Power Washer and Leaf blower to dry car???

[JohnnyQuaaludes]

Ok how many of yousssss
are using a Power washer with the Car wash soap that come in gallons?

I think I read somewhere
if you want to do a good job getting the Dirt off you need to wash the car twice?
I think its best to keep the power washer on low so we lose no paint........

I know when I go into the local car wash
They use a power washer before going into the car wash,,,I guess
to get most of the hard dirt off?

Then coming out of the car wash we have a high presure blower to get
most of the water off and then they towel the car.....


Maybe I am wrong???
I feel its safer just to use our
own Power washer and use a Good leaf blower to finish the job.....

I am getting afraid to keep going to car washes and wondering if I
will get a scratch.....
Reading other post,,,,,I think of getting a Echo Leaf blower just for the car
tomorrow,,,Many say they really get rid of the water.....
I feel after a few washs,,,it will pay it self off.......................JQ

[NickJRE]

Pressure washer/Leaf Blower is fine..

You can always add a foam cannon attachment to the pressure washer, helps provide a nice pre-soak.

If your going to use the leaf blower to dry - I always make sure the ground is wet. Don't want to be blowing up sand and rocks.

[TALONX]

So far, I've washed the car once with soap and water, then dried it off with micro-fiber cloths. Wasn't real thrilled with the results and am paranoid about even the brushless car washes. (You never know how dirty the rags are that they use to towel you off ...) I just recently tried a water-free wash/wax product that seemed to work pretty well. I'm looking for a balance between quality results and effort and so far, that product seems to be OK.

[NickJRE]

Which one did you try? There's a few good ones out there.

SmartWax One
Optimum No-Rinse
DP Rinseless Wash and Gloss

Had good luck with all of them, SmartWax ONE is a very cool product.. I've been using Optimum No Rinse for years with great results.

[BIGSTEAM1]

And afterwards, we can throw some squirrels up on the barbie and relax...

[jedblanks]

Originally Posted by NickJRE

Pressure washer/Leaf Blower is fine..

You can always add a foam cannon attachment to the pressure washer, helps provide a nice pre-soak.

If your going to use the leaf blower to dry - I always make sure the ground is wet. Don't want to be blowing up sand and rocks.

And since the ground is wet, make sure your extension cord doesn't have breaks in it and you are wearing rubber soled shoes.

I don't use a "pressure washer" but I do use a spray gun that allows me to put soap in it. I use it for the initial wetting of the car and adding soap to the surface. Then I wet the sponge with the remaining soapy water. Sponge of the car lightly, then rise with regular sprayer.

Dry with electric leaf blower. microfiber towel for "finish drying" of the small droplets remaining.

[NickJRE]

Yea Good Call, I should have mentioned that, safety is important.

I'm assuming your using the Gilmour Foam Gun? I use one as well with a regular garden hose. Too many prior problems with my Well to use a Pressure Washer at my home, but if I'm doing mobile stuff it's nice to have the pressure washer around.

[Speedy!]

I'm anal as hell, and take great care when washing the Challenger. I'd not use a pressure washer, it's too easy to do damage if you're not careful and have the pressure washer setup correctly.

Also, the soap that comes in gallons may, or may not, be the best thing for a car finish.

I use the two bucket wash method with a high quality automotive soap (Griot's Garage) and I dry it with their paint squeegee and microfiber towel. I also use their spray on wax as I dry the car for that nice shine and extra bit of protection. The wax also displaces water making drying time quicker.

Drying with a blower is also OK, just be careful not to bump it into the car.

Check out the detailing article on my site for tips/product suggestions. Griot's is the best stuff I've ever used, extremely EASY to use, and works fantastic.

Speedy's Garage

[IMG]********************************challengerweb/challenger_maintenance/challenger_detailing/images/challenger_detailing_wash_10.jpg[/IMG]

Hope that helps.

[392Powr]

I read about using the leaf blower to dry here on the forum and tried it. It did not work.
Sooooooo, after I did a clay bar treatment and a coat of wax IT DID WORK!
Very nicely too. Of coarse the neighbors think I'm nuts.
Thus get some wax on that baby and wash it by hand with a micro fiber mit, 2 buckets (suds and rinse) then leaf blower it followed by micro fiber final wipe. Then rest easy.
Automatic car washes are for regular cars, not our babies.........
Even in the dead of winter take to the do it yourself quarter carwash.

[GreatAmerican]

Don't use a pressure washer on your Challenger. There is too much risk that your finish will be damaged. A blower is fine for drying the car. I personally use a Stihl backpack model that is normally used for my grounds keeping.