I was told by a number of car enthusiasts that when you wash & wax your car you should always use a side to side or up and down motion, even when drying.

Thats the way I've always washed & waxed my 'S' and very satisfied with the results (no swirl marks)

However T.V. ads like Meqguirs Wax shows a guy applying his wax in a circular motion saying "Oh yeah... look at that shine" (pretty comical cause it sounds like me).

So what's the verdict? Is one method better than the other?

 

I'm a straight line fan also ! I think bumper to bumper when washing, drying, waxing, removing wax, and using a spray detailer. My S2000 is 2 years old and you can't find any swirl marks on it. Cotton towels have never touched the paint, I'm believer in the use of Microfiber towels.

 

circular causes swirl marks, stick with front to back, or top to bottom motions only

 

Wiping should always be done front to rear!

-Pete

 

even the orbital should be used as stwok indicated...
(bumper to bumper).

 

Front to back always.

 

Using a leaf-blower to dry your car prevents swirlmarks.
Sounds crazy but true.

 

I still have to give that a try this summer.

 

make sure its a clean blower... never used as a vacuum cleaner.
mine is never used for anything other than my car!
btw, it wont prevent swirls- but should reduce them. you still have to wash & wax the car!

 

I like the Absorber synthetic shammy for drying. Also Micro Fiber towels are good for Zainoing or Waxing. I even have some Micro Fiber applicators!