cleaning your car at a car show

[Andy]

Normally i arrive at the car show and just put my car on the forum stand and leave it with out cleaning it etc but with my car just been detailed thought i would make a effort this time.
So what product does every body use ie detailing spray and wipe of but don't want to put swirl marks back in the paint

[Adam0604]

Meguiars gold class quick detailer.

[Andy]

Would that be ok to use even if your car is a bit dirty and not cause swirls

[dansmith180]

Quick detailers are OK for dust but if there's any actual dirt and grit then you will always put a few marks in when wiping it down.

The only 'safe' option is to wash it properly. If it has a good layer of wax" sealant and was washed before you left and assuming its a nice dry day using QD once should be fine, really depends how it is when you get there to be honest.

[Adam0604]

Well yeah depends how dirty the car is. I used the quick detailer for early edition the other week, couldn't get the very bottom part of my paintwork nice because of the road dirt kicked up from the motorway. For a good 80% of bodywork it's fine though.

Not sure how you could get around washing it though. The cars in the show and shine seem to find a way of cleaning their cars every show on the morning. I'll ask my mate who's always got his bagged polo on the Meguiars stand at the shows.

[Adam0604]

Guess one option is to use the jet washes at local garage, which would get the light mud off?

[dansmith180]

Yeah but if you look closely lots of 'show cars' have quite scratched paint work and some are just plain awful. This is mostly because they QD the car 4 times a day every show.

The jet was would be better but if you're doing that then you might as well wash it as if there's any dirt still on there when you dry it you will drag those bits along and again possibly put light marks in.

If you're that concerned about putting marks in then there's no real half measure its either wash it or leave it. But if it had plenty of protection and its not too bad then QD'ing once with a good one and use a few cloths turning them every time will minimise any marks and will be fine.

[Andy]

Think the best bet is to leave it alone

[dansmith180]

Probably is mate, just give it a thorough clean and someQD before you leave, will show up half the cars anyways 

[rich83]

I either don't clean it at all or clean it.... Drive to the show and walk away from my car. If it's not show or shine who cares? :-)

[dansmith180]

I either don't clean it at all or clean it.... Drive to the show and walk away from my car. If it's not show or shine who cares? :-)

I'd love to spend a couple of days doing your car, bugs me every time I see it 

[rich83]

 

It's not a show car that's for sure. 

[Adam0604]

Yeah so spoke with my mate who's always in the show and shine, basically said usually a source of water that can be used at the shows to fill a bucket up and wash the bottom half of the car to remove any road grime picked up on the drive down to the show from home. Top half gets The quick detail spray treatment, then some will polish again, though not often.

Day before travelling to the show they'll give the car a full detail, hence why they only wash bottom half of the car and quick detail the top half, as top half won't need washing again.

[Andy]

Cheers for that Adam no doubt it's probably raining on the way down if we get a stand at fitted uk so won't need to worry

[Adam0604]

Lmaoo yeah even in Summer