I have a shammy but it is falling apart on me and it didnt last to long. I loved the way it worked when i used it the 1st few times now it is basicaly a piece of junk.. Trying to find out what works the best and leaves nothing behind.. thanks

 

There are quite a few options for drying your car on the market today. Many of the people who frequent this forum use the following to dry their cars:

California Water Blade (Just have to be very careful with it)
Absorber
Waffle Weave Microfiber Towels

I personally use the California Water Blade and am about to make the switch over to waffle weaves.

 

I use this generic leather absorber. It works well, it cost about 4bucks. But I will switch over to Microfiver because I hear it doesn;t leave swirl marks.

 

When my car was new I first used the genuine leather shammy. Then I went to the synthetic ones.
The past few year I have used the California Water Blade(CWB).
I am in the process of switching to Waffle Weave Microfiber. Seems to be the safest for your paint. They don't seem to carry the WW Micro at many stores but you can get good ones online.

MM

 

Use the synthetic shammy Hyda-Wipe. Only found 2 online store that sell it. Works great, friend had his for 10 years.

 

a leaf blower just have to be careful that there is no dust particle laying around or it could end up being a disater.
but i personally use a ww

 

I use a leather chamois and it works great. I've never heard of a genuine leather one "falling apart". My old synthetic shammy fell apart. I always thought the real leather was most gentle on paint.

 

where can i get this Waffle Weave Microfiber Towel? sounds to me that it takes majority opinions... How much are they?


(ha, leaf blower some what of a good idea!! kinda :P)

 

I use 2 absorbers. 1 for the body and 1 for the wheels. I sometimes use the waterblade to quickly wipe off the majority of the water, then use teh absorber after.

 

Water Blade (which I DON'T recommend to the casual user....) and waffle weave towel here.

Waffle weave towels are sold by many online detailing stores and microfiber stores. They are great because they are very absorbent and hold quite a bit of water. Also because they are made of microfiber and because of their weave, they are safer to use than flat drying towels and chamois cloths.

 

cali water blade -> absorber -> quick spin around the block -> absorber

 

Ultimate Drying Technique (read this over on Autopia)

After final rinse, take hose attachment off hose and sheet water all over the car, feeding the water stream down the body panels. The concept behind this is that water likes to stick to itself and will carry most of the water off the car. Then use the water blade to push water off of horizontal surfaces such as roof, hood, trunk. Finally, use the ultimate drying towel at www.autopia.org or the absorber (not sure where to get it) to blot up any remaining water. Using this technique, my car is fully dry in under 3 minutes and I do not have to ring out the ultimate drying towel even after I'm done. Plus there are 0 streaks, spots, or water stains anywhere. Works like a charm

 

I use this:
http://www.properautocare.com/biglitblutow.html

I take sprayer off the end of hose and let the steady stream be the final rinse. Most of the water will sheet away and I follow up with Big Blue.

 

i use all microfiber stuff. I have the Big Blue microfiber drying towels. Two of them.

Also, I have a california drying blade. I don't like it that much.

 

haul *** down country roads....then micro towel the existing water....then clean my wheels cause in my *** hauling i use alot of breaking and gas.

 

You mean, DUSTY country roads? I wouldn't do that... You're probably dirtying your microfiber towel more too.

 

I bought mine from Griot's Garage. I actually bought two in anticipation of the first one wearing out, but I have used the first one for the past couple-three years and it still works great. Griot's stuff isn't cheap, ($26.99 for the towel $24.XX each if you buy two), but their products are generally of good quality and everything you buy from them is backed by an unlimited warranty...so if you're ever not happy with your purchase, you can return it for a refund.

 

water blade, works good just have to be carefull

 

the absorber works wonders....absorbs alot of water...but i need a cheaper place to get them im paying 10 bucks for one!! im gonna look on the web now....

 

Same here! Absorber was my top choice until i ran into the Big Blue towel.

 

Absorber is around $8 at Wal-mart if i'm not mistaken. Plus, it's worth the $ - i've had mine over 2 years. Just throw it in the wash. Water blade isn't too impressive on a curvy car like the 5th gen. IMHO. I hardly ever use mine.

 

how could the water blade mess up ur paint. i use it all the time...

 

the water blade can damage your paint the same way anything else can... it gets dirty, and makes direct contact with your car.

 

i have the water blade and no problems so far. just make sure you clean it before and after each use.

 

I use the california dry blade(i think its the same thing as the water blade only smaller) then i use a microfiber towel. Only problem i see with the dry/water blades is that if there is still dirt on the car, it will drag it along against the paint and it will act like sandpaper. SO make sure your car is clean before you use it.

 

I bought my microfiber towels at autotowels.com

The web site doesn't work that well. Just call them up from the # on the main page. They usually deal w/ bulk orders from car wash stores, but I told them some B.S. about how my buddy owns a car wash and they shipped me a dozen of the good ones for around $20-25.

 

Any other cheap places to find Microfiber? I am going to detail the car next week. Clay Bar and Miguiers 3 step system.

 

Water blade followed by the Absorber.