Blow or towel: drying a Ferrari

Some people also use compressed air to force water out of seams and seals after washing. They say rust starts in these areas as result of trapped moisture. I just towel dry and then use Griots' Spray Wax.

 

I use a shammy for drying.

Also you may want to wash the car in the evening when it is cooler, or at least out of the sun so the car isn't hot. That will cause the water to evaporate faster, and leave the water spots.

 

Leave blower works perfect for getting the majority of water off.

 

What about the filters you attach to your hose for hard water? I was thinking of getting one of them, I have used my leaf blower and I think that is fine to use. James

 

My recommendation: Go to Kragens and for $99 buy a air compressor. It'll be the best, and funnest, $99 you'll ever spend. Get a +50' air hose along with a rubber-tipped sprayer. When you're done washing, fire-up the compressor and start blasting-off water out of every nook-n-cranny imaginable - door jams, trunk-lid, emblems, under the hood, wheels, etc.

You can also use the compressed air to blow-out the dust which accumulates in your interior air-ducts + all around your dash.

It's also super-handy to be able to properly inflate your tires at home vs. a gas station.

 

Using the leaf blower works fine for me. By the time you get around to drying, the driveway is probably soaked with water already so the leafblower won't be picking up sand and blowing it onto the car. If you were to use a air compressor, I would get the biggest one you can fit in the garage. Have a blast.

 

Hey,

Here in the UK we dont get the sun problem much but when we do, I have bought one of these..

http://www.cyclestuffusa.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10840

Work great. Leaf blower is good if you only use it for drying water on the car. Once you use it for what it is intende then there is a good chance of sandblasting the paintwork.

We use the air blower on motorcycle's more as they trap the water in hard to get at places.

Hope this helps.

kevin

 

I always prefer getting blown vs rubbed w a towel

 

HAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHA

 

Mr Clean car wash thingy's final spray and a leaf blower. I have no water spots when I am done and that's with 2 black cars and water harder than a diamond.

 

Here is what you need: http://www.spotfreeh2o.com So now your water will not spot.

Dont worry about rubbing the paint if you have 100% terry, unless your old towels are still dirty after you wash them. If dirt is trapped in them, then I suggest you replace them. I use new washed terry on my cars and then wash them and use them for household cleaning. (24 towels costs about $5)

I suggest a regular air compressor with a 50' cord. The 12' cord on that link is too short. And a regular air compressor will do a lot more. I don't like the picture they show on that link. The nozzle is way too close to the car -- that is a sandblasting position. Keep it at least a few feet away from the engine compartment.

Finally, warm the car up (until fans kick in) and then drive. spot and rust free in minutes

 

I use 5 towels and the VAC n BLO does a great job.
BUzz

 

I use an electric leaf blower then a Griots drying towel. The blower gets the bulk of the water off, the towel finishes the job.

 

Use a Microfibre drying towel.

I have black as well and with this type of towell it is totally safe, so marginal moisture situations are no problem then.

Wes

 

this is the best blower to use small light weight and powerful
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I assume that you are doing a final "rinse" with a low-flow stream of water from a nose (no nozzle) in order to have the water sheet off. Which it will do quite well for a clean/waxed surface. You should only be left with isolated areas to towel dry before they dry on their own.

 

Use a can of compressed air to blow water out of all crevices, then use a microfiber drying towel to take care of the water on the car

 

California water blade on my black beauty, and then microfiber for spot drying the angry spots... but the compressor deal seems pretty good... i will give it a shot next time!

 

I have a car lot in san diego (el cajon) i have a soft water system , no spots at all, although i use a leather shami to dry the car. Works perfect for my 360 and other exotics ive had . But any Ferrari owner in the area is welcome to come by and use my system whenever you like .just call in advance 619-2460663

 

I would do the following:

- Install a water softening system in your house (not only will this benefit your car, but also your laundry, showering, pipes, etc.)
- Use a regular air compressor with a long rubber hose and an airgun attachment on the end (similar to what is used in machine shops to blow out metal shavings)
- Use a microfiber towel for a final wipe of all fine drops that remain on the car

Doesn't get any better than that.

 

Life's short. Blow hard. Drive more. I got a 30 buck blower that cut the dry time over half.

My neighbors just give me the dog twisted head look when I do it.

 

I use a commercial sized air compressor. And yes, I have an extremely loooong hose.
As to the various 'blowers' that a number of you have pointed to, including the products sold by Griot's, those are made by a company in Suffern NY called Metro. You can buy from them directly, and save some money. I have their small, but incredibly powerful, car vacuum cleaner. It's terrific!
http://www.metrovacworld.com/Shopping/default.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1

correction: I'm not so sure you can buy from them directly, but if you buy their branded product, rather than the OEM version rebranded for others, like Griot's (sorry, Dick) I still think you save.

 

I use a p21s synthetic sham and the huge micro fiber towel.