Is It Better to Dry the Car After Washing or Let It Air Dry?
3 Answers
It is better to dry the car after washing. If you don't dry it, the evaporation of water stains can cause localized high temperatures on the car, making it look dull or leaving dry water marks on the body, which can make the car appear very dirty—almost as if it hasn't been washed at all. Here are some car maintenance tips: 1. Dry the Gaps: When drying the car, don't just focus on the body. Small areas like door gaps and keyholes should also be dried. Otherwise, over time, it can accelerate the aging of rubber seals, cause rust in the keyholes, and affect the car's sealing performance, ultimately speeding up the car's aging process and causing significant damage. 2. Avoid Parking Under Trees: After washing, try to park the car in an open area or an underground parking lot. If parked under a tree, bird droppings or other debris can quickly accumulate on the car. Many bird droppings are corrosive and can severely damage the car's paint.
I prefer drying the car immediately after washing for the best results. Water droplets left on the paint surface for too long can easily cause water stains, especially under strong sunlight, which may leave stubborn spots. When washing my car myself, I always prepare two microfiber towels: one large, highly absorbent towel to quickly wipe off most water droplets, and a smaller one specifically for drying gaps and door frame edges. The high-pressure air blowers at car washes are actually quite effective, but many roadside shops lack sufficient power, leaving water in body crevices and door handles uncleaned. If you're lazy and let it air dry naturally, dust will stick to the wet surface, making the car even dirtier. After washing in the rain, it's even more important to dry it immediately, or the brake discs might rust.
Air drying is actually more suitable for routine washing, saving both time and effort. I usually wash my car on weekends, finding a shady and well-ventilated spot to let the body dry naturally, while also opening the doors and windows to air out any moisture inside. Of course, this depends on the weather—during the humid rainy season, it's necessary to use a dry cloth to wipe down the car, otherwise mold can easily develop. Some people say air drying leaves water marks, but that depends on the local water hardness—I live in a southern area with soft rainwater, so water spots are rare. Using the wrong towel to dry the car can actually scratch the paint, and rough fiber cloths can cause swirl marks under sunlight, which is a real shame. Remember to pay special attention to the rearview mirror camera, as water droplets blocking the view can be very dangerous.
