I just got one of those silicone car driers to use in place of towels or chamois. I used it once and it worked very well, but I'm curious to know if anyone has an opinion about long term use. Will it scratch? Will it remove the wax? Etc.

George

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2004 E320 Wagon
1989 300SE
1998 Range Rover 4.0 SE

The best (and least expensive!) method of removing most of the water from your car's just-cleaned surface is to take any nozzles off the hose, turn the water pressure to low-medium, and chase the water beads off the surface! Most of the water will be taken off by this technique. I use a water sprite synthetic chamois on the rest, followed by a cotton terry towel. No scratches, minimal work.

I used the silicon blade on my Acura for a year, and it was covered with fine scratches. The silicon may not scratch, but any dust that lands on the car is snow-plowed across the surface. And it still didn't get off all the water. I had to use a chamois and terry towels to get it completely dry.

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John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

I have "The Absorber" and think its the greatest thing since sliced bread! Its amazing how well it works when you compare it to real chamois or towels. No scratches or problems with it.

Greg
'84 300D

I would advise against the silicone or rubber "wipers" that are popular to remove water from cars post wash. Even if the blade itself never would scratch the paint keeping it 100% clean is nearly impossible. The first spec of particulate on there will be a swirl-mark/hairline scratch. Also, you must use some pressure on the paint to make them effective (think windshield wiper on/off the windshield) The more pressure you use, the greater the potential for something/anything to scratch.

I'm with a combination of what John (JCE) and Greg said. I have an absorber and a stack of 100% cotton terry towels. I give the surface a quick once over with the absorber. (drag lightly and slowly accross thank you...) It also helps to keep a bucket of clean water nearby....swipe absorber, rinse in bucket, ring, swipe next area of finish. Then get that last 5-10% of moisture with a terry. They both go in the wash between uses. Neither has ever left a scratch and both are very easy to use. That combo seems the best approach for drying a car where you care about the finish.

Hope this helps,
Lee