recommended ratio of snow foam detergent / Pre-wash and water to ensure correct dilution.
-
Apply Snow Foam:
- Adjust the snow foam cannon settings for desired foam thickness. Go for a decent foam level - thicker foam is not always better.
- Starting from the bottom, spray the entire car with snow foam, covering all surfaces.
-
Allow Dwell Time:
- Let the snow foam dwell on the car's surface for 5-10 minutes. This allows it to break down and loosen dirt. Do not let it dry out, and do not use in direct sunlight or on hot panels.
-
Rinse Thoroughly:
- Rinse off the snow foam and dirt with a pressure washer, starting from the top and working your way down.
Tips:
- Select Snow Foam based on season and the amount of dirt on your car.
- Perform the snow foam process in the shade to prevent premature drying.
Snow foaming is an effective way to maintain your car's paintwork by removing and loosening dirt before the contact wash with car shampoo.
FAQ
What is a snow foam lance?
A snow foam lance is an attachment used with pressure washers to create a thick foam that helps in pre-washing and cleaning your car. It produces a blanket of foam that clings to the surface, loosening and removing dirt and grime effectively.
What are the important factors to consider when choosing a snow foam lance?
The three important factors to consider when choosing a snow foam lance are efficiency, ease of use and versatility, and value for money. These factors will help you make an informed decision and find the best option for your car care needs.
How do I know if a snow foam lance is of high quality?
Look for a snow foam lance that has a high-quality nozzle and produces a thick foam blanket. Consider the foam output in liters per minute and ensure it is compatible with your pressure washer. We have tested multiple (including autoglym polar blaster snow and mjjc foam cannon pro) and ended up creating the Auto Glanz Snow Storm Foam Lance. The foam produced from this foam cannon is extremely good.
How can I enhance my car washing experience with a snow foam lance?
Your foam lance can be used in all phases of the car wash - from prewash to paint protection with a snow foam sealant.