jstagn

Wondering how to dry RX after washing. Used California water blade on my 2011 es but it seems to create? water spots on my new Silver Rx350. Also what is the best car wash soap to use??? Thanks..

FastFord

Personally, I have never used a water blade and I don't think I could. The thought of dragging some contaminant across the painted surface...just couldn't do it. But if it works, what do I know...

I use a waffle weave drying towel for drying my RX. I use about six of them, one for each section of the car. I never rub the water off, just pull the towel across. I use some cotton towels for underneath the door area. Waffle weaves come in all sorts of sizes, I like the smaller ones, around 16x16, because they are easy to handle and hold enough water for the section I'm doing. They last for years. Any spots left can be cleared up with a micro and detail spray.

Car soap, I wait till some car wash soap goes on sale and use that. Some are better than others, but always car wash soap...no dish soap. They last one was Meguiars Ultimate, on sale 40% off, so I used that. I do a pre-wash with a foam gun, but that's not really necessary, I 'm just bored and a little sick.

To help the vehicle dry itself, run the water from the hose without a nozzle. The water should sheet off and make drying easier.

That's just my method, not saying it's perfect or even correct. But I don't have marks in the finish from improper wash and dry.

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

I highly recommend you do not continue to use water blades. The chance of picking up tiny particles and then dragging them across the paint is very high, and they have been proven to cause tiny scratches in most cases. It is just not worth the risk to me.

If you have a good hydrophobic layer of protection on your vehicle, you can sheet 80%+ of the water from the vehicle and then blot the rest with a towel, or use a blower to remove the remaining water.




Check out this article for more information on how to properly wash & dry your car without causing swirl marks.
How To Properly Wash and Dry a Car by Todd Cooperider

Clutchless

Just fire up a leaf blower and air dry the vehicle!

dat dude

While it may not be entirely related, there is a product called "Speed Detailer" that Chemical Guys offer, you spray it on the car while it's still wet and then you wipe it off along with the water. It creates a streak free dry and gets all the water off (for the most part) with the first wipe. It also gives the car a wax-like sheen too. Definitely worth a try and is a good alternative to a water blade.

dat dude

That's why we have "Touch less" washes