using a leaf blower to dry car? - Page 2

chancers · 07-20-2005, 06:01 AM

I've been using a leaf blower for a couple of years now. After leafblowing, I'll use a MF(waffel weave microfiber from Sonus) to finish dry. Leaf blowers work well (especially getting water out of the crevices). If it's really hot out, make sure you blowdry in the garage or at least a shaded area (don't want water spots). As for time savings, I don't really save any time with my leafblower (195mph).

buschurs_STi · 07-20-2005, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STi04'

Am I the only one who does a quick highway run to get the worst off.. then chamois the rest off?

I do this when I was it at a car wash. If I do it at home I use good old fashion elbow grease.

***VSGTS14*** · 07-20-2005, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagodplaya

I tried a search but couldn't find it...link to buy?

http://www.autogeek.net/watspritplus.html
towels just leave debris in the weaves of them....
when you ring this out, everything comes out....
if it get **** on it, rinse it with a hose or sink and just ring it out again and it's good to go

wundej · 07-20-2005, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STi04'

Am I the only one who does a quick highway run to get the worst off.. then chamois the rest off?

I do this...only thing is that I generally wash my car after 6pm so the sun isn't so hot (drying the car before I get to rinse it) and if I go for a ride to dry the car I generally get a nice plastering of bugs again. Kinda sucks after spending all that time washing to just have the front all messed up again.

This also works a lot better after you recently waxed, much easier to get that water to fly right off.

STi_Mark · 07-20-2005, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarlSTI

Be sure to go electric, not gas. I tried it on a test vehicle (my wife's Acura TL) with crappy results....due to the hard Florida water the leaf blower seemed to make the water spots worse...like water streaks.....but it is a very dark vehicle. I have to use the Mr. Clean system to eliminate water spots. With that I let it drip dry. Works great.

I've not tried the leaf blower on the STI yet. Probably works fine for softer water or lighter color cars. ~Karl

I was strolling down this thread to find someone that suggests an electric blower also. The gas ones simply use exhaust to help "blow" and the last thing you want is OIL and CARBON all over your paint in such high doses.

Most of those gas blowers use an oil ADDITIVE in the GAS! How crap would that be when you've got that oil in those hard to reach places! :P

mccullpl · 07-20-2005, 01:01 PM

I used to use my gas leaf blower on my Harley (talk about nooks and crannies), and I quit doing that as the exhaust on mine discharges out the front, leaving a little spec of oil here and there...good thing it was a white bike, or I may not have ever noticed this...

STi05' · 07-20-2005, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wundej

I do this...only thing is that I generally wash my car after 6pm so the sun isn't so hot (drying the car before I get to rinse it) and if I go for a ride to dry the car I generally get a nice plastering of bugs again. Kinda sucks after spending all that time washing to just have the front all messed up again.

This also works a lot better after you recently waxed, much easier to get that water to fly right off.

Exactly what I do. I start as the sun goes behind the trees, and usually finish just before it goes pitch black.

Wraith · 07-28-2005, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VSGTS14

better than the absorber that thing sucks

Are you crazy? That thing is a champ! I've had mine for like 6 years and its still going strong.

Peleg · 08-01-2005, 04:51 PM

I use it to get the water from the hard spots, I also use the micro-fiber thingy though.

Bagger · 08-14-2005, 04:37 PM

I started using an electric leaf blower (Sear's version) about a decade ago to dry off my Harley after washing it. Worked great.

I eventually graduated to my 4 wheel vehicles and it works great. The nooks and crannies that hold extra water are easily evacuated with the blower.

Be sure to blow the pavement before you do the car, tho. Otherwise you may blow dust and debris up on the car.

Finish with a synthetic chamois....

Here's my routine:

--Wash car with Simple Green cut about 1/4 cup to 2 gallons of water, I don't use a sponge.... a brush that loads soapy water works well (forgot where I got it.... Autogeek??)
--Blow off pavement where you will be detailing the car
--Use a California Blade to remove most of the excess water from the car
--Use electric leaf blower to remove most of the rest of the water from the top down to the wheels and all the nooks and crannies
--Use synthetic chamois to complete the drying process

I use The BOM (a synthetic polymer, not a wax) to complete the deal. BOM is similar to Zaino, but less work IMO.... Results are not as good, tho.

07-20-2005, 06:01 AM	#16
chancers Junior STI Driver Car: 04 STi wrb Fav Mod: not even a radio yet Location: Texas Posts: 79 Join Date: Jan 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	I've been using a leaf blower for a couple of years now. After leafblowing, I'll use a MF(waffel weave microfiber from Sonus) to finish dry. Leaf blowers work well (especially getting water out of the crevices). If it's really hot out, make sure you blowdry in the garage or at least a shaded area (don't want water spots). As for time savings, I don't really save any time with my leafblower (195mph). This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

08-14-2005, 04:37 PM	#25
Bagger Amateur STI Driver Posts: 49 Join Date: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	I started using an electric leaf blower (Sear's version) about a decade ago to dry off my Harley after washing it. Worked great. I eventually graduated to my 4 wheel vehicles and it works great. The nooks and crannies that hold extra water are easily evacuated with the blower. Be sure to blow the pavement before you do the car, tho. Otherwise you may blow dust and debris up on the car. Finish with a synthetic chamois.... Here's my routine: --Wash car with Simple Green cut about 1/4 cup to 2 gallons of water, I don't use a sponge.... a brush that loads soapy water works well (forgot where I got it.... Autogeek??) --Blow off pavement where you will be detailing the car --Use a California Blade to remove most of the excess water from the car --Use electric leaf blower to remove most of the rest of the water from the top down to the wheels and all the nooks and crannies --Use synthetic chamois to complete the drying process I use The BOM (a synthetic polymer, not a wax) to complete the deal. BOM is similar to Zaino, but less work IMO.... Results are not as good, tho. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

07-20-2005, 01:01 PM	#21
mccullpl Junior STI Driver Car: WRB 05 STi Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Posts: 115 Join Date: Jul 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	I used to use my gas leaf blower on my Harley (talk about nooks and crannies), and I quit doing that as the exhaust on mine discharges out the front, leaving a little spec of oil here and there...good thing it was a white bike, or I may not have ever noticed this...

08-01-2005, 04:51 PM	#24
Peleg STI Guru Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Whooshing sounds Location: Death Valley Posts: 5,921 Join Date: Nov 2003 Trader Rating: (11)	I use it to get the water from the hard spots, I also use the micro-fiber thingy though.