This might sound like a really stupid question.. but after my polishing efforts I'm getting a bit paranoid, plus, the Jeff's seems to show up water marks really badly!

So.. Whats the best way to dry a car when your just doing a quick wash & top up of wax?

 

Waffle weave or microfibre drying towl.
If you want to look a complete raving loonatic use a leaf blower.

 

The key is to sheet rinse the car so most of the water beads off, then 'pat' dry with a Sonus/poorboys waffle. Don't wipe !!!

 

2 waffle weaves.1 to get the worst off (constantly ringing it out as you go) and the other to mop up the rest - works a treat.

 

same here. ive got three yellow megs soft towels and use them. go over the car once to wipe the main residue off, then again with a dry one to finish, then the third is for nooks and crannys.

i get strange looks for the care i take when washing my car as it is, so no leaf blower for me

 

Leaf blower is best as zero friction, waffle weaves are a good second choice, but must be used in a patting method as stated above.

 

Do you you have a recommended make?

I'm going to look even more of a fool when I'm washing my car..

 

Chemical Guys have one. I will try and find the link.

 

Hhmm,patting method ?!

Is this because the waffle weaves tend to leave fine scratches or is it in case there is still some dirt / dust on the surface?

Can't say i've noticed any problems but then i haven't held a halogen lamp to the car to see properly !

 

You probably won't on crystal grey but on blue, black et al you get swipe marks, and worse case holograms. Like PB says its all about minimising friction on the paintwork. Sheeting and patting is so easy on a well maintained car. I've never had to 'ring' anything out. One large poorboys drying cloth easily does an Impreza.

I think David at CarWashnWax can get them.

Air Dryer Car blower

 

Anyone want to explain "sheeting" to me while we're here?



Thats a cool looking little thing btw.. are we going to have to wait years before someone makes a 240v one of those as well?

 

I must confess the grey does hide things well.

Edit: That leaf blower looks good - i'd look a right numpty using it on my car though.

 

If you rinse with a pressure washer or a spray on the end of a hose you get loads of spray which then beads on the paintwork. If you do your final rinse with an open hose and completely cover each panel, the water clings together in 'sheets' and runs off the car. It should leave the car drier for when you come to dry it.

I have a Sonus Wunder towel or summat, thought it was crap to start with but it works better since being washed

 

It's worth investing in some Meg's "Last Touch" dilute 1:1 with distilled water and after rinsing, mist the car with the mix from a garden trigger sprayer and then dry using a Drying Towel, the "last Touch" will help lubricate the surface to help prevent scratches and aids the drying process and virtually eliminates water marks

 

hmm group buy anyone ?

 

If only they were 240v.

Right - who do we need to bug at chemical guys to get them in 240v?!!?

 

UK 240v to USA 110volt Step Down Transformer 100Va

 

Agree with the above...

Name of the game is minimum contact, if your concerned about causing light swirls then air dry with a leaf blower.

Other wise sheet off and pat dry, with a good quality waffle weave. You shouldn't need to ring out either on an Impreza.

Alternatively, (Flame suit on) If you have particular soft paint like a 350z then I'd contemplate using an Autoglym synthetic chamois. You would have to be certain that the car was megga clean. It's not unusual for a waffle weave to cause sweeping swirls.

The quick detailer is also a good idea, by semi drying the body, spray with quick detailer (Last touch) and dry with a large plush microfiber. The plush microfibre is obviously softer thus less chance of swirls.

 

sounds like a plan.... that does look sweet

 

We use a low power Black & Decker unit from B&Q. Think it puts out 1200W and cost around £60. There is no need for anything bigger or heavier, and bugger buying anything again that needs a transformer - had enough of that back in the PC days lol!

 

Got one of these now !

Amazon.co.uk: Black & Decker GW180 Cless Sweeper 18v: DIY & Tools

Hope the battery will last

Dave.

 

17 mins run time

It'd be a close run thing.

If the fact i'm drying my car with a air blower doesn't make me look a weirdo the running around the car with an air blower certainly would !

 

LOL --- if it works then an extra battery may be the next order so I can be more leisurely

 

Autoglym Aqua-dry(synthetic chamois mentioned above) for about the last 10yrs across 2 cars(not the same one lol would have been great value though )

Happy enough not to try anything else to be honest-finish is fine for me i aint after winning any concours events so long as its like this im happy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...4today0008.jpg

To be honest when its leathered off looks like its been waxed-they last ages and get better with age aswell.

 

Just a leisurely jog

 

That looks like just the ticket

I've already spent too much this month