[DHC]

OK, maybe this is a little wierd, but is it fine to use a high-powered leaf blower to dry the car? Will it damage anything?

Last night I was about done drying my E90 with a synthetic chamois when I noticed there was still water in between the panels, in the wheel wells and by the gas tank. Figured I would fire up the Stihl leaf blower and see if I could get the remaining moisture out of there.

Obviously, it worked great. There were drops of water flying out of every crevice you could imagine.

I'm tempted to forgo the chamois and just use the blower from here on. Thoughts?

[UncleWede]

Use the blower on the ground around you first, then wash, then use the blower to dry. Don't want to blow any sand, etc back onto the car when you just cleaned it.
The zaino distributor I called recommended blowers, and I know a lot of people who use them on motorcycles. And those automated car washes, that's what they use to dry your car.

[Jesse Wilson]

I actually had the same question in regards to the "gas" part. I have seen many people say they use and recomend the electric blowers but I have never heard about the gas. As I only have a gas one I was interested in finding out wheather they might leave some sort of contamination on the car from the exhaust. Those little fuel/oil engines run pretty dirty.


Jesse

[DHC]

Originally Posted by Jesse Wilson

I actually had the same question in regards to the "gas" part. I have seen many people say they use and recomend the electric blowers but I have never heard about the gas. As I only have a gas one I was interested in finding out wheather they might leave some sort of contamination on the car from the exhaust. Those little fuel/oil engines run pretty dirty.


Jesse

Good point, Jesse.

Yes, the gas blowers run dirty. Those two-cycle engines are a beast. But I never get too close to the car ... it's blowing air out so fast that I'm pretty far away from the paint.

So hopefully I'm not spewing filth all over my new ride.

[UncleWede]

The blower I have is NOT 2-cycle, so I don't have that problem as much any more. Just straight unleaded super, no mixing, no spilling, no hassle!

[Llamaslayer]

im guessing that would be cool. i think the area around your car should be damp so dust and other particles dont fly around

[bzzbenz]

I have never heard of this but love the idea! This will really reduce swirl marks and such that a towel will produce.

[rishid]

Not a bad idea, and is probably faster then towels.

thanks for the tip

[UncleWede]

Not recommended for the whole car, IMO. I use it to get excess from the grill, wheels, mirrors, and door cracks.

[DHC]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

Not recommended for the whole car, IMO. I use it to get excess from the grill, wheels, mirrors, and door cracks.

Agreed with Uncle.

I've found it's not that great to dry the entire car but is perfect for getting water out of those impossible-to-reach spaces (e.g., wheel wells, grill, front air dam, fuel filler door, window trim, etc.).