[Sci-Fi]

I use microfiber towels to dry cars. Most like to use the waffle weave microfiber towel (16"X24"). But a normal detailing microfiber works just fine and there are larger spa bath microfiber towels (30"X59") available too. The trick is to take the nozzle off the hose and run or let the water flow over your car for the final rinse. You'll find very little water is left to wipe off and you can dry your car relatively quickly. Also parking on a slight incline will help water flow out of the nooks and cracks (outside of using a leaf blower). Sorry, but I'm not a fan of "The Absorber".

During winter, there are few options for washing your car. Touchless Car Washes are fine, if they use the correct dilution ratio for the detergent to water and if the outside temperature is not too cold. A better option would be to go to a Car Wash that uses foam technology. The foam emulsifies the dirt/road grime and gently flows off your paint. Many car wash owners feel it cleans a car better than traditional touchless and doesn't have the drawbacks (staining/discoloration problems, usually from incorrect dilution rates). Most car wash owners would/should shut down their automatic and self-service bays during a bad cold spell. Even with heated floors, ice becomes a problem and liability becomes a concern.

If you have a heated garage, there are popular products like Poorboys Spray & Wipe or Protect All Quick & Easy Wash that require little or no water and from the reports from several pro detailers, it works well without scratching the paint.

Can read this thread to see what happened to one person that tried to wash his car in freezing temperatures: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=727390
Not a pretty sight.


Hope this helps.