[Z06] Car drying technique?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 656
From: Los Angeles
Car drying technique?
Car drying technique suggestions?
I purchased a bunch of those cobra super absorbent microfiber towels and I'm convinced they scratch the paint. I've noticed over time, my z28 has begun getting scratches that I think are from using these towels for drying.
What do you guys do as far as drying the car off after washing it?
I purchased a bunch of those cobra super absorbent microfiber towels and I'm convinced they scratch the paint. I've noticed over time, my z28 has begun getting scratches that I think are from using these towels for drying.
What do you guys do as far as drying the car off after washing it?
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 5
From: Jay Florida
I use a leaf blower and catch the leftovers with an absorber. I don't wipe with the absorber, I just lay in on the surface and let it soak the water up. I recently had a paint correction detail done and I'm determined to keep it swirl free.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 786
Likes: 3
Pro
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 666
Likes: 30
From: Milwaukee WI
If your car is clean and your drying towel is clean it doesn't really matter imo unless you are a big waxer. I just use a decent waffle microfiber. Replace it every year and wash it when it gets any dirt on it. Use a white one so you can tell if its not clean. If you do a good job washing your car it will be 90% clean still at the end of a season with a little maintenence.
At the same time once i get done claying/buffing out my car this season i plan to use a corded leaf blower until there are enough contaminants that it doesn't work well. I will still use a waffle microfiber to collect water where it drips/pools. as we all know c5's cant really be dried in a single pass.
My buddies call me a waxer, mind you i track my car more then they do. So depending on your personal feelings about your car my opinion may or may not be valid.
At the same time once i get done claying/buffing out my car this season i plan to use a corded leaf blower until there are enough contaminants that it doesn't work well. I will still use a waffle microfiber to collect water where it drips/pools. as we all know c5's cant really be dried in a single pass.
My buddies call me a waxer, mind you i track my car more then they do. So depending on your personal feelings about your car my opinion may or may not be valid.
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
Lol, I thought you were kidding at first. I dont know why Ive never thought of that though, Im going to have to try it next time. I've been using on of those rubber water blades on mine, its probably not the best thing for the paint though.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 5
From: Jay Florida
Also, if your car has a good slick finish you can remove the nozzle from your hose and use it open ended to sheet most of the water off. There will be very little water left on it to deal with. Saw that on one of the Junkman videos and it works.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 927
Likes: 6
From: King George VA
+ 1 on the leaf blower! Then I go over it with a very clean microfiber cloth to get the drips. Then I take an old microfiber cloth to get into the door jams, under the hood, etc... I regularly replace my microfibers. Besides, I keep about 20 of them on hand at any one time haha!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 887
Likes: 8
From: North Plainfield New Jersey
if you spray the car down while it's still wet after the wash with your choice of quick detailer it will help neutralize the minerals in the water making spots less of a pain, and also adds a small about of lubricant while drying. I just go over the whole car with a mist spray setting (I use ONR as my detailer) and then dry with my normal drying towels. Car comes out great.
Of course if there's less water on the surface there's less to dry, so use the water sheeting method first to get as much off the car as you can.
Of course if there's less water on the surface there's less to dry, so use the water sheeting method first to get as much off the car as you can.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,030
Likes: 289
From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 121
Likes: 12
From: Lancaster Ohio
This plus leaf blower = almost drop-free results.
