I could have been much more clear.... sorry. Part of my comment reflects that I live in a warm climate, and half the battle is avoiding spots because the car tends to dry so quickly from the sun/heat. It literally dries before you want it to. That’s were the Di systems come in handy - any water that dries before you can get to it is at least low in minerals and doesn’t spot. It would only be in the winter that I’d have to do much towel drying and
@boaterva and
@FlyF4 are correct, a good microfiber can be used to dry without much concern for swirls. (It’s best not to use regular laundry detergent or softener on these towels - they lose their ability to absorb water)
There’s a technique the pros use where you basically use a “sheet” of DI water for the final rinse - you put your thumb against the end of the hose and put the water on low. If the paint is in good shape and has some good wax, you can basically sweep away large water deposits and leave very little.
Disclaimer - I’m not a pro, but I’ve read a lot, and enjoy keeping my cars like new. If you have the same disease as me, I feel sorry for you. If you can be carefree and use the car wash or other less-intense methods - consider yourself fortunate!!