Had the idea to use the leafblower on my car to blow the water out of the hard to get into places on the car that water likes to hide in and also used it to blow the water off the car's windows and body. Cut my drying time in waaaaay more than half! Windows have a streak free finish to them and the car looks way better than drying by towels (even though I used towels after the leafblower to finish the drying job). gives the car a better shine and is a lot cleaner looking. Any suggestions that anyone else has as to washing cars? I also wash the bottom of my hood and use tire shine on the black hoses to give them a shiny look. I'll take pics tomorrow after I wax it

 

was it a gas powered blower or electirc...?

 

i lick it

 

I can totally understand the desire to reduce dry time, but the leafblower can be bad for the paint. Let me explain....

Any dirt or dust in the air (or worse sand) will be accelerated to a high speed into the unfiltered intake, and blown at high speed at your perfect finish. In some of the detailing forums, this has been discussed at length.

If you want a shorter dry time, first try a water blade (I use the California Jelly blade, you can set it on the vehicle when working, it's all silicone and safe). This is like a safe squeegee, pushing off most of the water. Used carefully, you can dry your whole vehicle with one (all cotton or microfiber) towel. Squeegee and dry one section at a time, starting with the windows.

Otherwise, if you are really particular, there are filtered air blowers available, make for just the purpose of the leaf blower, but safe on the finish.

Just some thoughts.

 

I use a shop-vac!

 

Congrats on findingout an old motorcycle trick...nothing worse than polishing chrome only to have water leak all over your tricked out ride...

 

I have been doing this for YEARS withNO issues. I don't do the body though. I use it to get the chrome wheels, tires, all badges, the side mirrors, grill, around the hood scoop, windows and anywhere water hides. It produes a steak free finish with no water spots. It has the added benefit of not having water roll down the car once you drive off. My neighbors think I'm nuts but my car looks cleaner than any of their's and they now sell a smaller unit just for cars. So I can't be that far off. I spotted a mobile detailer using one the other day!!!

If your worried about dust blow off the driveway before you wash the car.

WORKS GREAT!!

 

Never would have tried that! Sounds "interesting" Hey if it works

 

welcome to 2005

 

Works like a charm. In fact, I use my shop-vac inbetween washes from a distance to help "dust" the car. Works great to get that top layer of dust and pollen off the car.