How To Dry Your Car Safely 

There’s a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to how to dry your car safely. Much of the minor damage to paintwork is done through this simple action. Considering you wash your vehicle to show off its looks, the last thing you want is to damage it while doing so. 

The following details the right methods to dry your car—and a few that you should never, ever do… 

3 Ways to Dry Your Car Safely

• Use a microfiber cloth
• Forced air dry
• The chamois

Use a microfiber cloth 

When it comes to car care, the microfiber cloth is one of the best inventions that’s ever been made. They’re absorbent, easy to clean, and relatively inexpensive. The cloths also come in all different shapes and sizes, so you can use different ones for various areas of the car. 

Once the car is washed, use a microfiber cloth to start gently drying the paintwork. Start at the highest level of the vehicle—water runs downwards—and wipe away. There’s no special technique. Just squeeze the cloth out regularly as you go. 

Forced air dry

This is what car washes use to dry a vehicle quickly. The pressure of the air pushes the water down and off the vehicle. You can replicate this at home with an air compressor or a leaf blower. However, it can leave streaks if you’re not careful, meaning it’ll need a wipe over again afterward, but it is a quick way to safely get the majority of water off the surface of the car.

The chamois

The tried and tested chamois leather has been a staple of car washing for decades. It’s stood the test of time, thanks to its softness and absorbent properties. Use in much the same way as you would a microfiber cloth and work from the top of the vehicle to the bottom, wringing out excess water as you go.

Never Dry Your Car This Way 

• Using sunlight
• Rags, towels, old Ts, etc.

Using Sunlight

Never, never, never leave your car in the sun to dry. It leaves streaks and spots on the paintwork—something that’s not the look anyone wants to go for. If you’ve gone to the time and effort to wash your precious ride, then take the time to dry it properly using one or a combination of the methods mentioned above.

Rags, towels, old Ts, etc.

There’s a myth that it’s OK to use any old rags or T-shirts to dry your car. This is the fastest way to scratch the paintwork due to the abrasive nature. In addition, they don’t absorb water well—all they do is push the water around on the surface of the car. 

In addition, old rags and towels tend to have been used for other purposes, so are likely to be contaminated—perhaps by oil or other elements that are damaging to paintwork. 

The Car Drying Rules

• Golden rules of car drying

Golden rules of car drying.

You won’t go far wrong if you always follow these simple steps: 

1. Work from top to bottom—you might find it helpful to work one section of the car at a time
2. Use a clean microfiber cloth or chamois leather
3. Wring out often
4. Take your time

This will ensure the best, streak-free finish to the vehicle’s paintwork and reduce the risk of any scratches or damage.

Protect Your Car With a Ceramic Coating or Paint Protection Wrap from Auto SuperShield 

The ultimate way to ensure car paintwork remains blemish-free is to protect it with a superior paint protection product. The experts at Auto SuperShield are as passionate about your wheels as you are. Whether you require a protective wrap, ceramic coating, or even a totally different vibe for your wheels with a color-change wrap, you’re guaranteed a second-to-none service.