How to properly dry a car with a towel?

E

emaxxman

New member
Joined
Mar 29, 2006
Messages
365
Reaction score
0
Well, a recent thread on how to properly apply wax got me thinking about drying cars. In the thread, it was mentioned that one should apply wax in a front to back motion (as the wind blows was the description) only as to avoid putting in swirls.

So, how do you 'geeks dry your cars?

  1. Folded towel, slowly pushed along paint
  2. Open towel slowly pulled along paint
  3. Blot car dry with a towel
  4. Air blown dry then wiped with a QD to remove spots
I read on another forum that blotting is the way to go since it minimizes the chance of scratches. I can see where this train of thought is coming from but wonder how likely it is (assuming you're using a quality mf towel.)

I know that I full rinse my car off before drying. I would be very surprised if anything was left on the finish. Then again, can even a gently pushing of folded towel create swirls or scratches over time>

I currently do a combination of #1 and #2 depending on the section of the car.

Your thoughts?
 
I take the nozzle off the hose let the water sheet off the vehicle then do a #2. Not much water left after sheeting!:awesome:
 
I break out the leaf blower... that gets off 99% of all water. I usually just get the other 1% during the quick detail.
 
Meghan said:
I take the nozzle off the hose let the water sheet off the vehicle then do a #2. Not much water left after sheeting!:awesome:
Click to expand...
whatshesaid.bmp
 
I like using a leaf blower. waffle weaves are not as soft as a good plush QD towel is. I'd rather blow the water off and QD the paint than wipe off with a WW towel. Besides, leaf blowers let you get all the water that will eventualy drip out out of the cracks and stuff.
 
Neothin said:
I like using a leaf blower. waffle weaves are not as soft as a good plush QD towel is. I'd rather blow the water off and QD the paint than wipe off with a WW towel. Besides, leaf blowers let you get all the water that will eventualy drip out out of the cracks and stuff.
Click to expand...

:iagree: :iagree: :iagree:
 
Neothin said:
I like using a leaf blower. waffle weaves are not as soft as a good plush QD towel is. I'd rather blow the water off and QD the paint than wipe off with a WW towel. Besides, leaf blowers let you get all the water that will eventualy drip out out of the cracks and stuff.
Click to expand...
Exactly what I do, electric blower to get water off and especially out of nooks and crannies on my truck. Then there is usually still some small water beads left and I'll just use some QD and buff. I don't remember the last time I've really dried with a towel.
 
I agree with the leaf blower use to get water out of the nooks. I have not
made that purchase yet. It is on the agenda though. I go over the car after
finishing washing and sheet the water off. I then use a Supreme Guzzler
Waffle Weave Towel and Poorboys Spray and Wipe to dry. I find the S&W
will stop any Micro Marring if there is anything at all on the paint. I mist and
wipe. Not a problem yet.
 
Last edited:
I am thinking about getting the Metro vac from AG, can be used as a blower. Have to do a couple more cars to get the money.
 
jforget1 said:
I am thinking about getting the Metro vac from AG, can be used as a blower. Have to do a couple more cars to get the money.
Click to expand...
Yes that Vac is nice, I have used the one here at the shop a few times, I can't bring one home, no room in the garage just yet!:( I have to becareful just opening the garage door, stuff slides out to the driveway!:p
 
Meghan said:
Yes that Vac is nice, I have used the one here at the shop a few times, I can't bring one home, no room in the garage just yet!:( I have to becareful just opening the garage door, stuff slides out to the driveway!:p
Click to expand...
We have like a 4 car garage, there would be room if you stop buying jetskis and other toys and junk. Woman.....:D

I think everyone should at least have an electric blower, regardless of the funny looks you'll receive, once you use one you'll love it. Makes quick work on my suv.
 
I can attest to meghan's garage....


god... does the girl have *anything* that's clean?!
 
Darren F said:
anyone ever try the Mr Clean Car Wash?
Click to expand...
Friend did since he has a large truck and thought it would clean quickly/easily (Dodge Ram quad cab, diesel, etc). Wasn't worth a crap.
 
Neothin said:
I like using a leaf blower. waffle weaves are not as soft as a good plush QD towel is. I'd rather blow the water off and QD the paint than wipe off with a WW towel. Besides, leaf blowers let you get all the water that will eventualy drip out out of the cracks and stuff.
Click to expand...

:iagree:

I like to dry my car in a couple of ways, and certainly agree with above. I start by blowing the car dry with a good blower. (200 mile Leaf Hawg) While I pay attention to wheels, wheelwells, and cracks .... I personally like to leave a little water (beads) on the surface.

I then take a good qd'er (quickshine, Poorboys Spray/Shine, Crystal Mist, Finish 425) and I spritz each panel while damp. I then use my Guzzler Waffle Weave to dry the areas and remove any spotting. The qd'er actually acts as a lubricant doing multiple tasks at once. (helps remove water spots, lubricates paint, and adds the gloss to amp the surface). It also saves a little time. No need to rub hard, and no reason to leave scratches ... allow the product to help do the work for you.
 
200 mph? pfft! Come on killr, i've got you beat by 65 mph with my blower :P

any reason you use WW's instead of a QDing towel?
 
Neothin said:
200 mph? pfft! Come on killr, i've got you beat by 65 mph with my blower :P

any reason you use WW's instead of a QDing towel?
Click to expand...


I like to enjoy a little slower blower :applause: :righton: :applause:

And on that note,

I find that the WW picks up more water on the intial stroke. With the qd'er as lubrication, I dont really feel that there is a need to grind or scrub.

**This answer is rated M for Mature audiences, children please clue your parents in on all the inuendo's in this post. Several apply, have fun and see if they can count them all. **
 
Last edited:
killrwheels@autogeek said:
I like to enjoy a little slower blower :applause: :righton: :applause:

And on that note,

I find that the WW picks up more water on the intial stroke. With the qd'er as lubrication, I dont really feel that there is a need to grind or scrub.

**This answer is rated M for Mature audiences, children please clue your parents in on all the inuendo's in this post. Several apply, have fun and see if they can count them all. **
Click to expand...

5
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top