[American Muscle]

What are your thoughts on using a brand new handheld windshield wiper to remove water. Would this hurt the paint? Apologies if I posted this in the wrong area of the forum.

 

[MIDNITE RT]

There are some rubber squeegees that members have recommended. I'm sure someone will post them for you. Personally I use a leaf blower.

 

[jkelly16]

They make silicon blades for this purpose. You'll find some will say they are safe to use and others that will tell you it will scratch the paint. Just what you feel comfortable with.

Edit: Like this.

 

[vin57]

There are some rubber squeegees that members have recommended. I'm sure someone will post them for you. Personally I use a leaf blower.

X2, thats what I use to after I wipe her down, dries her up in spots I can't get at to good , I.E. mirrors , grill, handles. Interesting idea though with the wiper blade, only concern I would have is the rubber is pretty small, would be easy to scratch the car with to much pressure.

 

[MommaBetty]

I haven't tried them, some swear by them, others worry about scratching issues. I can't use the leaf blower as I have to be really careful with water spots. A very good quality microfiber towel (actually a lot of them) works for me.
I think those would be very good to use on your windows for sure!! I may get one to try for that purpose only!!!

 

[jackal]

I don't think a wiper blade is well suited for this purpose. Mostly I think it is just too long. A Water Blade or similar product is more ideal. I have used one for about 3 years with no problems.

 

[MommaBetty]

Jackal, how does the water blade work on the windows, any problems with that?

 

[jackal]

Jackal, how does the water blade work on the windows, any problems with that?

Works great on the front and rear windows. On the side windows I still have to go back with microfiber towel around the edges. Using the blade to clear most of the water I only have to use 2 towels to dry the car instead of about 5. :smileup:

 

[bad8nti]

I would not use a windshield wiper blade to squeegee off your car. Evena new or dedicated one. Most ofthe PREMIUM blades have a Teflon based blade. It is too harsh for your paint. It has to be durable to stand up to the rigors of your windshield. The lesser blades are mostly rubber/polymer based and just too hard.

A silicone based squeegee made specifically for wiping off paint MAY be ok, but I feel I don't want to take a chance. I use a(actually 6)double plush microfiber towel above the side crease only. I also use Detail Spray when drying.

I am partial to using Adam's Polishes and products.

I haven't tried the leaf blower idea. I havent found a battery powered one i like. I think a gas blower would leave a residue(no matter how slight).

 

[HemiMetal]

I have been detailing cars for 7 years and took my training classes at Meguiars in Irvine, CA. I regularly attend Meguiars free Open Garage events throughout the year and have made good friendships with many professional detailers in the Southern California area. None of them will use a water blade to dry cars.

The conventional wisdom is that anything that drags across your paint creates friction, even a soft, pliable, water blade, and anytime friction is introduced to a painted surface, the risk of creating scratches is always present. And if a tiny particle gets caught under the blade, you could put a fine line scratch into your paint and not realize it until you've dragged it across the length of the panel. This is why many detailers prefer to use "non-invasive" drying techniques.

I myself use a cordless leaf blower to sweep the standing water from my car's surface following a wash, and then I use microfiber waffle-weave towels to blot dry whatever is left over. I actually just bought a WorxAir cordless leaf blower specifically because it has a car drying attachment that I'm going to try out for the first time today. I also wash my car with distilled or purified water so I can let it air dry and clean up the dried spots later with a detailing spray.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McKEfTADIgc

 

[bad8nti]

I myself use a cordless leaf blower to sweep the standing water from my car's surface following a wash, and then I use microfiber waffle-weave towels to blot dry whatever is left over. I actually just bought a WorxAir cordless leaf blower specifically because it has a car drying attachment that I'm going to try out for the first time today.

John, I would be interested in something like this. Can you PM me info? Thanks, Dan

 

[Dodgeguy]

Man I would be all over a leaf blower if in the summer I did not have to wash and dry it by 5:30 AM to beat the sun.I don't think the neighbors would be too happy even if it was a quiet electric one.

 

[American Muscle]

Wow you all are very meticulous with it. I think the leaf blower will be my best bet. Thanks for the input everyone.

 

[HemiMetal]

John, I would be interested in something like this. Can you PM me info? Thanks, Dan

PM Sent :smileup:

 

[Sudz]

Man I would be all over a leaf blower if in the summer I did not have to wash and dry it by 5:30 AM to beat the sun.I don't think the neighbors would be too happy even if it was a quiet electric one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/10-ft-x-20-ft-portable-car-canopy-69034-8696.html

 

[Dodgeguy]

Thanks but not an option.

 

[trudyc]

i am lucky, our car wash is right next to the interstate so i just get on it run her up to 70 and crank up the jams for a mile or 2 and she is almost dry by the time i get home then wipe her down. done until the next wax job

 

[sinister 1]

Hey Hemimetal. i would like to know what waxes u use to protect and keep a real shine on ur ride? i have a Black challenger and always looking for opinions on waxes. any help would be great. Scott...... aka siniste1

 

[HemiMetal]

Hey Hemimetal. i would like to know what waxes u use to protect and keep a real shine on ur ride? i have a Black challenger and always looking for opinions on waxes. any help would be great. Scott...... aka siniste1

I'm a Meguiars guy, so all of my products will be from their line. I'm not as passionate about regularly waxing my car as some other folks are, but here would be my recommendation:

Wash and then clay the car with an over the counter kit (Meguiars or Mothers) that you can pick up at WalMart, Pep Boys, etc. Clay will remove bonded contaminants and is extremely easy to do. Honestly, if you have never clayed your paint, you will swear it's feels waxed the first time you do it. The paint will be that smooth.

Apply one coat of Meguiars Black Wax to your paint. The Black wax was formulated with the same oils originally contained in your paint that "dry out" over time, creating the averse affect of making your black paint look a little lighter and duller over time. Black wax will replenish those oils into your black paint, resulting in a darker, deeper black color. See my thread Meguiar's White and Black Car Polishes (3rd page, comment #30 towards the bottom of the page)

Apply one top coat of Meguiars NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0. Tech Wax is the consumer version of Meguiars sealant wax, and it's a nice complement to sealing in your freshly black-waxed Challenger.

Maintain with quick detailers and quick spray waxes between full waxings, which should last between 2-3 months. :smileup:

 

[Sweden]

I'm a Meguiars guy, so all of my products will be from their line. I'm not as passionate about regularly waxing my car as some other folks are, but here would be my recommendation:

Wash and then clay the car with an over the counter kit (Meguiars or Mothers) that you can pick up at WalMart, Pep Boys, etc. Clay will remove bonded contaminants and is extremely easy to do. Honestly, if you have never clayed your paint, you will swear it's feels waxed the first time you do it. The paint will be that smooth.

Apply one coat of Meguiars Black Wax to your paint. The Black wax was formulated with the same oils originally contained in your paint that "dry out" over time, creating the averse affect of making your black paint look a little lighter and duller over time. Black wax will replenish those oils into your black paint, resulting in a darker, deeper black color. See my thread Meguiar's White and Black Car Polishes (3rd page, comment #30 towards the bottom of the page)

Apply one top coat of Meguiars NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0. Tech Wax is the consumer version of Meguiars sealant wax, and it's a nice complement to sealing in your freshly black-waxed Challenger.

Maintain with quick detailers and quick spray waxes between full waxings, which should last between 2-3 months. :smileup:

Thanks for the waxing guide, John. I will save that until i get my Challenger out from the winter-storage.
and.....:rep: