[Carjack]

The motor needed a wash but the micro fibres cloths were still dirty from previous. But I had a leather, not used since I moved to BMW some 8/9 years ago.
So, it had to be the leather to dry down.
I was quite amazed, it was superb, much better than the micro fibre. It sucked up most of the water in one wipe over, and surface dry in three.
rather than the half a doz times with the micro fibre.
Or, am I missing something. Is there a micro fibre or something which is really good? Much better than what I have?
Why has the leather seem to have gone out of favour? Surely if is washed out thoroughly with mild soap after ever use it should be OK?

[FastLaneJB]

I'm actually thinking of getting a water deionisation kit soon so you don't even need to dry it. You can let it dry on its own and it won't leave any water spots.

Living in a hard water area I find drying the car the most tedious part of washing the car. Unless you really do get it perfectly dry which can be hard on a sunny day as it can have dried naturally before you've even got to that part of the car there will be water spots.

I'm all for the easiest approach

[Wo-Wo]

Micro fibre is designed to hold and bits of grit in the fibre without marring the paint, the leather will just move it about and potentially scratch ya car. If you're having to pass over a few times with your micro fibre, I'll say that you haven't replaced them in a while?

For the best results use a Megualrs Water Magnet. £10 from Halfords.

I'll guarantee that you'll never look back!

[Walesy]

I bought a few drying towels from Chemical guys UK a few week ago....one of which is a Woolly Mammoth and it dried the car in no time at all.

Just wash your microfibers is non bio wash with no softener.

[d4springer]

Originally Posted by BigNPT

For the best results use a Megualrs Water Magnet. £10 from Halfords.

I'll guarantee that you'll never look back!

I would definately agree with this, the waffle weave type is best for drying and the heavier/denser the material, the more liquid it will soak up. (This also make it more expensive, but it's the old cliche you get what you pay for!)

I also use a soft water blade though to move liquid off the windows before tackling the rest of the car with the Water Magnet. Usually just needs one gentle wipe over and it's done within minutes.

[zorroone]

Originally Posted by BigNPT

Micro fibre is designed to hold and bits of grit in the fibre without marring the paint, the leather will just move it about and potentially scratch ya car. If you're having to pass over a few times with your micro fibre, I'll say that you haven't replaced them in a while?

For the best results use a Megualrs Water Magnet. £10 from Halfords.

I'll guarantee that you'll never look back!

I too like the meguairs magnet.

[Spacer]

I've bought one off eBay on the forum's recommendation. I've tried both leather and microfibre. Let's try the Meguairs!

[davyk31]

Another vote for the chemical guys drying towel, excellent towels, not waffle weave but a thick microfiber type.

Also a massive vote for using deionised water to rinse the car. Even in strong sun its excellent, does still need a quick wipe over to remove loose water but absolutely no staining so long as you keep the resin fresh.

[Carjack]

Many thanks for all your advice!
Think I have previously been using a waffle weave type.
So today went in to my local Halfords and they had no Mequairs. Only a Auto Glym micro fibre drying towel, cost £11.99! The only expensive type type they had. Well, I've got a BMW, nothing but the best! So I bought it
So, I will see how it compares with the leather.
Living in an area where the water has a high chalk content I find that even with the weakest of sun, washing the car means water stains and they really show up on Estoril Blue. So I only wash when it is overcast. A deionising kit sounds a good idea. I am going to check it out.

[gatsojon]

Originally Posted by Carjack

A deionising kit sounds a good idea. I am going to check it out.

A cheaper alternative is to use rainwater. No shortage of that in Manchester of course

[davyk31]

I can wash in the strongest of sun and no issues at all, water reads 0 PPM so its completely pure. I use a deionising canister, cost me about £100 but the best money I have ever spent. if you aren't fussy about the odd drip etc you could rinse off and leave it to dry spotless but I need all the drips out of crevices etc so still give it a rub over with a microfibre towel.

[changed]

just don't examine the car for scratches...

[ZigmundUK]

it's all about reducing swirl marks right? The drying towels are good as they lock away any dirt in the pile so you reduce chances of swirling. I'm not convinced by thin piled gizmos that dry v well, because although it can lock water away, dirt probably can't absorb through and will stay on the surface ready to scratch away...

Ideally of course you'd be able to use a dyson style air jet to push the water away and dry perfectly safe from grit.

should we move this thread to detailing world? Been there too much for one year...

[davyk31]

A nice fluffy drying towel and a squirt of QD is all you need to ensure no scratches or marring of the paint.

[changed]

Originally Posted by davyk31

A nice fluffy drying towel and a squirt of QD is all you need to ensure no scratches or marring of the paint.

is the right answer, i wouldn't put a hard scratchy leather thing within 10 feet of the paintwork on any of my cars, and i haven't done for many years..

[Alkidrew]

I'm happy with leather chamois. I always make sure it is clean (wash it now and again and replace regularly) and always wet it thoroughly before using.

I did try the towels, etc but never found they soaked up as much.

[davyk31]

I did try the towels, etc but never found they soaked up as much.[/QUOTE]

You're not using the right towels, mine are excellent. May take a few turns to get the towel up to a decent absorbency level though. Also a decently waxed car helps a lot as most of the water has gone even before you dry, thats where sheeting it off as a final rinse with deionised water really comes into its own.

[MRPoisson]

Originally Posted by Alkidrew

I'm happy with leather chamois. I always make sure it is clean (wash it now and again and replace regularly) and always wet it thoroughly before using.

I did try the towels, etc but never found they soaked up as much.

+1

[Walesy]

The best thing to with a drying towel is lay it out flat on the roof of the vehicle and leave to absorb. Then dry down the car afterwards. Use QD as well as an aid. The Victoria Wax QD is very good.

[Carjack]

Have been using the Auto Glym micro fibre drying towel for a few washes now and I must say it is excellent. It soaks up water better then my leather, the main reason I can wring out more water. It is then dryer than the leather, therefore able to soak up more water.
All in all the towel is more pleasant to use than the leather.
After each car wash I put it in the washing machine (when the Wife is not looking!) and it comes out like new!

[F30AM]

I am at a loss as to why owners wash their cars. Such a waste of time and effort. Maybe it is theraputic.

Me: BMW washes mine FOC whenever I want. They do a cracking job whilst I lounge around eating croissants, drinking coffee and looking at the cars in the showroom.

[Defero]

Originally Posted by F30AM

I am at a loss as to why owners wash their cars. Such a waste of time and effort. Maybe it is theraputic.

Me: BMW washes mine FOC whenever I want. They do a cracking job whilst I lounge around eating croissants, drinking coffee and looking at the cars in the showroom.

Do you go to the dealership every week then?