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Car chamois » Why To AVOID it!

Car chamois » Why To AVOID it! - AutoGlanz AG Car Care

Joe Pritchard |

Car chamois is a thing of the past.

It was once a popular choice for drying cars, but technology has evolved and it just isn't the safest way to dry your car after washing it anymore.

So:

If you want to achieve superior results and ensure the safety of your vehicle's paintwork, it's time to explore alternative drying methods.

Let's delve into why car chamois is no longer the go-to choice for car enthusiasts. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Car chamois, once a popular choice, has drawbacks that can compromise the condition of your vehicle.
  • Scratches and damage to the paintwork are a significant risk when using a car chamois.
  • Chamois leather, whether natural or synthetic, has inherent flaws that can't be easily rectified.
  • Car chamois has limited absorbency, resulting in suboptimal drying outcomes.
  • The maintenance of traditional chamois can be challenging and time-consuming.

The Shortcomings of Car Chamois in Modern Vehicle Care

When it comes to vehicle care, using a car chamois may seem like a traditional and reliable choice.

I mean - your grandfather used it - why shouldn't you?

However, it's important to be aware of the shortcomings associated with this method.

From the risk of scratches and damage to limited absorbency and maintenance challenges, car chamois presents several drawbacks that may compromise the quality of your car's paintwork

The Risk of Scratches and Damage to Paintwork

Using a car chamois can pose a risk of scratches and damage to your vehicle's paintwork.

Because:

The friction caused by a saturated chamois can leave behind unwanted marks, especially when the surface has imperfections.

This risk becomes more significant if the car is not 100% clean and the chamois is pressed hard against the vehicle's paintwork.

Natural Imperfections: Inherent Flaws of Chamois Leather

Chamois leather, whether natural chamois, genuine chamois or synthetic chamois, comes with inherent flaws such as nicks and imperfections that can't be easily removed. These imperfections can increase the risk of scratches and damage to your car's paintwork, especially when combined with the friction caused by the chamois.

Limited Absorbency Leading to Suboptimal Drying

Car chamois has limited absorbency, which can result in suboptimal drying results. Once the chamois becomes saturated, it starts pushing water around the surface, similar to a squeegee, rather than effectively absorbing it. While you can easily twist the water out and continue drying, some might not do it. This can lead to water spots or streaks on the paintwork, diminishing the overall appearance of your car.

Maintenance Challenges of Traditional Chamois

Traditional chamois cloth requires special maintenance to ensure its optimal performance. This includes washing it in lukewarm water with mild soap to remove tanning oils and regular cleaning to retain its natural oils. Failure to maintain the chamois properly can result in a hard and brittle texture, making it unusable for vehicle drying. This maintenance process can be time-consuming and inconvenient for car owners such as yourself.

Innovative Alternatives to Car Chamois

Ok - we set the scene - chamois is not optimal - what to do instead to get superior drying results without any drawbacks?

Let's explore the different options that can help you effectively and safely dry your car.

One alternative to car chamois is the use of microfibre car drying towels.

These towels are specifically designed to offer exceptional absorbency and gentle cleaning. The small and densely packed fibers of microfibre towels create a large surface area, allowing them to absorb water effectively and efficiently. Not only do they provide excellent drying results, but they also minimize scratching or damaging the paintwork of your car, due to the long, soft fibers that suck the water and dirt far up in the towel.

We recommend Auto Glanz Double Twist:

Twisted loop microfibre towel

If you prefer a more advanced tool, you can consider using a dedicated car dryer.

This tool uses heated and filtered air to push water off your car's surface, ensuring a flawless and streak-free drying experience. Car dryers are particularly useful for drying hard-to-reach areas and eliminating water traps that could lead to rust formation. Remember to use a drying aid / wet coat seal such as Aqua Seal before using a car dryer. 

Whichever alternative you choose, whether it be microfibre towels or a dedicated car dryer, you can say goodbye to the limitations and risks of using a car chamois. These innovative alternatives will not only provide superior drying results but also offer a safe and efficient way to care for your vehicle.

Alternative Benefits
Microfibre towels
  • Exceptional absorbency
  • Gentle on paintwork
  • Minimizes scratches
Dedicated car dryer
  • Flawless and streak-free drying
  • Efficient for hard-to-reach areas
  • Prevents rust formation

Microfibre Towels: A Superior Solution for Drying Your Car

When it comes to effectively and safely drying your car, high quality microfibre towels are the superior choice over car chamois towels during car wash. These specially designed towels offer exceptional performance and a range of benefits that make them an essential tool in car care.

The Science Behind Microfibre Effectiveness

The secret to the effectiveness of microfibre towels lies in their unique construction. Made up of small and densely packed fibers, microfibre towels provide a much larger surface area compared to traditional chamois. This increased surface area allows for superior absorbency, ensuring that every drop of water is efficiently soaked up, leaving your car perfectly dry.

 

Proper Care for Microfibre Towels

To maintain the performance and longevity of your microfibre towels, proper care is essential. Start by washing them with a dedicated microfibre wash solution  to remove any dirt and debris. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can leave behind a residue that hinders absorbency. After washing, dry the towels on a low-temperature tumble dry or air drying to prevent any damage to the fibers.

Comparing Absorbency: Microfibre vs. Car Chamois

When it comes to absorbency, microfibre towels far surpass car chamois. Microfibre towels can absorb up to six times their weight in water, making them incredibly efficient at drying your car. In contrast, car chamois often falls short in terms of absorbency, resulting in suboptimal drying results. With microfibre towels, you can achieve a streak-free and spotless finish every time.

Using Dedicated Car Dryers for Flawless Results

Another option for flawless drying results is using dedicated car dryers.

These innovative tools provide heated and filtered air to efficiently push water off your car's surface, leaving it perfectly dry without any risk of scratches. Car dryers are particularly effective for drying those hard-to-reach areas that are challenging to dry with traditional methods. By using a car dryer, you can ensure that every nook and cranny of your vehicle is thoroughly dried, preventing water traps that can lead to rust and other damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chamois

Why should I avoid using a car chamois for drying my car?

Using a car chamois can pose a risk of scratches and damage to the paintwork of your vehicle. The friction caused by a saturated chamois can leave scratches, especially when the surface has imperfections.

What are the limitations of car chamois?

Car chamois has limited absorbency, leading to suboptimal drying results. Once saturated, the chamois pushes water around the surface, similar to a squeegee, rather than effectively absorbing it. 

What are the alternative options for drying a car effectively and safely?

Microfibre towels and dedicated car dryers are innovative alternatives to car chamois that offer superior drying results without the drawbacks.

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