Abstract: The description is of a method for drying vehicles in washing establishments in which after the washing or clear rinsing step and before the drying step water containing a wetting agent is applied to produce a substantially uniform thin water film on the vehicle, wherein the drying is achieved through infrared ray generators or by means of other heat ray generators, and the moist air is withdrawn. An apparatus for carrying out this method is also described. The thin water film guarantees a rapid evaporation of the water from the outer surface of the vehicle with reasonable energy consumption and at the same time serves as an overheating protective device for the vehicle surface.