I have noticed swirl marks on my cooper again. I am wondering if it is from my absorbers? Anybody else use these towels? I have been using them for years, but now I see this autodry blade (supersoft silicone blade) that supposedly works great. Anybody try it? The concept is pretty good. When I use the absorber I have to go over the car like 4-5 times, and it always leaves water spots. Any thoughts?

cheers, jason

 

The silicone blade is great for removing 90% of the excess water clinging to your MINI. I still have to dry it, but I use fewer towels and it is a lot quicker and easier. Have not noticed any scratches from the blade at all.

I think that any time you rub something against your paint, it is inevitable that a speck of dirt will get between your towel and paint and swirl marks are just the sign of someone who takes good care of their MINI and washes often. . . .

 

I use the blade, and haven't noticed any swirl marks or scratches from it. It is great on the roof, and any flat surfaces, but for the bonnet and sides, it isn't as effective. You still have to go over everthing once again with a towel to dry off all the little spots missed with the blade. I use my pak-shak towels to get those hard to dry areas.

Ryan

 

I have the california blade and "the absorber" and have used them in the past. Like everyone says, the blade works well but you have to touch up with a towel or absorber. Now I use the Mr. Clean Auto Dry car wash and I don't have to dry my car. I would say get a mr. clean, it is great.

 

I haven't touched my absorber since I got a blade. I use it liberally on the car without any problems - just try to keep it clean. It usually takes a microfiber towel or two afterwards to finish the job.

 

California Water Blade and one waffle weave towel do the job well.

 

I just use a chamois. Takes a lot more time, but does not leave spots. I will have to invest in a blade as well! Sounds like a good review!

 

I have been using the California Water Blade and the California Duster for 4 years. Never a dectible scuff, scratch or dings on my Mustang or my S. I always follow up with an absorbant non scratchy cloth.

_________________
Poco Loco: 04 LY/B, Works MCS, S2933

 

>>California Water Blade and one waffle weave towel do the job well.

I concur! However, after washing your car with a wash mitt, rinse it down. Then use the water blade and wipe the blade after each pass. Finish up by using the waffle weave towel to absorb the wet spots.

In the past I had some dirt trapped under the blade and scratched my MCS. That is why I use the wash/rinse method.

 

Darn it!! You guys just convinced me to spend MORE money!!!!

 

Absorbers are still the best way to go next to a real chamois. Problem with auto dry blades is that they can scratch. Someone once used one on my car and it got all scratched... I was upset! But oh well.

 

I know I am a whacko, I use the Blade, then the yard blower to get the remainder of water, in the nooks and crannies, I hate touching the paint any more that I have to, think about it 150 mph air is going to get water from all sorts of places you did not know you had.

 

I actually went the reverse direction. I started with a blade which worked ok, but was difficult to use on the bonnet. The side of the body and the roof were easiest. Now I use the absorber and only use the blade on our 10 year old LS400 which is mostly flat! That's a great tool for that car, makes drying time about 5 to 10 minutes max!

The Absorber works great. How are you using it? I don't rub it, but rather blotch it on to soak up the water. I follow with a microfiber to remove any excess water. I used to use a Chamois and that took forever, and I hated having to soak it before I used it.

For daily cleaning and making sure my MINI is sparkling, I use Meguiar's Quick Detailer and microfiber cloths to remove the coat of dust. This means I only need to wash once every 2 to 3 weeks, unless it rains, or someother nasty thing happens!

 

>> I use the Blade, then the yard blower to get the remainder of water,



Your neighbors must get a kick out of seeing this!
I must admit, it's a damn good idea though!

 

>>I know I am a whacko, I use the Blade, then the yard blower to get the remainder of water, in the nooks and crannies, I hate touching the paint any more that I have to, think about it 150 mph air is going to get water from all sorts of places you did not know you had.

Heehee, I'd like to see that... some guy out in his yard, using a leaf blower on his car. Works, though - I use shop air sometimes.

 

Most of your swirls are coming from the wash sponge or towel..not the
chamos or drying towels most of the time.

Use 2 buckets one with soap, one with just water when you sud up
your car. :smile:

The very best way to dry is to get a high pressure air compressor
and blow the water off the car first between the crevis, etc. then
use a detailer spray and cotton towel.

 

My "S" hasn't come in yet, but I will continue using my compressor to blow the water out of window channels, around grill and headlights, doors. mirrors and any place else water can hide, then finish off with an absorber. I've used this combonation for years on my bikes and cars...never a scratch or any other problem. :smile:

 

I use the absorber and wash it every time I wash the car if possible, without fabric softener of course. That way i can at least guarantee it'll be crap free when I start to dry it. I have seen alot of people have bad luck and good luck with the blade, so I just stick with what I am used to.