Need Advice on Washing/Drying Side Mirrors

Subscribe
Sep 16, 2007 | 02:47 PM
  #1  
This is driving me crazy.
After washing and drying the vehicle, the side mirrors always leak water down the side of the doors.
So I sit there and wait.....and then wipe....wait....and then wipe dry again....

It seems like a neverending stream of water that comes out of the base of these mirrors after the vehicle is dried.

Any other methods?
Reply 0
Sep 16, 2007 | 03:04 PM
  #2  
leaf blower
Reply 0
Sep 16, 2007 | 03:10 PM
  #3  
Fill the opening with a rubber sealent prior to a wash.
Reply 0
Sep 16, 2007 | 03:45 PM
  #4  
most car washes have air compressors to blow water out of all the body lines & crevices on cars so make sure they use it. if you're doing it yourself, you can get one of those cans of compressed air used to clear dust out of keyboards - a couple of shots of air should get rid of most of the water back there.
Reply 0
Sep 16, 2007 | 04:29 PM
  #5  
The most common methods I see are to blow out the mirrors with a blower or compressed air as bigc mentioned above. Or simply put some plastic bags over the mirrors when washing and doing the final rinse and clean the mirrors afterwards. This ensures that no water gets into the mirrors and make drying your vehicle easier.

George
Reply 0
Sep 17, 2007 | 11:16 PM
  #6  
I find most of the water is sitting on the mirror support.
Try folding the mirror closed - this will allow you to get a waffle weave between the bottom of the mirror and support. Gets about 95% of the standing water out.
Reply 0
Sep 18, 2007 | 07:42 AM
  #7  
^+1

I find the same thing.
Reply 0
Sep 18, 2007 | 08:26 AM
  #8  
I find this so amusing. We are a bunch of **** people when it comes to our vehicles. I laughed my head off when I read that about the plastic bags. I think that would be hilarious to see some dude slipping a baggie over each mirror every time he washes it .
This problem never really bothered me since water sits in a lot of spots. When I finish washing and drying the car I usually take the car for a quick spin around the block. This prevents the rotors from that ugly oxidizing (as it would if I didn't drive it for a while) and also any left over water droplets can be wiped off now with my micro fiber towel.
Edit: my wife always complains that "Why can't I take care of the house the way I care for my vehicles "
Reply 0
Sep 18, 2007 | 08:32 AM
  #9  
Quote: I find this so amusing. We are a bunch of **** people when it comes to our vehicles. I laughed my head off when I read that about the plastic bags. I think that would be hilarious to see some dude slipping a baggie over each mirror every time he washes it .
This problem never really bothered me since water sits in a lot of spots. When I finish washing and drying the car I usually take the car for a quick spin around the block. This prevents the rotors from that ugly oxidizing (as it would if I didn't drive it for a while) and also any left over water droplets can be wiped off now with my micro fiber towel.
Yeah, there is definitely some humour in the lengths we go to keep our cars looking great!

I don't like driving mine around the block a little wet because I find it picks up more dirt.

I run mine up and down my driveway. The grade pops most of the water out of crevices and it's enough brake usage to dry up and prevent the oxidation.

We need a detailing image smilie to select from.
Reply 0
Sep 18, 2007 | 02:34 PM
  #10  
Yeah......we are definitely meticulous when it comes to caring for our G babies.
I know my neighbor thinks I'm obsessive compulsive because he sees me in my driveway constantly washing my ride.

I think I like the computer air can duster idea the best to blow out water from these crevices.

Now my neighbor is going to think I'm completely nuts when he sees me returning from Costco unloading a case of air can dusters from my trunk.

LOL
Reply 0
Sep 18, 2007 | 02:38 PM
  #11  
I don't drive mine to dislodge water either as it picks up dirt. I bring out the leaf blower and go around and blow out all the crevices around the car, then follow up with a waffleweave to finish the job
Reply 0
Sep 18, 2007 | 02:46 PM
  #12  
Quote: I find most of the water is sitting on the mirror support.
Try folding the mirror closed - this will allow you to get a waffle weave between the bottom of the mirror and support. Gets about 95% of the standing water out.
Same thing i do.. instead of driving around..
Reply 0
Sep 18, 2007 | 03:25 PM
  #13  
cordless leaf blower for me too.
Reply 0
Sep 18, 2007 | 04:31 PM
  #14  
Ha. I brought out the leaf blower soon after I bought my G... My wife laughed at me like I was insane. Although I usually don't care what she thinks, I have to admit it was a bit odd leaf blowing my car in front of the neighbors. Instead, I now either just wrap the mirrors with one microfiber towel each to catch the water overnight or, if I will be driving soon, I will use a paper towel folded up and insert it into the gap between the mirror and the housing on the bottom to soak up the water. At least my wife only thinks I'm partially insane when I spend 8 hours polishing and detailing the car twice a year.
Reply 0
Sep 18, 2007 | 04:38 PM
  #15  
Quote: most car washes have air compressors to blow water out of all the body lines & crevices on cars so make sure they use it. if you're doing it yourself, you can get one of those cans of compressed air used to clear dust out of keyboards - a couple of shots of air should get rid of most of the water back there.
Blowing the crevices out with compressed air (either from a can or an air compressor) is a great solution.

Personally, I use my wet/dry vac to suck the water out. I put the nozzle near the bottom of the mirror as close as possible without actually touching the car. I try to keep my finger between the nozzle edge and the car to make sure there are no accidents.
Reply 0