How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

[ClearlyCoated]

I ran a search for my thread topic, but I didn't find any threads dedicated to what is probably a really simple issue. I have tried using absorbent cloths under door handles and wedging it between door mirrors and mirror stems, but when I drive my car shortly after washing, I still get those telltale streak marks. Short of blowing the water from mirrors and door handles with an air compressor, are there any low tech methods to eliminate water streaking? Cans of compressed air come to mind...

[RogueGypsy]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

I don't think I would try compressed air, it usually has a high moisture content which would defeat the purpose. I use a leaf blower and it works great. In fact, I blow off the entire care before blotting it dry with an Absorber.

[TXShine]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

My daughters Jeep Wrangler has so many places for water to hide that I have to do something or there will be water trails and spots everywhere.

I just go around the Jeep a few times with the air hose (compressor) in one hand and a Supreme Shine Microfiber in the other, then go back with a clean Supreme Shine and QD. Works great.

I’ve thought about different options several times, but I always come back to the conclusion that the compressor is the best option for me.

[Mike Pennington]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

I use a leaf blower and it works great.

For a DIY'r these are great and inexpensive

[Murr1525]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

Or go for a drive with a bottle of Quick Detailer handy...

[dvtldav]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

I use a shop vac w/a crevice tool & go around and **** the water out of the cracks & crevices. It does a pretty good job, although maybe not perfect.

Dave

[Malo83]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

I like to dry my car first and then blow it all down with a leaf blower on HIGH, paying particular attention to all the nooks and crannnies and then go back and give a final wipedown

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

Or go for a drive with a bottle of Quick Detailer handy...

Ha ha! My current MO

[TRIPOWER1]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

When im done washing I like to wipe off the hood and the top of the car and then I open all the doors, trunk, and the hood, that way the water is dripping of the panels and I can use a good towel to dry the car and a second towel for all the dirty work on the doors jambs, bottom of the doors, trunk area etc.

as for mirrors on my camaro and my other cars I have owned I took a very small drill bit and drilled in the bottom of the mirror making a drain hole so the water can drain out of the mirror housing, making the mirror water free and not draining on my door.

[wyseilmykkar]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

Tripower beat me to the punch; drilling a drain hole in the bottom each of your mirror housings is a must.

If you don't want to lug a leaf blower around, I'm sure a hair dryer (without the heat) would do the trick as well.

[Carfire]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

For Me I use an air compressor.
But sometimes I was it some where else or at my house and I leave so the water comes out that way, and then I dry the rest.
Or I shove the chamois into the crack and follow it along. If you look close enough you can see the water trapped in there, so when you dry it with a cloth you can see the water get soaked up.
You could also buy the Metro Vac 'n' Blo

[Maserati Mario]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

Wait until all the water has dripped out or drive it until all the water comes out.
I really don't think there's really nothing else you can do.
After the water is all gone use Quick Detailer, your going to anyways right?

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

After the water is all gone use Quick Detailer, your going to anyways right?

Last Touch

[Maserati Mario]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

so you shouldn't have a problem getting the "runs" off your car.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: How to prevent water streaking without an air compressor?

so you shouldn't have a problem getting the "runs" off your car.

I like to get everything done at one time. Its a little annoying to get the car washed, dried, and then have to run it around the block a few times before bringing it back for quick detailing. My MO was to carry a bottle of QD with me and touch up the doors and mirrors after taking the car out on an errand. But I received some good suggestions here and even bought a small shop vac last night that should do the job.