How to Dry Your Car in Summer Without Water Spots or Swirl Marks
Drying your car in hot weather is a race against the clock. Let the water sit too long, and you’ll get water spots. Rush through it with the wrong towel, and you’ll leave swirl marks. So what’s the right way to dry your car in summer?
Watch the quick breakdown in this video:
Here’s exactly what to do after a summer wash to avoid water spots, streaks, and damage to your paint.
Why Summer Drying Is So Risky
In warm temps, the water on your paint starts to evaporate almost immediately. That leaves behind minerals like calcium and magnesium, which dry into visible water spots. Worse, wiping with a cheap towel can grind leftover dirt into your clear coat—causing swirls.
Use the Right Towel—This Makes or Breaks It
Using the wrong towel is one of the top causes of swirl marks. In summer, you need something:
- Large enough to handle big panels without wringing out
- Soft and plush to trap leftover dirt safely
- Absorbent enough to dry quickly before water evaporates
Our top recommendation: The Massive Drying Towel. It’s a monster. Super soft, ultra-absorbent, and big enough to dry most of a car with just one towel.
How to Dry Your Car the Right Way
- Dry Immediately – Don’t take a break or let water sit. Start drying as soon as you finish rinsing each section.
- Use the Towel’s Weight – Lay the towel flat and drag it gently. No pressure needed.
- Flip as Needed – Use both sides of the towel. If it gets too saturated, grab a second one or wring it out thoroughly.
- Use a Drying Aid – Spritz Tough As Shell onto each panel as you dry. It adds slickness, protection, and helps reduce towel drag.
Pro Tip: Consider a Blower for Cracks and Crevices
In hot weather, water loves to hide in trim, mirrors, badges, and door handles. A handheld blower (like the Ryobi in the video) is great for blasting that out before it runs down your panels and causes spots.
What About Drying in Direct Sun?
If you have no shade, work in sections:
- Wash and rinse one panel
- Immediately dry it before moving to the next
- Keep your drying towel cool—store a spare in the shade
The key is speed and control—don’t let water get ahead of you.
Recommended Drying Tools
- Massive Drying Towel – Super soft, ultra-absorbent, 1100 GSM
- Tough As Shell – Adds slickness and ceramic protection while you dry
- Ryobi Cordless Blower – For blowing out water from cracks and crevices
Related Posts
- How to Wash Your Car in the Heat Without Getting Water Spots
- What Happens If You Don’t Maintain Your Ceramic Coating?
- Foam Cannon vs. Pump Sprayer
