Ryobi Car Dryer Review – Does the 18V Blower Work for Cars?

Jimbo Balaam on

The Ryobi 18V blower is a favorite among DIY detailers—but is it actually good for drying your car? We tested it and here’s how it performs.

Ryobi Car Dryer Review – Does the 18V Blower Work for Cars?

Ryobi Car Dryer Review – Is It Worth It?

The Ryobi 18V cordless blower is one of the most popular tools used by DIY car detailers to dry vehicles. But does it really work—or are you better off with a towel?

We tested the Ryobi on several vehicles (coated and uncoated) to find out how well it dries, how long it lasts, and whether it’s actually safe to use on your paint.

Specs – What You Get with the Ryobi 18V Cordless Blower

  • Air Speed: Up to 100 MPH
  • Air Volume: ~280 CFM
  • Battery Life: 10–15 minutes with 4Ah battery
  • Weight: Just under 6 lbs
  • One-hand operation with trigger lock

Our test unit: Ryobi P21081 with 18V ONE+ 4Ah lithium battery

How Well Does It Dry a Car?

On coated paint (ceramic or spray sealant), the Ryobi works extremely well. It chases water beads off the surface, especially after a Super Soaper wash and rinse.

Key observations:

  • ✅ Removed water from flat panels quickly
  • ✅ Excellent for blowing out emblems, trim, lug nuts, and door jambs
  • ✅ No water spots when followed immediately after rinsing
  • ⚠️ Less effective on uncoated cars with sheeting water

Battery Life and Ergonomics

We were able to fully dry a mid-size SUV using one 4Ah battery—with juice to spare. Larger vehicles may require a battery swap if you're working slowly or in heat.

It’s lightweight enough to use one-handed, and the trigger lock makes continuous blowing easy without fatigue.

Is It Safe for Your Paint?

Yes. As long as you’re not kicking up dust from the ground or dragging the tip across the surface, the Ryobi is completely safe for swirl-free drying.

To maximize safety:

  • ✅ Always foam first with The Super Soaper and rinse thoroughly
  • ✅ Don’t blow dust from your garage onto the car
  • ✅ Keep the blower tip a few inches off the surface

Pairing It with a Drying Towel

We recommend following up with the Massive Drying Towel to catch any leftover drips or flat spots, especially on uncoated cars or windshields.

Final Verdict – Should You Use the Ryobi for Car Drying?

Yes—if you want a fast, cordless, safe way to dry your car, the Ryobi 18V blower is a solid buy.

It's not the most powerful unit on the market, but it’s more than enough for ceramic-coated paint, works great with Super Soaper foams, and keeps you from scratching your finish with every wash.

Want a Safer, Faster Way to Dry?

Pair the Ryobi cordless blower with the Massive Drying Towel and The Super Soaper for a drying setup that cuts time and prevents swirls.

Buy the Drying Towel