Leaf Blower

[hunter01]

I just bought a 200mph leaf blower and I was wondering; has anyone has ever tried to use one of these to dry their car after washing it?

[mike@af]

What a relief. I thought you were going to ask if anyone has used them for a turbo. I personally have never used a leaf blower to dry my car.

[BullShifter]

Originally Posted by GTmike400

What a relief. I thought you were going to ask if anyone has used them for a turbo. I personally have never used a leaf blower to dry my car.

I've used a leaf blower a few times for drying. It's great because it's one less time your rubbing on the paint. Also blows out cracks where water tends to hide then leave water spots hours after.

What works best for me is taking the car for a short ride after rinsing, chamois dry, compressed air to blow out cracks. I do not use a leaf blower all the time due to the noise.

[mospeed1]

ya i drive around the block and dry with a chammy

[Anthony Orosco]

I started using a leaf blower about 7 years ago. It works great BUT you need to use it as a "dedicated" car dryer and not a "leaf mulcher/car blower" because after mulching a few leaves and then want to wash and blow dry the car....well you'll find your blower is hurling leaf particles at your car at 200 MPH!

When we detail a clients car we always blow them dry as this removes all standing water and the client does not then have to deal with water running out of the side view mirrors or from the tail lights and then spot their clean car. I also use less towels.

Lastly, I do NOT recommend driving your just washed car down the street to get water off. The reason is that you will just kick up dirt and dust as you drive which then sticks to the wet car and then scratches the hell out of it as you drag a chamois across it. Your chamois in turn sucks in that dirt and grime and even after washing it never gets rid of all of it.

Blow the car dry and then blot the rest of the water up with a big microfiber waffle weave towel.

Anthony

[hunter01]

Thanks for all the info, I wont be using it to mulch any leaves just blow them around. I'll have to try to dry my car with it next time I wash it.

[Andydg]

I just use my air compressor...not as effective as our leaf blower but as Anthony Orosco stated once you've used it to mulch you'll be screwed.

[fastlane1588]

i live in FL and i tried using a lieaf blower, it threw sand on the car so i woulnd recomend it

[Anthony Orosco]

Originally Posted by fastlane1588

i live in FL and i tried using a lieaf blower, it threw sand on the car so i woulnd recomend it

Blow the car dry where it was washed. The wet ground will not allow loose dirt to blow up. Also blow the car dry from the top down but at an angle instead of directly down.

Also, to help dry the car in a more speedy fashion, remove the hose nozzle so that just a flow of water comes out (this is for the final rinse only) and from the top allow the water to flow from the hose and on the paint and then watch it roll off the paint. Do this to all flat areas first and as the water rolls from the tops it will carry itself down the sides as well. if your paint is well cared for it should pretty much leave a dry finish. Use a waffle weave microfiber towel to BLOT dry the car.

Also if possible wash your car on a incline, with the front end higher than the rear. Water drains from a car front to back and this will help remove standing water.

Anthony

[fastlane1588]

yea i tried Anthony Orosco's advice if u wet the ground it does a really nice job of dryin the car, id recomend it

[Markgase2000]

Does anybody use a air gun like this?
Sorry if the pic is big I can take it off if it is.

[DTails]

I use a air gun to get water out of nooks and cranies while drying the outside by hand. I follow it with a chamoise and a soft cotton diaper. Your using it on an engine whats that all about?

[BullShifter]

I got the same gun except it's black.

[saturnsc2]

Originally Posted by Markgase2000

Does anybody use a air gun like this?
Sorry if the pic is big I can take it off if it is.

unless you have an inline air filter i would not use it. it would be just like sandblasting the paint. i have air tools, & never used them to dry off the car. i just use the "conventional" method of rag drying. the same thing goes for the leaf blower. chances are that some debris would get into the blower over time & damage the paint. why cut corners? ain't we all here supposed to be car care buffs who enjoy these tasks?

[saturnsc2]

Originally Posted by Andydg

I just use my air compressor...not as effective as our leaf blower but as Anthony Orosco stated once you've used it to mulch you'll be screwed.

i can't imagine starting up my air compressor everytime i wash the car. why not just drive the car? it will air dry off without any damage....