3 Best Car Wash Water Blades|Autodetailinglab
Car Wash Water blades are used to remove the water left on your car after washing it and rinsing off.
Serious auto-detailing enthusiasts limit their use as they fear any particle of grit picked up by the blade could cause scratching.
Recent developments have seen a change in design. Many now have a "T Shaped" edge to the blade. This is quoted as being able to pick up the grit particles rather than drag them across the body work.
Even after a thorough rinsing some particles can still be help in crevices often a round door handle or washer nozzles on hoods.
Another area of concern is if the car has been washed and rinsed outside. This could easily lead to some particles could have being blown over the bodywork before removing water with the water blade.
Made for windows
However, where a car wash water blades do come into use is on the windows and head lights. I particularly find windows to be my weakest area in detailing and I find the car wash water blade to be my best solution on the panes.
After all this is what it was invented for back in 1936 by window cleaner Ettore Steccone.The Ettore squeegee is still produced today in Oakland.
Another area I have seen car wash water blades perform well was on a friends convertible car roof. It simply pushes the water away in less than 5 swipes leaving the vinyl perfect.
Saves on towels and chamois
If you are prepared to run the risk of any particle scratches or you are going to correct the car paintwork in the polishing phase then the car wash water blade could save you time.
Also there is less mess and hassle of washing and drying the towels and chamois used in the drying process.
The car wash blade is one of the fastest ways to dry a car. It is this reason you often see them being used in the commercial car washes. But if you are looking for a show look then this may not be a good item for regular use
Now lets take a look at some on them in more detail.
Best Car Wash Water Blade Reviews
Original Water Blade
The Original Water blade has the original unique design, is a high quality product and justifiably top of our list.
The patented T Bar Edge removes 90% of water with minimal friction was invented in 1996.
Even if you don't use these on your car bodywork then you certainly need one for the windows.
What's to like about the ProductName
The Original Water blade is made of top quality silicone material for reduced friction from the patented T Bar edge.
It has an Ergonomic handle for ease of use. The handle has tapered edges to avoid any accidental bodywork damage..
What's not to like about the ProductName
Latest version has different handle design.
This has resulted in people who have owned and Original Water Blade for years complaining new design is not as good.
But we have to take into consideration that they have been using the original for years! And this is a testament to how good the product lasts.
PROS
CONS
One Pass Hydro Glide Water Blade
The One Pass Hydro Blade has an different type of blade edge referred to as the "Y Bar Edge". Its ability is touted to remove 90% or water with less friction.
There are two sizes with the 12 inch being designed for cars and the larger 14 inch specifically for commercial vehicles. The latter category is where this method of vehicle drying is most suited as the risk of scratches is of a lesser priority and les time spent is a more important factor.
What's to like about the ProductName
The new Y bar edged blade is designed not to snag in any bodywork seams or window trim.
New softer silicone blade gives faster reaction to surface contour changes.
Superb comfortable ergonomic handle makes of effortless use for long lengths of time, making it suited well for use on larger vehicles
What's not to like about the ProductName
Often touted as making a loud annoying sound. We think this is due to its extreme drying ability and the dry surface it leaves behind
PROS
CONS
California Car Duster
The California Duster water blade is our final product. Chosen due to its quality finish and unique design.
The only one of our three selected water blades to include a side extender section for those narrow hard to get to places.
This one has and "V" blade design unlike the "T" and "Y" blade designs of the previous selections
What's to like about the California Car Duster Water Blade
Unique design stands it our from the others as many water blade users find it difficult to get in restrictive areas. The addition smaller side blade makes these areas easier to access.
Well suited to flat or curved windows.
What's not to like about the California Car Duster Water Blade
Flexibility or the supple material can cause some control issues. Some users stating that despite liking the flexible blade they would like a rigid handle.
Can be more prone to causing scratches than the others featured here.
PROS
CONS
BUYER'S GUIDE
If time is of the essence in your vehicle detailing and you don't like the cleaning and drying of microfibers towels then a water blade in a revelation.
Water can literally be pulled of the surface in seconds cutting the time it takes to dry a car in half.
The three blades featured above are all good quality well designed water removing tools. However, you must always remember that there is an inherent risk of them causing light scratches.
Therefore, if you are considering using one on a car that is being prepared for a show you should maybe think about using an alternative such as microfiber towels.
Where the water blades really do perform well is on larger commercial vehicles when fine scratches are not such a concern.
Finally we think that every detailer should possess one of these to make a great job of the cars windows. It is really what they are designed for and they excel on flat or curved glass to give a dry mirror finish in just one pass.
When you know How to Wax Your Car it can look great. But a badly washed streaky window can often detract from the well waxed surface.