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Check out California Squeegie. Soft rubbery blade that gets rid of enough water that a single medium sized waffle towel will complete the process.
I think it's technically called the "California Waterblade". I've been using one for over a decade on many of my cars and it works great. The only thing you have to be really careful about is that you don't get some dirt particle stuck to the edge of the blade. That happened to me once and of course it was when I was using it on my e46 M3. It put a scratch across the entire hood. That was the last time I used it on any car that I really care about, but I continue to use it on all our daily drivers.
You mean, this might have an impact similar to driving down the highway?!?
Ha. I think the difference is that you don't wipe your car down after driving down the highway like you do at the end of the washing process. The concern is not that dirt will land on the surface, but rather that you will rub that dirt into the finish as you're drying the car with a towel or shammy. If you used the blower for the entire drying process then that would not be an issue. But I think most people just blow out water from the seams and nooks and then wipe the car down for the final dry.
You mean, this might have an impact similar to driving down the highway?!?
lol. Driving on real roads. Sad isn't it. I'd rather not but can't afford my own private roads. With business travel weekly gave up having multiple cars and bikes and trying to keep them all ready to run pristinely when I had time. Down to 911 and drive it whenever I go somewhere. OMG. It's even seen rain.
Have used one for 20 years. Just don't use a dirty one that's throwing grit and you'll be fine. It's especially good at getting water out of the cracks and mirrors and badges from where it likes to pee out of when you're towel drying it later.
Just go over it, blow out the crevices and badges, then towel it dry. It reduces drying effort, not replaces it.
As a test, leaf blow the front, reclay the front and look for debris.
It might be the quality of the blower that makes a difference. I use a husqvarna 350 and no debris. Not top of the line but does have replacement filters which I assume makes a difference.
I use the large silicone squeegee (don't know the brand and have had it forever). Actually works better the more water that's sitting on the car as the edge doesn't chatter when it gets dry. Start at the top and work my way down, then finish with a towel in the tough spots.
Did it again this weekend. Also just bought a couple compressed air foam guns - one will be used for the Sonax wheel cleaner and the other for the wash soap. Interested to try these out when they arrive.
I use a cordless electric leaf blower that is only used for our cars, no yard work. Have a more powerful gas blower for that. After getting most of the water off with the leaf blower I go back with either detail spray or Optimum spray wax.
There you go. I use this and usually solely this to dry my car. The ceramic coating makes it a breeze. I live in an apartment so my entire water/wash/dry process is portable.
A fully charged 20v is more than enough to dry the entire car and wheels thoroughly.
I do this all the time to blow the excess water from the lights, seals and door interiors.
The car is 13 years old, sits outside and driven most days. I don't care if tiny particles "damage" the paint as the ceramic coat has held quite well but i cant stand a dirty car so washing is a frequent occurrence and the streaks from the lights/seals gets on my nerves so I used a leaf blower with great results ever since.
Quick burst down the highway at Mexican speed limits works well.
Although I'm not a Mexican, in fact a Spaniard, I think that it might sound a bit more "sensitive" if you change the "Quick burst... at Mexican speed limits..." for maybe an Italian Tune-Up or maybe the use of the German Cruise Control (a brick on top of the accelerator).
$24.99 at Lowe’s....wear ear protection as the high rpm motor is right at the pain frequency. The end section is made of rubber so it adds protection in case you bump the paint, etc. Works great!
Cordless leaf blower for years. Anytime you can avoid touching the paint the better. When I do go to the self car wash: High pressure soap, High pressure rinse and finish with spotless rinse (dionized water?). By the time I get home, I might have a spot or two at worst.
09-27-2018, 08:24 PM
