Should You Let Your Car Air Dry After Washing?
It’s a tempting shortcut—just rinse and walk away. But air drying your car can quietly ruin your paint. Here's what happens when you skip drying and what to do instead.
What Happens When You Air Dry Your Car?
Air drying your vehicle might seem easy, but it comes with major downsides. As water evaporates, it leaves behind minerals that can etch into your paint and glass.
- Hard Water = Hard Damage: Mineral-rich water dries into visible water spots that can bond to your clear coat.
- Streaks and Contamination: Air drying doesn’t remove leftover soap or dirt—it just bakes it into the surface.
- Swirl Risk: Any dust settling during the drying process may scratch the surface when wiped later.
Why Microfiber Towels Are the Safe Choice
Drying by hand isn’t just safer—it’s essential. But using the wrong towel can scratch your paint. That’s why you need something specifically made for detailing.
The Massive Drying Towel from Jimbo’s Detailing is designed for maximum absorption with zero swirl risk. It’s a thick, plush microfiber towel that gets the job done in one pass. You can also grab it on Amazon.
How to Dry Your Car the Right Way
- Rinse the car thoroughly to remove soap and contaminants.
- Start drying immediately, before water has time to evaporate.
- Blot (don’t drag) with the Massive Drying Towel, working top-down.
- Use a blower for crevices, mirrors, trim, and emblems to eliminate trapped water.
Extra Protection Tip
Want to make drying even safer? Use a ceramic spray like Tough As Shell after your wash. It adds protection, helps prevent water spots, and boosts gloss.
So... Should You Let It Air Dry?
Only if you're okay with water spots, mineral buildup, and paint correction bills later. Otherwise, spend five minutes with a proper towel now—and save yourself hours of regret later.
Best Way to Dry Your Car: Massive Drying Towel
If you want fast drying with zero swirls, the Massive Drying Towel is the pro's choice.
