Air compressor to dry, yes or no?

[kpagel]

I've always used an air compressor to dry off my car, mainly to knock most of the larger concentrations of water and get it out from all of the cracks and crevices. However, I just read a post on this forum that says you're not supposed to use compressed air for drying, but they didn't state why. I decided I wanted to get a few people's input on this so I started a new thread rather than bumping the old one. Anyways, is there really anything wrong with using an air compressor? How is using a leaf blower different?

[ACleanSC4]

Re: Air compressor to dry, yes or no?

I'd like to know why as well. I don't usually use my air compressor to dry the whole car but just spray little areas that have water stuck in them, ie. wheels, grill, window edges...

I find that after you wash the car, take any attachments you have off the water hose and let the water sheet off the car. I then go over everything with a microfiber cloth and it usually does the job pretty well.

[the other pc]

Re: Air compressor to dry, yes or no?

If it’s the thread I saw the poster had a problem with a contaminated air source. As long as you keep your machine clean go ahead and use air.

As an example, I have a leaf blower that’s also a leaf vacuum. I bought it to pick up yard debris so I’d never, ever use for drying a car.

I use my compressor for blowing out crevices all the time (it doesn’t flow enough to dry large surfaces). I always use a filter on it and I drain the condensate from the tank every time I use it.


PC.

[BuckeyeMCS]

Re: Air compressor to dry, yes or no?

I would not use mine only because it has an in line oiler for the tools.

[Lydia]

Re: Air compressor to dry, yes or no?

I use my Dad's to blow the water out of crevices, and then go around with a towel to get the water off the main parts. It works great. Like ACleanSC4 said, take the nozel off the hose for the final rinse (I'm not sure if you knew that already and I apologize if you did, I just know it's a very handy tip).

[gb387]

Re: Air compressor to dry, yes or no?

I use a compressor like many others who post here, again like others not for the entire vehicle but the cracks where water likes to 'hang out'. I have never had a problem, I use and air/water separator to prevent moisture from re-appearing on the paint.

[the other pc]

Re: Air compressor to dry, yes or no?

I would not use mine only because it has an in line oiler for the tools.

Don’t let that stop you. Just tee into the line before the oiler and add a regulator/filter/separator for air-only uses.

You’ll want to get separate hoses to use for air only too, preferably a different color from the ones you have to make them easy to identify. To be extra careful you can use quick-connectors of a different style from the ones on the oiled lines.


PC.

[quikzilver]

Re: Air compressor to dry, yes or no?

Don’t let that stop you. Just tee into the line before the oiler and add a regulator/filter/separator for air-only uses.

You’ll want to get separate hoses to use for air only too, preferably a different color from the ones you have to make them easy to identify. To be extra careful you can use quick-connectors of a different style from the ones on the oiled lines.


PC.

Or buy a compressor for car cleaning only. These shouldn't be too expensive as you don't need a very powerful one.

[gbackus]

Re: Air compressor to dry, yes or no?

I've always used an air compressor to dry off my car, mainly to knock most of the larger concentrations of water and get it out from all of the cracks and crevices. However, I just read a post on this forum that says you're not supposed to use compressed air for drying, but they didn't state why. I decided I wanted to get a few people's input on this so I started a new thread rather than bumping the old one. Anyways, is there really anything wrong with using an air compressor? How is using a leaf blower different?

Out of curiousity, what compressor are you using?

[kpagel]

Re: Air compressor to dry, yes or no?

Out of curiousity, what compressor are you using?

I'm not sure of the model. Its a 60 gallon compressor that my dad has had for a few years. If you're really interested I can find out.

[gbackus]

Re: Air compressor to dry, yes or no?

I'm not sure of the model. Its a 60 gallon compressor that my dad has had for a few years. If you're really interested I can find out.

Not necessary, but if you happen to know what kind of pressure/cfm it puts out, that would be most helpful.