I currently use microfiber cloths to dry my vehicle after it is washed at a wand wash.
I have the brilliant black crystal clearcoat and do not want to scratch the paint at all but I still can scratch the paint if I want to rub out a water stain or something. I've had the vehicle since the end of October and want to keep the paint job looking brand new.
A detailer told me to use a squeegee but I hate the sound it makes. He was doing it on my jeep at the car wash to demonstrate how it worked. I'm yet to see if it scratched my paint. But he insisted that the silicon won't scratch...but my question to him was what if it dragged a piece of dirt? He said it'd get picked up on the specially designed lip of the squeegee.
What do you guys use on your jeeps to dry your car?...preferably people with the charcoal or black painted jeeps.
I dont have my Overland yet but I have always just used normal shami's. I have always been into detailing my cars and keeping the finish looking amazing. I am a Corvette owner and people like us wax the mufflers for christ sake haha.
Never had a problem with a normal shami and they do a pretty nice job leaving a streak free paint job.
IMO....I use the waffle weave drying towels AFTER I do the sheeting method. Sheeting is taking the spray nozel off the hose and starting at the top of the vehicle and just using the water from the hose to wash all possible dirt etc. left from washing down off the vehicle just using the flow of water. The flow will psuh everything down and to the ground.
Start on the roof and just let the hose flow until you get the whole roof...then walk around doing the same with the hood and back tailgate, then walk slowly down the sides making sure the water sheets down the sides. This also makes for easier drying. I recommend the waffle weave towels from detailedimage
There are also small handheld blowers....but then theres the chance of blowing dust up on the finish.
Do not use the squeegee!! If one tiny dirt particle gets stuck to the blade you will end up carving scratches into all of your paint. They do work well when brand new, being used on a new car and if it`s never been dropped on the ground... otherwise you are begging for trouble.
Try using a clay bar for any areas that require scrubbing - like water spots - and it should take care of it easily without damaging the paint at all. You also have to be carefull with some cheaper microfibre towels as they actually can scratch the paint. Premium towels will not have any tags on them and will have nice stiched edges to further reduce the chance of scratches.
its alos important to keep a good sealant and wax on the paint. This will help with washing the dirt off the paint. I personally dont recomend a clay bar unles you have a DA polished to remove any marring/holograms it may induce.
Absolutely do not use the water blade. If it catches any sand or grit particle at all it will leave vertical scratches in the clear coat. As a long time detailer I go with several of the other respondents. Use a clay bar with detail spray for spots on the clear coat and when drying use Korean or American made waffle weave microfiber to dry as the cheap Chinese microfiber from Wal-Mart, etc. can leave swirl marks. Go to adamspolishes.com for the best detailing supplies and info in the market.
Nah, just kidding. Had mine detailed after coming back from the beach. (there was no way I was going to spend the afternoon removing dog hair and sand) I already have some scratches that can't be buffed out.
Yeah, I wouldn't take any advice from the dude that told you to squeege.
I keep mine well waxed...so when I wash it, I do the "sheeting" method, and follow that with an electric leaf blower from the top down. As long as you have some good beading, the water will run right off. That gets most of the water off and does a much better job than cloths at getting in lug holes, sideview mirrors, door handles, etc. Any drips or drops left behind get a waffle weave blot.
The electric leaf blower is actually part of my shop vac that I have out anyways for cleaning up the interior...I also use it to dry off the rubber floor mats before I put them back in.
Yeah, I wouldn't take any advice from the dude that told you to squeege.
I keep mine well waxed...so when I wash it, I do the "sheeting" method, and follow that with an electric leaf blower from the top down. As long as you have some good beading, the water will run right off. That gets most of the water off and does a much better job than cloths at getting in lug holes, sideview mirrors, door handles, etc. Any drips or drops left behind get a waffle weave blot.
The electric leaf blower is actually part of my shop vac that I have out anyways for cleaning up the interior...I also use it to dry off the rubber floor mats before I put them back in.
instead of the leaf blower i use a air compressor on jambs and nooks b/c i'm scared of stuff from the floor getting onto the paint from a leaf blower. sheeting is a must!
I highly recommend you don't use a squeege or water blade as you are prone to adding swirls and ultra fine scratches. We have put together several top notch washing and drying kits with many of my favorite products. If you are looking to upgrade check out these options: