How to Dry the Car?

Ernad · **How to Dry the Car? -** 06-02-05, 04:01 PM

I hate waterspots and the damn swirls.

Help

Can someone give me detailed instructions how to dry it perfectly?

wytstang · 06-02-05, 04:25 PM

Before you start to dry your car if it a final rinse with the nozzle off (no steam just let it flow by itself). This will help pick up water droplets and "sheet" itself removing more water. Also dry it off using a waffle weave towel to reduce the chances of scratcging or marring the paint. Wal-mart carries a pretty decent WW drying towel from Microtec for about 5 buck each, use two one for removing most of the h2o the other to pick up the rest (you really can't ring them out they hold the water). Last but not least dry in the shade if possible (early morning).

stang22 · 06-02-05, 04:47 PM

I use my electric leaf blower to help out when I don't use the Mr. Clean auto dry car wash thingy. Works great on black! I use a soft towel or a chamois for any residual.

Tim

oohsoobad2 · 06-02-05, 04:52 PM

Also big fan of the leafblower. I used to buy a Cali WaterBlade every year, but for the same $25 I got a leafblower from WalMart. Cut my drying time in half !!! Plus it gets water outta all the moldings and the mirrors..

zincyellow03 · 06-02-05, 05:21 PM

I use that lamb skin thing. It's kinda of expensive(I think I paided $14 for it) but it works pretty good.

89MustangGX · 06-02-05, 06:40 PM

I've always used old cotton bath towels. I keep them clean, wash them frequently and use fabric softner, etc. I keep them off the ground and whatnot, and I use a lot of them.

Seems to have worked ok for a long time.

I'm interested in the leaf blower idea -- that sounds neat and cheap too.

stang22 · 06-02-05, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89MustangGX

I'm interested in the leaf blower idea -- that sounds neat and cheap too.

It really works when you are getting the water out of your mirrors, windows and body lines. The Mr Clean auto dry is amazing though, just gotta replace the filters every 4 or 5 washes. I love it!

Tim

Dragstr05 · 06-02-05, 09:51 PM

I read in a forum topic a while back (not here on stangnet) that has made drying the car quite easy, and waterspots are very minimal, if none at all.

I simply wash the car as usual, but KEEP THE CAR WET! Wash one panel/section at a time (roof-hood-side 1-rear-side 2-front bumper). After washing each section, rinse the WHOLE CAR. This keeps the car wet and prevents air drying and keeps waterspots from forming. After the final rinse, use whatever you are using for drying. I have used a Microfiber towel-lent free and soaks up a ton of water! Got it at autozone for like 7 bucks. Spread the towel out completely, and spread it across the car, going over sections more prone to waterspotting first.

I have had much success with this, and even washed in direct sunlight, midday at around 75 degrees or so, with no noticeable waterspots.

zincyellow03 · 06-02-05, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragstr05

I read in a forum topic a while back (not here on stangnet) that has made drying the car quite easy, and waterspots are very minimal, if none at all.

I simply wash the car as usual, but KEEP THE CAR WET!

I have had much success with this, and even washed in direct sunlight, midday at around 75 degrees or so, with no noticeable waterspots.

Actually, I've done this before and I never knew that it worked. When I wash my car I go slow and I always try to keep it wet. I've also washed it in direct sunlight and when it was in the 80's, even in the 90's and I've had few waterspots. If some do form, I just a rag(or my hand) with some water and I put it over the spot and then I dry it, it takes it right off.

Just wondering, how long does it take everyone to wash their car?
Me: Outside(including rims) around an hour and a half
Inside and out: 2 in a half to 3 in a half hours

**Black2001GT** · 06-03-05, 05:52 AM

I use a California Water blade, followed by Microfiber towels.

wytstang · 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zincyellow03

Just wondering, how long does it take everyone to wash their car?
Me: Outside(including rims) around an hour and a half
Inside and out: 2 in a half to 3 in a half hours

About 2 hours [for a good detail]:wash/paint cleaner/now adding a hand
glaze (hide imperfection somewhat)/then my wax.
Just a wash and apply a quik detail spray: about 45min.
If I do in & out: about 3 & 1/2 to 4 hours.

glowstang93 · 06-03-05, 01:05 PM

I used to use a real chamois, but very expensive and they don't last that long. I then went to the absorber and it does a nice job of not leaving any spots or lint. I have also used the WaterBlade too. I was at first thinking it was not a good thing, but have yet to see anything bad from it yet. I then use a water sprite to do all the door & hatch jams, and wheels.

hot96cobra · 06-03-05, 02:11 PM

just wash: 2.5 hours
wash and wax: 3.5 hours
everything: 4.5-5 hours

i might be too anal

RacEoHolic330 · 06-03-05, 08:15 PM

2.5 hrs for a wash??? wow. You must be anal

glowstang93 · 06-04-05, 05:06 AM

wash-30 minutes
wax and wash 1.5 hrs
engine, wax, and wash 2 hrs
the works no more than 3-4 hrs.

It takes less time when you keep it clean.

**Infinity** · 06-04-05, 08:10 AM

I've noticed that if you use filtered water to rinse, it doesn't spot. I use a pressure washer from Wal-Mart- just a little one. I added an RV water filter to the inlet (just screws right to the hose), and it makes all the difference in the world. I imagine it's how the Mr Clean thing works, but this is cheaper in that the filter lasts at LEAST 2 years (that's how long I'm going on this one with 2 cars getting washed weekly). It's still working, and we have very hard water that actually scales a yellow color if allowed to dry on the car. I'm actually getting a filter added to the house because the shower won't come clean, the sink is stained, and shampoo doesn't even want to lather. Really bad water.