Blower for drying car after washing

[Quickstep192]

Not long ago, I read a post about using a leaf blower to dry the car after washing. It was one of the best tips I've ever gotten. I saw this cordless blower on woot and thought it might be good for that purpose, so I thought I'd share.

http://sellout.woot.com/sale/21565

[B0XER]

Leaf blowers are great for drying slick prepped paint. I always use one and only have to wipe a few key areas with the micro-fibre towel afterwards.

In fact when the car is not grimy, I can now do a full touchless wash and dry using a foam gun for the shampoo application, pressure washer rinse and leaf blower dry.

[porschenut]

I've been using one for years. Like Boxer, my normal washes are completely touchless. I use a pressure washer and a foam cannon for washing, and 200 mph leaf blower for drying. Door jambs and other areas that need additional drying are patted, not swiped, with a microfiber towel.

[tobluforu]

It's all great until you bump or drop the leaf blower on your car by accident. This shop next to my son’s school uses an air compressor with a wand on it first, and then they wipe off the excess.

[Grady Clay]

There is still no substitute for driving.
Particularly on a hot, dry day.
Faster is better.
-even after a ‘blow-dry’.

Best,
Grady

[lonewolf]

Originally Posted by Grady Clay

There is still no substitute for driving.
Particularly on a hot, dry day.
Faster is better.
-even after a ‘blow-dry’.

Best,
Grady

+1
Powerwash,then 100mph down the highway

[Tidybuoy]

I use a powerful electric leaf blower every time I wash the car. I spray the entire car with detail spray first and blow about 95% of the water away and then dry with a waffel towel. I usually blow the car again to get all of the water out of the crevices - like tail lights, trim, mirrors, etc..

I like using an electric blower because they are generally lighter.

In my area, we have "well water" which is high in minerals and will leave water spots, so blow drying is a must if you want your car to look show quality.

[kilodawg]

A leaf blower is an essential tool for keeping a mar free finish. It's all about minimizing physical contact with the paint. Add to that the extra benefit of being able to remove water from places it pools after a standard drying and you just can't beat it.

Wrapping a soft packing foam sheet around the end of the nozzle will prevent damage from any unintended bumping.

[kilodawg]

One other point, if you car is properly protected with the best of the latest sealants, waxes or other state of the are finishes you should not have to wipe the car down after using the blower. Nothing more than spot drying (with a blotting motion rather than a wipe should be necessary). I never use more than one small microfiber to get the last moisture off the external surfaces of the car. If you find you still need to wipe after using a blower then consider changing from whatever wax or sealant you are using because you can do a lot better.

[B0XER]

Originally Posted by kilodawg

One other point, if you car is properly protected with the best of the latest sealants, waxes or other state of the are finishes you should not have to wipe the car down after using the blower. Nothing more than spot drying (with a blotting motion rather than a wipe should be necessary). I never use more than one small microfiber to get the last moisture off the external surfaces of the car. If you find you still need to wipe after using a blower then consider changing from whatever wax or sealant you are using because you can do a lot better.

Agreed I generally only have to blot around the mirrors, door handles from runs etc

Coupla gratuitous photos (obviously a previous car). Sorry about them being a bit dim, soft factory black paint required washing out of the sun and being as touchless as possible

Off the autobrite lance using Detailers Pride foam:


After 5 mins of slumping:


After rinse:



.............and blowdry:

[tazzieman]

Originally Posted by Grady Clay

There is still no substitute for driving.
Particularly on a hot, dry day.
Faster is better.
-even after a ‘blow-dry’.

Best,
Grady

+1
I think drying the inner crevices is important , no?

[kilodawg]

BOXER

You have it down pat. Great technique.....

[Brian 162]

A former figure skater (Kurt Browning) used a leaf blower to dry his seats in his Boxter. He left it unattended in the garage and the car caught fire destroying it and damaging the house.
If I knew how to link the story I would.

[Fishcop]

A figure skater and his Boxter... Nothing like a stereotype

"Not that there's anything wrong with that"

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by B0XER

Sorry about them being a bit dim, soft factory black paint required washing out of the sun and being as touchless as possible

Also, any camera flash will harm the paint pigments. :-)

I have been lucky. I use a decent car wash soap, automotive squeegie and micro fiber towels. I wouldn't be caught dead blotting water spots. Rubbing is part of the glory or ownership. But hey, I'm from Ohio.

Originally Posted by Brian 162

If I knew how to link the story I would.

Skating Star Kurt Browning Burns Mansion With Leaf Blower « JONATHAN TURLEY

Brian, search on Google for something like "Johnathan Turley Burns down house" Find the link, open the link and then hold down the left mouse button while you sweep across the internet address. Lift up on the left mouse button. Keep the cursor hovered over the internet address that should be highlighted. Click the right mouse button and select "copy". Go to where you want to paste the link and position your cursor with the left mouse button at the point you want to paste it and click the right mouse button and select "paste". That's it.

[PabloX]

BOXER, nice car and I like the technique.

I use an electric leaf blower to dry my cars and then follow up with microfiber cloths. It works well. I also use the leaf blower to blow out my garage if leaves, etc have blown in.

The local Sears was having a clearance I got one for $15.

[Brian 162]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Also, any camera flash will harm the paint pigments. :-)

I have been lucky. I use a decent car wash soap, automotive squeegie and micro fiber towels. I wouldn't be caught dead blotting water spots. Rubbing is part of the glory or ownership. But hey, I'm from Ohio.



Skating Star Kurt Browning Burns Mansion With Leaf Blower « JONATHAN TURLEY

Brian, search on Google for something like "Johnathan Turley Burns down house" Find the link, open the link and then hold down the left mouse button while you sweep across the internet address. Lift up on the left mouse button. Keep the cursor hovered over the internet address that should be highlighted. Click the right mouse button and select "copy". Go to where you want to paste the link and position your cursor with the left mouse button at the point you want to paste it and click the right mouse button and select "paste". That's it.

Thanks Bob

I'm useless on a computer unless it's basic tasks.

[redridge]

the neighbors will think you're nuts... but hey, we love our 911's.

[gilchristobin]

This shop next to my son’s school uses an air compressor with a wand on it first