Have you ever wondered where you went wrong when your car looks still dirty despite the time and effort and all those amazing car wash products you splurged on for your car. Or worse, when you are left with water spots. Well, it’s a sign. It’s time for you to brush up your “how to dry your car after washing” skills.
One of the most important steps in a proper car wash is drying your car. This stage in the detailing process is frequently overlooked and neglected by those with less experience, but it can make a significant difference. There are numerous reasons why you should dry a car correctly, both for paint safety and for the overall finish and appearance of the car. You will never look back once you have learned the proper and best drying techniques. In this blog, we will discuss why it’s critical to get this right, as well as share some tips on how to properly dry your car after washing. We also have some FAQs answered. Keep reading to know more.
It is very simple to use any towel you have lying around the house to dry your vehicle. Although you may not see immediate results, using equipment that is not intended for use on car paint can cause more harm than good. Investing in a good set of microfiber towels can help you save money in the long run.
It is critical to understand that the paint on your vehicle is more delicate than dinner plates, your kitchen floor, or even your skin after a shower. There are numerous drying methods available that are specifically designed to work on your vehicle; each method typically comes with its own technique.
Microfiber towels are the most popular drying method, and they can be purchased in almost any store, automotive or otherwise. They are also reasonably priced, washable, and simple to use. Best of all, because of their design, they can be used on car paint.
They are typically made of a polyester/nylon blend, but as the name implies, they are much denser than regular towels due to the microscopic fibers. This allows for more fibers to be present in any given area of the towel, making it softer, more absorbent, and less prone to wrinkling than regular towels or shirts.
Using moving air to dry your vehicle is arguably one of the better methods because you don’t have to make any contact with the paint surface. This is the concept behind large air driers, which are automated washes, but compressed air works just as well.
Some suggest using a leaf blower, but this could also kick up unwanted materials from the ground. There are dedicated vehicle driers available, but drying should be done from the roof down to keep water moving toward the ground.
A water blade, rather than applying a material to a surface, removes water as you drag it across the paint. To avoid scratching the paint, most water blades have a flexible silicone tip. The most significant advantage they have over other drying methods is their speed.
However, because they do not absorb water like a microfiber cloth, they should always be followed by a more traditional drying method. They simply move it from one location to another. Another significant disadvantage is that residual dirt can become stuck and dragged by the tip of the blade, necessitating a thorough wash and rinse before using a blade.
A chamois, also known as a shammy, is a synthetic rubber or leather drying method. They are extremely absorbent, can be wrung out when wet, and can cover a large area due to their size. They have the feel of a slightly damp, very soft, and slightly sticky shirt. One is used by “throwing” it flat onto a drying surface and then pulling it back to you.
Even though they work well, they are more expensive than microfiber cloths and are more difficult to keep clean because they hold so much water for so long. They also pick up more residual dirt than any other drying method.
Lint-free cloth diapers, a less traditional drying method, are also a viable drying option if nothing else is available. It usually takes two diapers used in both hands to completely dry an area, but they are easy to wash, retain a good amount of water, and are gentle enough on your paint to suffice in a pinch.
You’ve got some inquiries? Don’t worry, we have got you. Here are some solutions for some FAQs related to how to dry your car after washing.
You can dry your car with a regular towel, but it’s not the right tool for the job. Normal towels tend to leave lint on the surface and can scratch it over time. It is preferable to use a microfiber towel designed specifically for drying the surface.
Using large microfiber towels designed specifically for drying your car. They quickly absorb water and require only a few wipes to cover large areas. A forced-air dryer is much faster, but they are more expensive.
Scratches can be left by dirty microfiber towels or those that have been ruined by heat. Microfiber towels are made of polyester and will melt if not properly dried or exposed to high heat. Before using microfibers on painted or delicate surfaces, always inspect their condition.
Allowing your car to air dry results in minerals from the water remaining on the paint’s surface. At the very least, you’ll have water spots that are difficult to remove. However, if you ignore these water spots and proceed to the next step, you risk scratching your paint.
Washing your car frequently is only bad for it if you don’t do it correctly. Maintain the paint by waxing or sealing it regularly. Washing every day isn’t necessary, and you’ll waste a lot of cleaning products if you do.
Read: How often should you wash your car
Wondering where to find the best car wash for your car in your location? We recommend you to visit Way.com or download the Way app (available on iOS and Android). Just scan and drive away with a spotless car and no worries about how to dry it! Enjoy a safe and contactless car wash experience with Way.
