How to Dry a Car like a Professional

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By kdileo
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How to dry a car to minimize damaging a painted surface.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

If available, blow dry the cracks and crevices like lug nut holes and panel gaps to avoid dripping later. Use an electric leaf blower.
Step 2

After sheeting water off of your car, as seen in How to Wash your Car like a Professional, use a microfiber or Waffle Weave drying towel to blot areas. Avoid dragging or pressing as much as possible to avoid damaging the finish.
Step 3

Blot dry from top to bottom in a meticulous manner as to not leave any water spots. Create an easy to follow method from panel to panel.
Step 4

In combination to the drying towel, you may want to use a quick detailer to aid in the dispersion of the water as well as provide a layer of lubrication in order to not damage the finish of the car. This will also leave a better reflecting surface and provide very temporary protection.

Tips & Warnings

Quick Detailers will help prevent swirls and scratches
Leaf blowers help dry hard to reach areas
Drying is one of the most dangerous parts of detailing to your car's finish
Do not use shammys or any other TV gimmick, and do not use cotton towels.
After microscopic inspection, cotton towels and shammys micromar the surface of a vehicle much more than microfiber or waffle weave due to fabric stiffness and thread density.
Do not use a gas leaf blower, it will leave a film of gasoline due to exhaust.