California Water Blade

[jaavaajoe]

Howdy all,
Since we just had a beautiful weekend here in Tallahassee Florida, I spent all day washing and waxing. (2002 330i Titanium Silver)

I have seen the California Water Blade in the store and was wondering what the consensus was on it. I understand that it is a silicone squeegee. But I am a little scared to start dragging it across my paint. Seems like there is a potential for scratching.

If anyone has one, what do you think about it?

Incidentally, I used to dry my car with a chamois, but I started using my electric leaf blower. My neighbors think that I am crazy, but it blows the water right off the car and windows. Plus there is no contact with the paint or streaking. And its pretty fast, about 10 minutes for the entire car.

Piece (yeah that kind)
Joe

[Cavalier2123]

I use a miniature window washer - you know the thing with rubber on one end and that mesh covered foam on the other... I always wash it off first to make sure there is no grit on it before I drag it across my paint. Greatly saves on drying time...

[Silver4evr]

I use a rubber bladed window squeegee also. I dry it between strokes so that it picks up more water. I only use it right after rinsing when there is a lot of water on the car. I don't keep using it until it squeeks or rubs.

[Furious]

i own a California waterblade. works awesome , especially in situations where you need to do a quick wash and dry. also if its below freezing temps like here it can clear some of the water before it freezes into ice.

[Silver4evr]

I also use my new vacuum to dry my car. Check it out.

[VewAskwBMW]

I use California first, and finish up with the Absorber.

Used them on all my cars and no scratches yet.

[jyep]

I dunno, dragging a piece of rubber/silicone across my paint would get me a little nervous as any dirt in the water would cause scratches; whereas, using a chamois or towel, the dirt would at least get caught up into the fibres/nap. (imao)

[Silver4evr]

The Absorber is an artificial chamois that comes in a tube sold at Pep Boys, Walmart, etc for about $8-$12. The come in various colors and work better than any natural chamois that I’ve ever tried for much less money. Fantastic you gotta try one. Works great on the windows/mirrors also.

[Torque]

i just use chamois... takes longer but it works nicely

i have yet to try drying my car with a leaf blower

[Furious]

Originally posted by jyep@Feb 25 2004, 09:40 AM
I dunno, dragging a piece of rubber/silicone across my paint would get me a little nervous as any dirt in the water would cause scratches; whereas, using a chamois or towel, the dirt would at least get caught up into the fibres/nap. (imao)

you would think so but you have a greater chance of scratching your paint with any type of cloth over that blade.

[jyep]

I'm gonna buy me one then and test it out........thx

[Furious]

see the thing with the water blade is that it does awesome on flat areas but sucks in the creases of the car.
IMO i think its best when you are really in a rush or just dont wanna take the time to clean the car properly. for people like myself its awesome for the cold weather.

[Michael@EuroPersona]

Its a great great product, try it, its worth the $15 or whatever they are charging for it now! it wont scratch your paint, My friend details about 20 cars a week, and never once had a scratch on any of them. And they keep bringing their cars to him, so No compalints...

[Three20FiveXI]

I love the thing! Quick and easy job in these below zero temperatures. Although, I think I'm going to pick up one of those Absorber chamois. B)

[lwebb12]

Mr. clean rinse. it'l get ya dry