Best inexpensive “leaf blower” for use drying cars ?

I am in the market as well and would value the collective insights of those who can make a few recommendations.

 

My experience is that we have one of the most powerful, gas-engine leaf blowers that money can buy and it will not dry a car. It just moves the water around. However, we've never tried it on a car that has been ceramic coated.

 

Oh, you said "cheapest" - my bad.


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Why do you want to blow it down??

I use a 0ppm filter
Rinse off with that, drive it around the block and park it
0 water spots
Done

 

Take your pick:
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I have a DeWalt 20V that uses the same batteries as my other cordless stuff. Works great to push the water, but it ain't gonna dry it. The tube and tip are a firm, but soft rubber.
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They've got an even bigger version, suitable for leafblowing a yard.
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It's the evaporation that dries it, which is aided by the air flow. The blower is supposed to blow most of the water off the car, and the few drops that remain should be blotted up with a drying towel. Evaporation does the rest.

I'd suggest a Master Blaster, for which there are multiple sizes, which are specifically designed for blow drying a car.

If you get a regular leaf blower, make damn sure it has an air filter. The last thing you want to do is have it pick up dust and dirt from the air and blast it on your paint at 200 mph.

Here's a pro detailer reviewing a couple of them.

 

I use Masterblaster. It is 8hp and most importantly, it is hot air. It does get hot and the water evaporates as you blow it. There is not a single leaf blower that is worth a sh-t, so don't waste your time. Below is a typical set up I use for a wash with foam cannon, spotless water, masterblaster, etc.
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I've got the same pressure washer, love it. Need to get me a foam cannon now.

 

I have chemical guys foam cannon. Below are pics I posted a time back for foam cannon of a wash I did. There was no washing with the wash mitt in the pics. Just foamed and rinsed.
Get the cannon, you will love it. Get the pistol grip power wash attachment instead of the long wand that is on the pressure washer in the pic. It is much better. Here is a link: https://www.amazon.com/Sooprinse-Pressure-Connect-Nozzles-Connector/dp/B07KPVM5MS/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pressure+washer+gun&qid=1632504604&sr=8-1
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Been using the most powerful Ryobi corded one for years



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I have the 20 volt dewalt. It does a decent job. It’s especially good when you wash/dry the car in the garage. I use a corded Black & Decker for out side use but it is too much to use inside as I don’t want to blow water on the walls and things.

 

Most all gas leaf blower vent the exhaust into the blowers air. Not good for blowing water off cars!

Use only an electric blower…corded or battery. I’ve been using a Worx blower for the last 5 years that’s worked great

 

Car is coated ,foam sprayed,rinse then really like the Mikita Cordless 18vLXT Lithium-Ion Blower.-light powerful-rubber tip.Long charge,quick recharge.
I have extra battery and charger to avoid down time.

 

You need lots of volume moving very fast to blow dry a car. Nothing with a battery can do that. The Masterblaster thing doesn't move enough air either - not even close. Filtered air is of no value as there's no filter to the air that blows on the car when driving.

I use a corded 6.5 hp detachable blower from a big shop vac. I burn them up every few years and they are loud but are strong, light, and do a good job. The leaf blowers look interesting (+600 CFM) but quality may be suspect and the nozzle is too long. They are very inexpensive though so maybe cut the main tube short and just toss it when the bearing starts to act up.

 

Quaility battery leaf blower work great. The best ones, Ego, Worx, Greenworks are 700-800cfm. My Work is old and only 600cfm and blows waters off wheels, brakes the car no problem. I use it to blow leaves, mulch, rocks off the driveway and use around the pool instead of a broom.

 

If you were to use it today and in its current condition how what would be the run time until 50% velocity may I ask?

 

they don't lose much if any velocity. The batteries ate lithium ion. Run time on my old Worx is around 40min, Run time on these newer more powerful models is greatly increased up to 75-85+ minutes

google them and you can see all specs.

 

I use our dog hair dryer, has a couple of heat settings, works a treat

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I got this a few months back and have been really pleased with it. https://www.esotericcarcare.com/bigboi-blowr-pro-car-dryer/

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Highly recommend the Master Blaster. I've had mine for approx. 3 yrs. and you get what you pay for. Also has a heater element for Winter drying .

 

As long as the car's paint is hydrophobic enough to bead water effectively, just about any gas or electric blower would dry it. I use a 50 dollar Worx turbine 600 and it takes no more than 5 minutes on the lowest setting to dry any of my cars that have been ceramic coated. When the water beads are sufficient enough you don't need to count on evaporation to dry it, it's the airflow physically pushing the large beads of water across the body panel and off of the car. Without the proper hydrophobicity you just push water around back and forth