I am an "anal" car care person that uses Zaino. I have been drying my car with a blue version of the Absorber. So far after 13 months my finish is still scratch and swirl free.

My son works as a porter at my local Acura dealer and he said that they use a California car blade to get the water off of the cars after washing. Do they scratch the finish?

I've tried the leaf blower, but the one that I have is too big and heavy (gas powered), but it is good for getting the water out of the cracks and drying the tires and wheels.

 

I'd like to know if it harms the paint as well.

 

I just picked one up after using a similar version that left a few scratches on my car, the california blade works 1000x better than the other one did and hasnt scratched my car the 3 times i used it. a few of my friends use it too and havent gotten any scratches from it

 

The blade itself probably won’t scratch the car.
What you need to worry about is any tiny particles of dirt or abrasive debris that may be on the wet car.
If one of those gets wedged between the blade and the paint it’s SCRATCH CITY as you drag it across the finish !!!

Shawn S

PS…. LEAF BLOWER for me

 

I use the water blade on my windows and that's about it. Shawn S hit it right on the head... I use the water blade for more house stuff, cleaning the showers, mirrors than car applications...

And I'm a BIG fan of the leaf blower too. Get a small, lite electric model. Does the trick for me.

 

OK, I am convinced about the leaf blower. Even Zaino on their web site recommends using one. I am going to buy the one they recommend.

 

I bought an electric leaf blower and with Zaino, it just blows off. There's a certain way to do it but once you get used to it, it goes fast. You'll have to follow up with a 100% cotton towel dry on those sections that may have dribbles (is that a word) left over. Just pat the towel (don't wipe) and you'll see good result!

 

California Blade gets the water off the car fast but I have a tough time using itself and get the car completely dry. Bottom line, I bought it... used it for about 2 washes and returned it to Walmart.