How to Dry a Car After Washing it: The Complete Guide to Drying Car After Wash

If there's one often overlooked step in the car wash process that can make or break the cleanliness of your vehicle, it's drying. Drying your car post-wash may seem like a straightforward task, but are you sure you're doing it right? Most people aren’t!

Proper post-wash car drying is an art in itself, the mastery of which separates a casually clean car from a stunningly pristine vehicle. More than just an aesthetic consideration, proper drying techniques are essential to prevent unsightly water spots, protect against harmful rust and corrosion, and prolong the overall lifespan of your vehicle's paintwork. 

Not to mention that a well-dried car showcases the effort and dedication you've put into maintaining your car's appearance. That’s why we’ve decided to guide you through how to dry a car after washing it today. You’ll discover the secrets to detailing that get you that dazzling finish you desire along with tips for speeding up the process.

But, before we get into the science and art of drying a car after washing it, let’s make one thing abundantly clear. Do you need to dry a car after you wash it? 

Do You Need to Dry Car After Wash? What Happens When Not Drying Car After Wash

The short answer is a resounding yes. But why, you might ask? When you invest time and energy into washing your car, it's only natural to want to showcase the best results possible. Leaving your car to dry naturally might seem like the most effortless route, but it often leads to disappointing, even damaging, results.

Preventing Water Spots and Stains

Have you ever noticed those unsightly spots marring the surface of your freshly washed car? Those are water spots, left behind when water droplets dry on your car's surface. 

As water evaporates, it leaves behind minerals and debris that were initially dissolved in it, which settle on your car's surface. These deposits can etch into the paint and clear coat, creating stubborn stains that are hard to remove and can tarnish your vehicle's finish. 

In fact, you’ll often end up needing a specialised hard water remover to get these off your car altogether. That being said, they should be avoided in the first place through proper car drying techniques!

Avoiding Rust and Corrosion

If preventing aesthetic blemishes isn't motivation enough to dry your car post-wash, let's talk about rust. 

When left to sit on the surface, water can seep into small crevices, scratches, or areas of damage on your car's bodywork. Here, it may initiate the rusting process, leading to long-term structural damage. 

By thoroughly drying your vehicle after every wash, you're actively combating the corrosion process, thereby prolonging the life of your vehicle's bodywork.

Ensuring a Spotless Shine

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, drying your car after a wash guarantees that pristine, mirror-like finish we all love. There's something about a spotlessly dry car that exudes luxury and shows you really care about your vehicle.

By ensuring all water and potential residue is effectively removed, you're left with a glossy, spotless shine that is sure to turn heads - whether you’re driving a Ford or a Mclaren!

All that said, drying the car after washing it is an essential step in car care that can make all the difference in maintaining the aesthetics, integrity, and overall value of your beloved vehicle. 

The next question is, how exactly should you go about it? Stay tuned as we help you uncover the best way to dry a car after washing it.

What is the Best Way to Dry a Car After Washing it? Towels vs Blow Dry Methods

Now that you understand the significance of drying your car after a wash, let's delve into the two most popular drying methods: using towels and blow drying. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice largely depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

Towel Drying: Tried and True

Towel drying is the classic method most car owners are familiar with. It involves using a clean, absorbent towel to wipe away the water from the car's surface, ensuring a spot-free finish. Here are some key points to consider:

Pros:

• Accessibility: Towels are widely available and come in various materials, sizes, and absorbency levels. Microfibre towels, for instance, are specifically designed to be extremely absorbent and gentle on car paint.
• Control: Towel drying gives you control over the pressure applied, allowing you to be gentle on your car's paint job.
• Cost-effective: Towels are typically less expensive than high-quality car dryers.

Cons:

• Time-consuming: It can take a while to dry a car thoroughly using towels, especially if you have a larger vehicle.
• Risk of scratches: If not done carefully, towel drying can lead to scratches or swirl marks, especially if the towel picks up dirt or grit.

That being said, this is the most common approach to drying a car after washing it. However, as blow drying becomes more and more popular, this is quickly changing…

Blow Drying: The Modern Approach

Car blow dryers, on the other hand, use a stream of air to push water off your car's surface. Think of it as a leaf blower designed specifically for car drying.

Pros:

• Efficiency: Car blow dryers can quickly and efficiently dry your vehicle, making them a great choice if you're short on time.
• Less contact: Since this method involves less contact with the car's surface, the risk of scratches or swirl marks is significantly reduced.
• Reaches difficult areas: A blow dryer can push water out of tight spots, crevices, and areas that are difficult to reach with a towel.

Cons:

• Cost: High-quality car dryers can be an investment. While they're becoming more affordable, they're generally more expensive than towels.
• Availability: Not as commonly found as towels, requiring you to make a specific purchase.

• Space requirement: Blow dryers need dedicated storage space when not in use.

So, which method is superior? What is the best way to dry a car after washing it? The answer, as with most things in life, isn't one-size-fits-all. 

If you prioritize control, affordability, and don't mind spending a little extra time, towel drying might be for you. However, if speed, reduced contact, and efficiency are higher on your priority list, investing in a car blow dryer could be a game changer.

All of this said, we think that towels are the best way to dry a car after washing it because of the attention to detail required. This ensures the most dazzling shine in the end - which is what matters most, right? While you can use a blow dryer to get most of the water off if you’re in a hurry, we still recommend using a towel to spot dry. 

Ultimately, whether you choose towels or a blow dryer, remember that the process of drying a car after washing it is just as important as the wash itself. Whichever method you choose, Jennychem has got you covered. In the next section, we'll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to dry a car after washing it below.

How to Dry a Car After Washing it: Step-by-Step Guide to Drying Car After Wash

At this point, you’re well aware of just how important it is to dry your car after washing it. 

You also know that it involves more than just wiping the surface with a towel. It demands the right tools, techniques, and considerations to achieve that showroom shine without damaging your car's exterior.

So now, we want to arm you with practical tips and advice on how to dry a car after washing it to ensure the most sparkling finish.

Gathering the Right Towels

Your choice of tools is critical to the outcome. If you've decided to dry your car using towels, opt for the gold standard - microfibre cloths. These are specifically designed with an ultra-soft, highly absorbent material that is delicate yet effective on your car's paintwork.

Consider investing in Jennychem's selection of drying towels for car detailing, each tailor-made for this very purpose. 

For instance, the Aqua Green Super Absorbent Drying Towel and Thick Dark Blue Microfibre Drying Towel are standout choices. With their robust absorbency and generous size, they are specifically engineered to safely lift and lock away water, leaving a streak-free, swirl-free finish. 

Jennychem's commitment to quality and effective car care shines through these exceptional products. This is true of all our professional car cleaning products - from our car wash soaps to our car snow foam shampoo, tyre cleaner, car wash mitts, and beyond.

If you prefer a blow dryer, no - we don’t recommend using your leaf blower or hair dryer. Ensure it's purpose-built for car detailing. This device should be both gentle and powerful, capable of efficiently removing water without the risk of heat or force damage.

Adopting the Right Drying Techniques: Top-Down, Blotting, and More

There’s more than one way to skin a cat - and as bizarre as this age-old adage is, it applies to how to dry a car after washing it, too. That’s not just in regard to towel drying vs blow drying, but within the specific method you choose.

For example, there are two techniques we recommend you apply for towel drying your car after washing it:

• Top-Down: Always commence at the top and gradually work your way downwards. This way, gravity aids the drying process, preventing you from needing to revisit areas due to water trickling down.
• Blotting: Rather than dragging the towel over your car's surface, blot the water. This method is particularly effective with Jennychem towels, which are not only sufficiently large for blotting but also possess the high absorbency required for the task.

Now, if you end up blow drying instead of drying your car with a towel, you should still follow our advice on starting at the top and working your way down. And, employ a smooth, sweeping motion, keeping the nozzle a few inches away from the car's surface. The aim here is to let the air stream do the heavy lifting, rather than blasting the water away.

General Advice on Drying Your Car After a Wash

Regardless of the method chosen, some general tips can optimize the drying process:

• Shade: Dry your car in the shade. Sunlight hastens evaporation, which can lead to water spots.
• Section by Section: Work methodically in sections to prevent water from prematurely drying on the car before you've had a chance to reach it.
• Don't Forget the Hidden Spots: Pay attention to door jambs, trunk seals, and other inconspicuous areas where water tends to accumulate.

Post-Drying Considerations

There you have it - how to dry a car after washing it. While most of the hard work is done at this point, there are still a few things you should do once your car is bone-dry. These final touches can elevate the outcome:

• Checking for Missed Spots: Post-drying is a great time to double-check for any missed areas. Pay special attention to hidden spots that may still hold water, such as around the mirrors, door handles, and beneath the trunk lid. Use a smaller, highly absorbent towel from Jennychem's range to ensure these areas are completely dry and streak-free.
• Tyre Cleaning: After ensuring your car's body is spotless and dry, don't forget about your tyres. They can often be overlooked, but clean tyres significantly improve your vehicle's overall aesthetic. Utilise a high-quality tyre cleaner like the one available from Jennychem. Not only will this remove any lingering grime, but it can also give your tyres a beautiful shine, enhancing the overall look of your car. Our guide on how to apply tyre shine can aid you in incorporating the best tyre shine into your detailing process.
• Assess for Any Remaining Contaminants: After you've dried your car, check for any lingering contaminants or stubborn dirt. If needed, employ a clay bar to remove these residues from your paintwork.
• Waxing: Consider waxing your car after drying. Waxing not only imparts a glossy shine to your vehicle but also forms a protective layer on the paint, safeguarding it from the elements. Note that a thoroughly clean and dry car is imperative for proper car wax adhesion.
• Cleaning the Windows and Windshield: Lastly, clean your windows and windshields for a streak-free, crystal-clear finish. Jennychem's high-quality car glass cleaner and glass cloths can help you achieve this.

Remember, drying your car after a wash is not just about avoiding water spots and streaks. It's about boosting your vehicle's look while protecting it against the elements. With Jennychem's range of car detailing products, achieving an immaculate finish has never been easier.

Closing Thoughts on How to Dry Car After Wash

With all this newfound knowledge and insights on how to dry car after wash, the power to attain a pristine, flawlessly dry car post-wash is now in your hands. We hope you now realize the pivotal role drying plays not just for aesthetics, but for the longevity and well-being of your vehicle.

You're now equipped with practical techniques and information to choose your ideal drying method and tools. Remember, the journey to a spotless shine becomes even smoother with the right companion - and Jennychem's collection of drying towels promises to be just that.

So, don't just dry your car. Give it the treatment it deserves. With every post-wash dry, you're not only maintaining your car’s radiant shine but also contributing to its enduring performance. Let Jennychem's quality products assist you in achieving this rewarding endeavour.