The best drying method/tools?

[willowcat11]

Notice how the guys who have been around for a while and tried all the suggested methods are tending to go with a blower and wipe with a drying aide. That's pretty much where I'm at too. Nothing seems to work better.

I just want to get hold of a stronger blower to pick up my speed some - especially on horizontal surfaces.

The Corded Toro on Amazon. Great Reviews, blows up to 250mph.

 

[Mathwiz]

The Corded Toro on Amazon. Great Reviews, blows up to 250mph.

I have this and it has plenty of blowing power. My only issue is the long tube is somewhat unwieldy. Would be very nice if they sold a short attachment.


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[kbmag1]

Had the pfm towel for months...finally used it today. Absolutely the best drying towel I've used.

 

[Route246]

In theory it's supposed to prevent marring and to add either slickness or some minor protection. Yes, just one or maybe two sprays per panel.

+1

Definitely adds lubricant and reduces marring.


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[Scalla1384]

So I bought the McKees turbo car dryer, and honestly I find it horrible. It works good blowing down like the doors and stuff. But the hood, roof, hatch areas it doesn’t even move the water. The griots towels are nice though, I do like them a lot.

 

[Klasse Act]

NO SQEEGEE FOR YOU, COME BACK IN 1 YEAR...lol!

Seriously though, no on that and what works for me is the medium sized Big Blue drying towel, thrown on the roof and dragged towards me. Then grab yourself the Griot's Garage PFM 16 x 16 to finish off the panel, water doesn't stand a chance and its VERY safe for your paint, especially that soft Japanese paint you've got there.

BTW congrats on picking up an ICON rops:

 

[Route246]

So I bought the McKees turbo car dryer, and honestly I find it horrible. It works good blowing down like the doors and stuff. But the hood, roof, hatch areas it doesn’t even move the water. The griots towels are nice though, I do like them a lot.

It sounds like your finish may not be slick enough. On horizontal surfaces you need something close to a show car finish (decontaminated, polished and waxed) to get the type of results you are seeking. I noticed this on a friend's car when we did an initial wash. I thought something was wrong with my leaf blower.

But, after we polished with AIO (360), waxed with 476s the finish is now pretty slick and the leaf blower brings the paint to near dry with very little effort.

 

[MattPersman]

Next step would be something along the lines of a DI water treatment set up so you have zero crap in your water and could literally let it dry

You could always go to waterless or rinseless washing.


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[Paul A.]

Friction is your enemy. After Mike P has drilled it into to my head it finally sunk in. Anytime you touch or rub your paint you risk scratching it. And of those methods you're currently using, the squeegee is like nails on a chalkboard to me.

I'll add another vote for keeping it cleaned, polished and protected. I use a corded leaf blower dedicated to vehicle drying after a good drip rinse. Then a blot dry with maybe 3-4 WWMF towels. Keeping a good and constant layer of protection helps immensely. Hydrophobia!

My car is black and a daily driver...thus, I've learned.

 

[lokerola]

I do rinseless washes and use a thick microfober towel after each panel is done to dry. It's cheap and cheerful.

I too once use the swirl-inducing squeegee blade. No more blade!

 

[crovello]

i get my cars totally dry using my motorcycle air blaster. When it does not easily blow the water off, i know it is time for a good wax. I am new to sealers but may try that next time.
it is fantastic for around mirrors and wheels. Gets most of the water out from between the doors and jambs. Can't imagine doing this with a microfiber.
May upgrade to the 8hp car dryer but honestly the small unit i have works fine for me.
Once all the water is blown off, i give it a quick wipe down with a microfiber and detail spray. It is dry and spotless after that.

Dave

 

[PA DETAILER]

Rinse vehicle off
Flood rinse
Grab a PFM drying towel
Grab a drying aid of your choice. I use McKees Trademark Extender Spray wax
Mist over each panel and glass on vehicle
Dry off with the PMF

Stand back and look at your dry, great looking vehicle.

View attachment 61493

 

[r1racer]

If you have a dog or pet that you groom skip the leaf blowers and get a dog grooming blow dryer for 40 bucks and kill two birds...also has heat which will help.