Suggestions for a beginner

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bp7392

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Hello all. New member here. My name is Billy. i recently just got into a new car (2015 BMW M4). I have always been picky about my cars, but have just used "regular" subpar equipment, which was ok, but now im really into the whole detailing thing. I went to my local detailing store and got the following:

adams car shampoo
Wookie Mitt
Sonax wheel cleaner
Sonax Indutrial fallout cleaner
Collonite Wax
Soft Claybar

the problem is there are no store around me with proper drying equipment. Im not sure if I should buy a metro vac sidekick, or if really good microfiber towels will do. What microfiber towels do you suggest for drying? How about for spray wax/detailer? How about for paste wax removal? Any suggestions are appreciated.
 
If you are already here and have found AutoGeek, i love the large waffle weave microfiber drying towels on their site. My black BMW 335 loves them too!

If you're on the fence about a blow drying method, don't be. I use a blower first to get the majority of the water off after a wash and then blot dry with my WW MF towels. Be aware that the friction passes involved with washing and drying are the real scratch inducers. Less friction = less marring.

Oh, and welcome to the best darn detailing site in the known universe. And congrats on a beautiful new race car!
 
Billy, first and foremost :welcome: to AGO

Congrats on your purchase, you can get a lot of suggestions here as to how to keep your baby looking good. As it was stated to me when I first started into doing this on my own vehicles, like you I like to have them looking good. Before making suggestions to you, it would be best to understand if your doing this on a personal vehicle or vehicles or your looking at getting into the business to control your expenses and determine what your budget will be.

To answer your questions: I do this on my personal vehicles, close friends and neighbors, so it is a hobby for me, but make a little pocket change. I bought a cheap electric leaf blower online that I use to dry my vehicles or a good quality waffle weave drying towel. AGO has plenty of these and I have purchased a couple that I really like and use often also.
I have also bought some cheap microfibers at Costco, used them to do wax removal and work pretty well. I have also purchased some better quality through AGO that I use on others higher line vehicles. Wait for the sales and you can get some good deals.
 
For a drying towel, I use the Microfiber Madness Dry Me Crazy towel. It is works great and is very soft. I highly recommend it. For a drying aid, I use Meguiars Quick Detailer and for a spray wax, I use Meguiars D156.
 
Puckman said:
If you are already here and have found AutoGeek, i love the large waffle weave microfiber drying towels on their site. My black BMW 335 loves them too!

If you're on the fence about a blow drying method, don't be. I use a blower first to get the majority of the water off after a wash and then blot dry with my WW MF towels. Be aware that the friction passes involved with washing and drying are the real scratch inducers. Less friction = less marring.

Oh, and welcome to the best darn detailing site in the known universe. And congrats on a beautiful new race car!
Click to expand...

awesome!! thanks for the advice!! Ill definitely be looking into some blowers to decrease the drying time and increase paint safety:xyxthumbs:
 
zmanjohn said:
Billy, first and foremost :welcome: to AGO

Congrats on your purchase, you can get a lot of suggestions here as to how to keep your baby looking good. As it was stated to me when I first started into doing this on my own vehicles, like you I like to have them looking good. Before making suggestions to you, it would be best to understand if your doing this on a personal vehicle or vehicles or your looking at getting into the business to control your expenses and determine what your budget will be.

To answer your questions: I do this on my personal vehicles, close friends and neighbors, so it is a hobby for me, but make a little pocket change. I bought a cheap electric leaf blower online that I use to dry my vehicles or a good quality waffle weave drying towel. AGO has plenty of these and I have purchased a couple that I really like and use often also.
I have also bought some cheap microfibers at Costco, used them to do wax removal and work pretty well. I have also purchased some better quality through AGO that I use on others higher line vehicles. Wait for the sales and you can get some good deals.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice Bill!! This is just for my own personal car and when I help friends or family. Ill definitely be looking into blowers, just not sure if I want to go the leaf blower route or get the metrovac sidekick:xyxthumbs:
 
BMW435 said:
For a drying towel, I use the Microfiber Madness Dry Me Crazy towel. It is works great and is very soft. I highly recommend it. For a drying aid, I use Meguiars Quick Detailer and for a spray wax, I use Meguiars D156.
Click to expand...

Awesome! do you use the quick detailer for just dust, quick clean, and drying lubrication and then the wax for added shine?
 
Hi Billy, welcome to AutoGeekOnline from the Fatherland!

Congrats on the new M4! What color is it and options?

I think your best bet to dry the vehicle is with a leaf blower. This will really minimize the amount of contact with the paint. You could also use a good waffle weave towel with a QD as a drying aide and added lubrication.
 
Congratulations on the new car and welcome to Autogeek.
 
Mike@DedicatedPerfection said:
Hi Billy, welcome to AutoGeekOnline from the Fatherland!

Congrats on the new M4! What color is it and options?

I think your best bet to dry the vehicle is with a leaf blower. This will really minimize the amount of contact with the paint. You could also use a good waffle weave towel with a QD as a drying aide and added lubrication.
Click to expand...

Mineral white coupe with Sakhir Orange Interior. I have DCT with the executive package and 19" Black wheels. Loving every bit of it. Would you say the Metro Vac sidekicks is not worth the extra money over an electric leaf blower? Thanks man!!

AZ Mike said:
Congratulations on the new car and welcome to Autogeek.
Click to expand...

Thanks you my friend
 
bp7392 said:
Mineral white coupe with Sakhir Orange Interior. I have DCT with the executive package and 19" Black wheels. Loving every bit of it.
Click to expand...

Beautiful combo!

Would you say the Metro Vac sidekicks is not worth the extra money over an electric leaf blower? Thanks man!!
Click to expand...

Honestly, not at all. But if you want a nice blower this new release from DP gets my vote.
DP Turbo Car Dryer

Here is a review on it.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...5-peak-horsepower-blower-drying-your-car.html

Otherwise, go down to your local hardware store and get a decent leaf blower.


Honestly, I would save some money for a Flex 3401, some Hybrid pads, and some Menzerna or Wolfgang polishes.

:)
 
Yes, if i was replacing my blower now, i'd be all over that new DP unit. The trick with blow drying vehicles dry is to use a dedicated unit just for that purpose. The Metro and DP units are blowers only and meant for vehicle drying. You don't want to cheap out and use your yard blower for double duty i.e. "dirty" work and clean work. I found that out years ago when i blew a bunch of fine, gritty yard dirt on my car!
 
Congrats on the new M4. Awesome, awesome car.

I do basically what some of the others have said. I use an inexpensive electric leaf blower to get most of the water off the car and out of the cracks and crevices. I then spray with Griot's Spray On Wax. You are supposed to apply this while drying, so I am sure to leave some water droplets on the vehicle in order to use the Spray On Wax as intended. It is my drying aid and adds protection and nice gloss. Oh, my drying towel is the Dry Me A River. It works quite well.

As others have mentioned, there are some excellent options in mf towels here at Autogeek, too!
 
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