Quick answer: Air drying avoids swirls, towel drying ensures complete water removal. The hybrid method—blower first, towel second—is the safest way to dry black cars.

Air drying with a blower

• Pros: Zero paint contact, reduces swirl risk, reaches cracks & crevices, faster drying.
• Cons: May leave light film or stray drips behind mirrors and trim.

Towel drying with microfiber

• Pros: Absorbs all remaining water, ensures a streak-free finish, can apply protection while drying.
• Cons: Any dirt in towel risks micro-marring, dragging creates streaks, requires proper technique.

The safest method: Hybrid drying

The best results come from combining both:

1. Blow off 80–90% of water with a Ryobi blower.
2. Blot remaining water with the Massive Drying Towel.
3. Boost gloss and slickness by misting Tough As Shell while drying.

Pro tips

• Work in shade—black paint heats quickly in sun.
• Blot towels, don’t drag. Dragging = streaks and swirls.
• Wash and maintain microfiber properly. Contaminated towels ruin paint.
• Always use a ceramic spray topper to reduce drag and boost protection.

Common mistakes

1. Only towel drying: Increases swirl risk, especially on black paint.
2. Only blower drying: Can leave film or spots if water isn’t fully removed.
3. Using cheap towels: Cotton or low-GSM microfiber scratches and streaks.
4. Skipping protection: Without hydrophobics, drying is harder and more dangerous.