ENGINEER EXPLAINS BEST METHOD FOR WASHING CARS & TRUCKS - Using Leaf Blower as a Tool!

Automotive Engineer David Koichi Chao explains how to use an electric leaf blower to properly wash and dry cars & trucks. This unique technique allows the vehicle to be fully washed with no scratches, damages or water spots. In this educational video, David explains exactly how to wash your vehicle step by step. The leaf blower is used as a "pre-wash" step and also as "drying" step.
David is using his 2021 Tacoma TRD Pro (soon to be traded-in for the 2022 Toyota Tundra) as the baseline for showing the washing process.
David is a veteran automotive engineer with more than 30 years of experience in vehicle development, production, and testing.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, consulting and strategy. David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean Thinking or Toyota Production System.

[@scottkelley4517]

Tip: use two buckets one for soap and one for rinse water to get off the debris post application of the soap to the body. Also never I mean never have the wash mitts on the concrete, always make sure you keep it in the bucket or on a clean surface you may get micro scratches that will haze your finish over time until you polish them out from concrete grit. If you wash it with this method and apply a spray on wax every 3 months your paint will look great all the time. Clean mitts and clean towels are the secret.

[@AutomotivePress]

Please see my pinned comments on top. Thank you for commenting.

[@kirstenspencer3630]

All great advice folks

[@jubblybits6155]

Better yet. Use 5 different mitts with a single bucket. One for the top/windows, one for the hood/front bumper, one for each side and one for the rear/back bumper. That way you never put a dirty mitt in the wash water.

[@Nostromo_1]

I have black 4runner 2021. I snow foam it before I wash it. Best way to remove the dirt. I have zero scratches.

[@rajsteint6487]

I do the exact same stuff as you mentioned in tips. One thing I would add on to that is using a plastic tray in the bucket that makes sure you get none of that bad stuff back on the mit

[@AutomotivePress]

Hi everyone, so that it's crystal clear - all towels, microfibers, mitts, and washing apparatus that touch the paint were freshly washed and laundered prior to being used. While I might have shown some items fallen onto the ground, these were never used to wash the truck. Obviously, it's an educational video but I could not show every things that happened in the background. Also, I didn't explain in the video but normally, I actually have a thin, transparent plastic laminate that I use to place my towels and materials, so that they don't touch the dirty ground. Thank you.

[@krhunt1014]

Nice video and truck. What brand of tonneau cover do you have on your truck?

[@chaboi7]

Youre so connected to this so why have you left your homeland? Seems like youd miss it?....I need to know your story because your so interesting

[@edwardpeters4700]

David, busy proving why he's exactly the type of person you want to purchase a used vehicle from. Care and attention to detail in maintenance.

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you! I do trade my cars/trucks almost each year so I have to keep them in tip top condition.

[@gnawty4662]

You had me at wash mitt on the floor 😮

[@duradim1]

You got to love those engineers. Never ask one to demonstrate how to open a door. Seriously AP, I appreciate the video.

[@rightlanehog3151]

David, In my view the first step to a clean car is parking it in the garage as much as possible. That keeps it away from birds doing target practice as well a tree sap, UV rays etc.

[@AutomotivePress]

Yes absolutely, but unfortunately our garage is not very big and the Tacoma actually doesn't fit in (it's too long). So my wife's RAV4 Prime and my Supra get to stay dry and clean inside the garage.

[@BrogeKilrain]

Real damage to paint is Dew drops or water drops in sun burn paint . Especially the crappy water based paints on cars today . Those droplets act as magnifying glasses of sunlight .

[@desabat]

@@AutomotivePressdang! Haha

[@flex5966]

David, start using an extra water bucket of clear water, and after every panel dunk, the cleaning tool in the clear water bucket then dunk using the cleaning solution. This helps maintain minimal amounts of dirt in the washing solution bucket.

[@gosman949]

it also helps to have one of those raised filter traps to trap the dirt particles below the surface of the dirty water.

[@dealman3312]

thats a good idea. I find with a pole and microfibre pad in a soap bucket, after washing a black JCW, it will still have some dirt on the lower portion of the doors

[@elizabethwhite4606]

David, thank you for this excellent detailed and thorough step-by-step video on washing and cleaning a vehicle.

[@theofficialpeterkim]

Love using the electric leaf blower. Saves time.

[@The_Beautiful_People]

Excellent process. Very thorough and systematic with exceptional results. Fantastic job sir! I recommend a uv protectant for all the plastic, non painted exterior parts. 303 makes an exceptional product that many professional detailers use and recommend. Love your channel.

[@guardianguardian1321]

David thank you for the tips on cleaning your truck without scratching the paint. I will be using the the methods you showed in this video presentation this summer on my 2016 Subaru WRX limited.

[@eddienguyen1884]

Excellent washed David. Truck looks spotless! 🤩

[@richardmorse5307]

I like it and it makes sense. Please keep posting!

[@BigD1013]

It's a great way to keep the finish looking awesome

[@andynghiem1014]

Great advise. I've been using my cheap gas power leaf blower for my car wash for more than 20 years now.

[@mariog5062]

Damn, the last time I did a full wash on my vehicle was 2O years ago, and that’s around 12-14 car/trucks ago. 😁 Nice job 👍

[@comlbbeau]

I've been doing pretty much the same routine for my vehicles, with the exception of using a chamois cloth to do the final drying, which I rinse and squeeze dry several times during the drying process. I live on a 1/2 mile gravel drive, so I haven't found a tire dressing that doesn't attract dust and dirt. I just clean the wheels with a cloth and the tires with a bristle brush. I do this about twice a year, whether it needs it or not.....

[@johntimmins1496]

Great video Instead of ceramic coating, I use a polishing compound, glaze and wax (Meguiar's). Also, Michelin recommends that you don't use tire dressing . Soap and water and a stiff brush will remove the dirt and brown stains.

[@StubProductions]

As an automotive engineer... I encourage you not to place your wash mits on the ground. They will instantly pick up grit off the ground and scratch your paint. Also it’s preferable to use a soap bucket and a rinse bucket for the mit. This keeps the soap bucket much cleaner. Thank you for the videos.

[@AutomotivePress]

Please see my pinned comment above, I explain about this situation.

[@StubProductions]

I applaud you for making videos. You are doing a great job. I hope my comment didn’t sound too harsh. It takes some thick skin to deal with all the “experts” in the comment section.

[@AutomotivePress]

@@StubProductions No problem at all Bob! Thank you for your feedback and comments. I was just surprised at number of people commenting about the wash cloths on the ground, though I realize that they don't know what I might have done in the background not shown on the video itself (which is why the pinned comment at the top). Thanks again.

[@nedcramdon1306]

Wow! Tacoma has come a long way. Really nice machine.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video, interesting ideas.

[@toyo1267]

Toyo 12 David: I use the leaf blower to dry my truck, didn't think of using it before washing. I would say , I wouldn't lay the microfiber towels on the ground as they will likely pick up grit, may scratch paint. Nice truck, keep up the good work. Thanks Bro!

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you for the comment! Don't worry, I didn't use the towel that was left on the ground. The video isn't showing it but I used all new towels for every step of the way.

[@davehumphries2337]

Great video. Just purchased electric battery leaf blower last fall. Our 2016 Rav4 will need a good clean in Spring & will use your process to have it looking like new. Thanks for sharing this video. 🇨🇦😎👍

[@johnroberthanna1623]

Thank you David...great video again.!!!

[@jimmyz5831]

I use the blower for the inside of the car. I take out everything loose and the mats, open the doors and blowerout real good. Then do the garage. So satisfying.

[@jaykanngiesser3454]

David. You REALLY need to come for a month or so working in northern BC or Alberta oil fields man! Those clays would give you a real appreciation for dirty trucks.

[@617michel]

I’ve been using my electric leaf blower to wash and dry my vehicles for years now, it’s a no brainer.

[@sarlineh]

This is great!! Thanks! Love your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@tonydennis6914]

David I Would Highly Recommend the Two Bucket Method with Grit Guards this Method Separates the Clean and Dirty Rinsing of the Wash Mitt to Prevent as Much as Possible Scratching

[@AutomotivePress]

Yes I am aware, I just didn't have a chance to show every step on the video.

[@tonydennis6914]

@@AutomotivePress it’s Cool you did an Awesome Job👍

[@mrhonda1]

I just used that Turtle Wax soap on my 4Runner yesterday (it got up to 4 degrees above freezing). I love that stuff.

[@rodhier2516]

Excellent demo David.

[@timmiller7589]

David, thoroughly enjoyed the video (all of them I’ve seen)! I am curious about the wheel cleaning brush (brand or where to look), never seen one like that…. Love the leaf blower….I use to help in drying process ( neighbors/passerby have given some strange looks, but when you explain to them, it’s like “ Oh yeah, like the car wash!”) 😂 Thanks for this channel!

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you so much! I bought the wheel brush at a local auto store but you can find something similar in amazon if you search for "wheel cleaning brush" or something like that....Thank you always for watching my videos!

[@Zenergist]

I love your channel and your energy.

[@kimdavis5631]

Good washing and drying method.

[@lynr6422]

I wonder Who the lucky buyer's are of This engineers pre owened Vehicles, Great Content 👍

[@pointbreak8293]

Beautiful truck sir… keep the great content rolling for us… stay safe…👍👍👍

[@jonhansen4745]

Another great video, David. I appreciate your presentations and expertise so much. I have a new RAV4Limited hybrid on order, influenced a great deal on your videos & those of the Car Care Nut.

[@Malc664]

What about pinstripes when offroading? A PPF is needed if paint care is important to you. I'm surprised no pressure cleaner was used. I doubt a blower does much. If you have caked mud from dirt roads even, a pressure cleaner is needed instead of a blower.

[@josephbrown1383]

I enjoy your videos! I am skeptical of using the leaf blower at the beginning though. The leaf blower does nothing more than driving at highway speeds does for blowing dirt off. I suppose if the vehicle has been sitting for a while the blower would be good for removing loose debris and dust without washing it into the crevasses as water would. I'll never get to try it out though because my 4Runner doesn't sit for more than a day. My pet peeve is the hood scoop. It seems really difficult to rinse all the soap from the hood scoop for some reason.

[@djjf45]

Anyone who wants to use the leaf blower tip mentioned here... it probably goes without saying, but make sure the blower is CLEAN as to not blow dirt and rocks on your paint!

[@AutomotivePress]

Yes very good point! I clean the tip of the blower each time and make sure there aren't any dirt trapped inside.

[@BusterKitten]

thank you for an insightful video, I definitely learned something but then I usually do when watching your videos.

[@AutomotivePress]

I appreciate that!

[@paulmaag6958]

Washing perfection!

[@khnguyen141]

David, what about the 2 bucket method, Isn’t it better to rinse the wash mitt after every panel in fresh clean water to remove any dirt or grit?

[@PlugNuster]

Why not use the water hose to rinse surface dirt away rather than using the blower? I always use the blower to dry my truck off, but not before washing. Maybe I will try your idea one day.

[@peterhoma6385]

WOW! What a nice truck 👍🏻 , if I had that Tacoma I would never get rid of it like NEVER !

[@craigmcdermott2921]

Great topic. Few cover car washing.

[@MrBenny127]

I did this since the 90'. Dried my car after a wash.

[@youarerightboss]

Damn, Dave, you don't mess around. Technically proficient, indeed.

[@IAmThePrepper]

Did you get the ceramic coating done by auto details shop? Or dealership?

[@markreynolds3850]

Interesting, thanks for sharing, 👍

[@AutomotivePress]

Thanks for watching!

[@1956jude]

I live in the Northeast and use my leaf blower to clear the snow off the roof of my vehicle. Works better on light, fluffy snow than it does on heavy, wet snow. ☺️

[@claudiacanales2662]

Neat! I’ve never tried it on snow!

[@michaelthomas9243]

Two bucket method with grit guard is the detailer's choice.

[@flyonbyya]

You can utilize a high volume, high pressure washer without concern of scratching so long as one maintains the appropriate distance given the applied force geometrically decreases with distance

[@martyi398]

Good info, although prevention is worth a pound of cure, the first/and best method of care for the body paint of a vehicle is to keep it out of the elements as much as possible (limit the exposure) while not in use by storing the vehicle in a garage!

[@youarerightboss]

Thank You, Dave.

[@joelin701]

こんにちは、初めまして、私はJoe です．どうぞよろしくお願いします．Tokyo 立川市から来ました。1969 年度です．l have started to watch your program about a few months ago and l love it and very helpful. And I also like Toyota and Lexus cars , so l now driving 2018 Camry XLE and also l still have my 2001 Sequoia Limited and only 70,000 miles on it. I love this old big tank car but millage is 17/20 , l am thinking to fabricate into RV home for fulfilling my dreams. Thank you so much for teaching me the best way to wash cars. I am in SFO area, where are you in USA? When you are in Bay Area, please look me up. ありがとうございます．

[@whiskythrottle8421]

Air hose would would maybe be a good idea as well. Especially on the interior! Love you're truck, I just started watching your channel considering I'm in the market for a Toyota Tacoma you've given me a lot of great knowledge! I test drove a brand new 2021 SR5 with the trail package. Army green with black decal emblems along with black wheels and all terrain tires not sure if they're the TRD wheels or not considering it wasn't a TRD sport. It also had a bedliner with a built in cooler and a 110amp outlet. My only let down with the truck was it didn't seem to shift gears very smoothly like it was confused on when to shift at the right time. I'm not sure if it's because it was brand new and not broke in yet or do you know if that's a common thing? Because I also test drove a 2021 TRD sport with 7k miles on it and it shifted fine? I'm really looking to purchase a Tacoma but I'm not fully sure on all the different models with the SR to the SR5 the TRD sport the TRD off road the unlimited I believe and the TRD sport pro! If you feel up to making a video on some of the differences between them that would be very insightful for me atleast. I'm mainly curious if the SR5 is pretty similar to the TRD sport regarding the suspension and internal components when it comes the engine/transmission/ ride height that sort of thing. Not so much the extras regarding the hood scoop and the extra bells and whistles you get with the interior of the truck. Hopefully you understand what I'm trying to explain😂 another words can I get a the SR5 with TRD upgraded wheels and tires and basically have the same truck as the TRD sport or is every model from the base line model 3.5L V6 different as you upgrade to the sport, offroad, etc? Sorry for all of the questions! Or I even wonder if the 2.7L 4 cylinder SR5 is the same as the SR5 3.5L V6 other than having more power do they beef everything else up to handle the bigger engine?

[@mikecornepidemic6611]

Going to buy a leaf blower. I have heard from mechanics that tire shine gets into the brakes and causes excess corrosion. What do you think?

[@ryanviernes159]

I would never put a Mit on the ground then use it to soap my truck! I would throw it away. That goes for microfiber rags too.

[@VincentAnthonyE]

Everyone in the comments is obsessed with "the two bucket method" but tbh the best method is to use multiple towels so everytime a towel is dirty, it doesn't touch the truck or bucket again. One bucket, one dip, and then throw it in the wash pile and grab another.

[@RATTL3R186]

Foam cannon don't be stingy with soap ,rinse with pressure washer ,then two bucket hand wash . And then leaf blow to dry would make.sense.

[@westcoast708]

nice info ty .

[@howardkeebler6172]

Youre a machine !! Love the channel

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you so much!

[@fubartotale3389]

Doesn't rinsing off the car make the leaf blower redundant?

[@RCGJR_]

Pro tip: do NOT leaf blow dry your car 6 in the morning on a thursday, you will have police in your yard.

[@ridge6496]

Thats why I just go trail blazing adding the most desert pin stripes as humanly possible to the tundra so scratches wont give me anxiety ever.

[@lonelydriver82]

microfiber wash mitts on the ground? No way Jose. As an engineer we should look at the way microfiber is constructed , essentially little hooks , and if you put it on the ground it will pick up rocks and debris that will not come off in the washing machine....

[@herowillrose3198]

I always first used pressure washer, high pressure water blowed many dust-dust ways.

[@En_Gho]

This is great! But what about the interior?

[@AutomotivePress]

Yes let me work on that video!

[@richardmorse5307]

David, although your wash area looks very clean I would never place the microfiber mitts directly on the ground.

[@ChevyRobSCV]

I have a quick question. I'm excited to be taking delivery this Saturday on a 2023 4Runner Off Road Premium Premium. I live in Los Angeles. Should I spend some extra money to have rust protection put on the chassis? I heard rust was an issue for this vehicle. Thank you for replying.

[@williamknox9232]

Hi David, when you wash your vehicle would it be best to not place cleaning supplies directly on the road surface? Thanks and love your Chanel and advice.

[@AutomotivePress]

Yes not to worry - none of supplies that were placed on the ground were used for further washing. It just wasn't shown in the final edited video.

[@midiman5045]

No offense David, Don't put the micro fiber towel on the ground use another empty bucket. They will pick up grit and will scratch.

[@xxyyzz0102]

Butterfly table tennis ball!

[@looking511]

Pick up some good tips thanks

[@ssmart5701]

Typically I start with the rims and tires, body last. With my classic cars I always have a rinse bucket for my microfiber mit. Then again I own a auto detail company. Good move on the ceramic coating, looks great!

[@JayDeL_MMXIX]

You’d be a great neighbor

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you!

[@videomiser]

How a bout compressed air blower in lieu of leaf blower for the initial debris removal? More powerful jet. I don't imagine a leaf blower will remove much debris as they seem to have a fair bond to the surface.

[@mehdiviveable]

Hi David could you share which brand has been used for the graphene ceramic coating. Thanks

[@Rbispott]

This is good 👍

[@bobboyd2646]

Is there a product that you would recommend for the plastic around the wheels and plastic on the numbers as well as for the headlights? I don’t like the way the plastic looks over time, very cheap

[@fergystuff]

Nice Truck!!!

[@petergreen5337]

Thank you very much. You exep

[@petergreen5337]

Your expertise and experience is reassuring

[@arthurfaison1338]

What about abrasion caused by debris sliding off of the surface? I wonder if a Shopvac might be better than a leaf blower? This video has not deterred me from using water pressure to remove surface debris. Full disclosure, I am not an automotive engineer.

[@arthursmith643]

After washing with auto body car wash rinse with a little Ballistol oil in a clean water bucket. Then rinse with hose. Ballistol oil has a hundred ways to use its oil. It was invented for the German army. Read it’s history very interesting

[@frankhoward7645]

And you normally do this once a week? And you have 2 vehicles?

[@hulkcarranza8583]

I need that t-shirt

[@gtg123x]

How do you clean the undercarriage with all the salt on the roads during winter? Or if by some genius Canada recognizes the idiocy of putting salt on roads you don’t have that problem, how would you recommend Americans to clean it? A drive-through car wash would probably take care of it but has other risks.

[@jimsgaragetoys]

David, I always use a dual bucket system to to rinse my wash mitt before putting it back into the shop bucket. I also use my leaf blower as you do. You might want to try the Ceramic Wash & Coat from Griot's Garage. I love it on my ceramic coated cars.

[@jamesday7344]

I use a leaf blower, have a sneaking suspicion my neighbors think I am on meth

[@BrogeKilrain]

Who has best battery 🔋 E leaf blower

[@shawnlavigne9069]

What about spraying the car down first?

[@mackman1480]

Good video just wondering how much it costs to do a ceramic coating on a pickup and how long is it supposed to last.

[@AutomotivePress]

The prices range wildly from region to region, so it's best to shop around in your area. It's not cheap but will last for several years.

[@edb5537]

Weekly wash?! My car is so envy! I wash it only once every 3 months

[@kamilantwin1]

Do you still use the same wash and wax soap you use on the body to do the roof, windows, and wheels?? Also wondering why you didn't go with the long bed?

[@georgeburns7251]

Don’t they have a special wash for the front of the truck and a different one for th right and left sides and another one for the rear?

[@kevins.1752]

What type of graphene coating was applied and who in the lower mainland completed the coating? Thanks

[@AutomotivePress]

Hi, sorry I don't know the brand name because the person who did it for me is no longer doing this work

[@JohnPMiller]

I don't have a leaf blower, so I used my rake. The rake doesn't work as well!😂

[@scottchandler1796]

I want that shirt :-)

[@harrysantosi7954]

Hi Sir, which brand of tonneau cover did you use, any recommendation? Thank you

[@AutomotivePress]

I purchased the OEM original Toyota tonneau cover, which I find is heavy but more leak-proof

[@harrysantosi7954]

@@AutomotivePress thank you for the reply, I am actually in the same situation like you, I have placed an deposit for 2022 Tundra Platimum this January and the possible delivery is June

[@ryan_bitt]

David will you be trading in the Tacoma for the Tundra later this year?

[@AutomotivePress]

Yes I already put a deposit for the 2022 Tundra, so I will trade the Tacoma as soon as the new Tundra shows up

[@n.michaelh4726]

@@AutomotivePress Doesn't that go against your video that you said you should wait six months on a new model?

[@AutomotivePress]

@@n.michaelh4726 Yes it would, but I don't worry about the first six month for myself as I don't keep these cars very often. I change my vehicle every year....