[tigernumber6]

Here in Michigan, I take my Element through automatic car washes at least once a week (no problems yet).

Also, I recently spent a couple weeks in Florida (drove the Element the whole way - great road tripper) and hand washed it twice.

Having had it about two months now, that comes out to about 8 washes so far. And, while it may clean up nicely, drying it is a bitch.

Have you guys noticed how water streams from every possible crevice and joint for what seems like hours afterwards. I've taken to blowing in every seam to expel water and opening and closeing the doors a few times to minimize this. It helps, but isn't a perfect solution.

It seems like a small thing but, as someone who obsesses about clean vehicles, those dried water spots and streaks drive me nuts.

 

[Aykew]

I've definitely noticed this, too. What I do is take it around the block a few times, cornering hard and braking pretty abruptly at stop signs. (The neighbors must think I'm nuts... maybe I am!) When I get it back, I use a squeege to flick the rest of the loose water off. I open the doors and windows a few times, then go after the rest with The Absober (a neat little synthetic chamois). Maybe I should try some compressed air to clear out the cracks, but sticking a corner of the chamois into the cracks seems to work ok.

It's a lot of trouble, but what a result!

 

[BB & Freaky-E]

I live by the Absorber!!! If you don't have one BUY one!!

 

[mentalElementalist]

Who makes the Absorber?

 

[Alan M]

Try a leaf blower. Works GREAT. I have been using on my motorcycles for years, now I use it on the Element. The neighbors look at you funny though. :grin:

 

[keckhanded]

Who makes the Absorber?

Emgee/cleantools,inc they dont have a web address listed on there package. I also believe in this product works like a charm.

You can pick one up at any car parts place.

 

[wankerklink]

The absorber is a great product, just make sure it's clean before using it as trapped dirt can scratch the paint. Wash it after every use.

 

[flynlo]

Try a leaf blower. Works GREAT. I have been using on my motorcycles for years, now I use it on the Element. The neighbors look at you funny though. :grin:

Ditto....the only way to go. I reckon compressed air would do just fine as well just don't have a compressor.

 

[kissya]

I bought my absorber at walmart for around 9.00... Works good...:grin:

 

[pt91]

I use one of these when I want to get all the water out of the crevices.
It is also great in the winter as it raises the air temp. slightly. You can also pick up their pet dryer version which is orange that does the same job.

It sometimes helps to park your vehicle on an incline to help the water flow off before drying.
I use about two large microfiber waffle weave towels to dry most vehicles.
I sometimes wrap or lay MF towels on areas that seem to drip once every 20 minutes.:twisted:

If you use a leaf blower, make sure it is electric. Don't want to shoot oil on your clean E.

 

[keckhanded]

I use one of these when I want to get all the water out of the crevices.
It is also great in the winter as it raises the air temp. slightly.

Man for the same amount of money you could get an air compressor. Smaller hoses, use with buffers, impact wrenches, inflate tires, blow off water, and when your cars dry you can "stain your deck".

 

[Ranger]

Especially with the roof basket.

The neigbors looking at you wierd is half the fun!!

:-D

 

[pranayanamum]

I bought a large package of microfiber towels at Costco and have been using those for drying the E. My routine is simple: I do one part of the car at a time and dry it off before moving to the next section. Drying, for this old broad, involves tons of towels and attention to detail. You see, I love cleaning the Element as much as I love getting it positively filthy. The only downside of these microfiber towels is that they tend to attract lint and whatnot in the wash and dryer cycles. Still, with a deft hand, I can get the car clean and dry regardless.

Now, with the colder weather soon to be upon us, I suppose I'll have to abandon the good old driveway handwash for the local brushless car wash. Still, you can bet that I'll have those towels in the back, nice and clean and at the ready.

P

 

[spacemonkey]

I use a leaf blower and microfiber towels. I use to use the absorber but it just like a chamois leaves fine scratches.

 

[bsdowner]

pt91 wrote:

You can also pick up their pet dryer version which is orange that does the same job


the dog dryer is metro force commander, has a 4hp motor (it will blow small dogs and cats off the grooming table!) cost about $150 from Pet Edge (they are mostly wholesale, but had good prices for large orders). The dryer is air force, not very hot. We use ours frequently for the dog and other chores.

The metro commander comes with a towel that sounds like the one a member was taling about. You get get those towels from pet edge.

So, the E IS a dogmobile!!

 

[pt91]

That is a good point. I also have the metro vac and blo, but use it only for vacuum duty.
I picked mine up used on Ebay. I definitely use it one the E because those back windows hold water for days....drip...drip....drip!