I have a shop vac with an electric leaf blower on it (the top comes off and there is an attachment that goes on the blower part). One of the best things I think I ever bought. I also have an air compressor that I use on my f150, never tried the leaf blower route though.

Anyway, I recommend picking up a shop vac with the blower attachment. I can't imagine hurting your car and you'll also have a kick **** vaccum cleaner to boot with a blower. I bought mine at Lowes about 2 years ago, here's the one I'm referring to.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...711&lpage=none

$100 - you can't go wrong...

 

i use a gas powered leaf blower on my car and truck now for years. no probs as of yet. i just use it to get the water out of the nooks and crannies

 

brilliant idea! going to have to go to homedepot and buy one this weekend

 

If you use a compressor it would have to be oil-less, like the one a diver uses for an air supply. All other compressors spray out oils from the lubrication system. Even though you don't see it, it is there. Even with the oil-les compressors most divers I know still use a filter to trap unwanted particles from getting into their breathing supply.

 

I think I will stick to my tried and true method.

Using MF towels.

 

Me too

 

Thats my same set up but a Craftsman 2 stage oiless with a water seperater. Ive been doing this for 3 years with no problems on my Mustang and my F150.

 

I've used my Stihl gas powered leaf blower for years on my F-150's and it saves me a ton of trouble. For one thing, it forces out virtually all of the rinse water out of the impossible to dry places (like inside the side mirrors) so that I don't get water spots later. Second, it reduces the amount of physical contact (wiping or blotting with towels) that can lead to micro scratching of the paint surface.
As for the electic vs. gas thing, yes, one could technically get some exhaust residue on the paint, but I haven't noticed that problem. In fact, the biggest problem I have is trying not to blow my second car (Scion Xb) over on it's side. No, wait a minute. The BIGGEST problem I have is all of my neighbors laughing at me when I'm "blow drying my truck."

 

I currently have the Husqvarna backpack and handheld blower. After using my neighbor's Stihl handheld a few weeks back - while my handheld was away for warranty repairs - that's my next brand purchase when the Husqvarna throws in the towel.

I loved the Stihl.

I'm glad you put "drying" in there...

 

i have been using a leaf blower for 10+ years now... works mint. I have a beautiful little echo my dad bought years back. Its small and light weight so its easy to lift. Its gas powered as well, i dont understand why people say to make sure its electric.... 10+ years, many cars, and no problems to date.

 

gas powered leaf blower for the win!

 

I finally bought an electric leaf blower. I havent had the chance to use it as of yet due to the weather but I will once it warms up. I will still use my MF towels to dry it but I will also use the blower to get into hard area's like the bumpers.

 

Last year, I bought a small rechargeable battery-powered leaf blower at Ace Hardware for about 40 bucks. I use it to blow dust out of computers. The battery holds for about 20 minutes of continuous use. I may try that on the truck this spring when I start washing it by hand at home again.

 

I agree with Grubrunner. The electric leafblower works well, but pretty awkward to use.

I'll have to try the compressor next.
I imagine the backpack blower would also be easier to manage.

 

Much easier !!