Should You Use a Leaf Blower to Dry Your Car?
Leaf blowers are fast and contactless—but are they safe? Here’s when to use one to dry your car, and what to avoid to prevent damage.
Why People Use Leaf Blowers to Dry Cars
Blowing water off your car means zero towel contact. No rubbing = no scratches. For that reason, a lot of pros love using blowers, especially on freshly coated vehicles.
Benefits of Using a Leaf Blower
- Touch-free drying – Avoids marring and swirl marks
- Great for tight areas – Blows water out of mirrors, emblems, and grilles
- Faster than towel drying – Especially with strong air volume
What to Watch Out For
- Unfiltered air – Cheap blowers can kick up dust or sand
- Low power = poor results – You need enough CFM (cubic feet per minute) to push water
- Don’t blow from the ground – It can kick up rocks or grit
Best Practices
- Use an electric blower with a clean, filtered intake
- Start at the roof and work downward
- Don’t use it as your only drying method unless your vehicle is ceramic-coated or has great hydrophobics
Pro Tip:
Pair a blower with a drying aid like Tough As Shell to make water bead and blow off even faster.
When to Skip It
If your car isn’t coated or you’re in a dusty area, a plush towel like the Massive Drying Towel might be the safer choice.
Final Takeaway
A leaf blower can be a great drying tool—but only if used correctly. Clean air, good technique, and the right products make all the difference.
