rdricks

I picked up my Corvette at the museum and am now on my way to California. Day 1 was through some pretty heavy rainfalls. The car (especially the rear) is dirty from all the splashback.

How do some of you keep the car clean when on road trips? I don't need it to be freshly detailed, but I would like it to look nice in photos.

gotmyc7

I carry a wash mitt and towels in the rear cargo storage bin. Look for a quater self auto wash. I use the spray for rinse & soap application. (Never use the brush) Not the best wash, but works well when on the road. Nothing better then a road trip in a clean ride.


Have Fun

Curahee

I ask the motel manager for a couple of old worn out towels. They don't get it superclean, but they work for getting rid of the worst stuff.

rcooper

Ditto the above post. But I would add some quick detailer to the iteems mentioned or those times when the dust is all you want to get rid of.

Mike Campbell

You'll notice that packing to go on a long road trip ,which always seems to include driving several hundred miles thru pouring rain, I pack a small bucket, sponges with netting (for removing large dead bugs), small bottle of car wash, several dryer sheets (for bug & tar removal), a California squeegie, several towels, a expanding hose and 2 spray bottles of detailer along with other necessities like suitcases, beer, wine, Bourbon, snacks and my sweetie! Keep in mind most motels have hose bibs and if not use your bucket & sponges to rinse. Here's my trunk and it all fits!

Swt_86

I have found that using Optima No Rinse and a couple of high quality microfiber towels works great on road trips. All you will need is a gallon of water and a bucket (or hotel waste basket). Feel free to drop me a PM if you have any questions.

dvilin

Coin operated car wash, where you do it yourself, micro fiber towels, waffle towel, California duster, and detail spray.

juanvaldez

A little late for you but the rinseless method works for me on the road. Depending on the length of the trip I take one microfiber rag for each day, soaked and rung out in a Ziploc, the spray bottle full of wash and a microfiber drying towel. Takes about 20 minutes in the morning to do whole car. I use Optimum Wash & Wax.

guido7834

Chadwicks triple play with quality microfiber towels

Larry/car

Your on a road trip, your car will get dirty. Remember; no one cares if your car is dirty or not. Drive the trip and clean the car when you reach your destination

joemessman

I do the same. And in addition If I am on planned trip I locate the self service car washes along the route where I will be staying ahead of time and put them in my contacts. I fire up Android Auto, or you can use the factory NAV and just say "Take me to (Contact name of car wash)" when I get to where I am staying.

Glen e

This is the best way, hotel waste basket works perfect. How to use ONR HERE:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vt2pngsnv...nTAhOsRua?dl=0

Steve_R

This. It's a car with a factory paint job, it won't hurt to be dirty for a few days. Drive and enjoy it.

Holy smokes! If I need to clean it on a road trip I stop by a self-service car wash. No way I'm carrying all of that, my wife would think I'm even crazier than she already does.

felkebg

I carry quick detailer and microfiber where ever I go. If my wife wants to shop for fabric and I don't need any new patches for my black powder muzzle loader, I detail while she shops. You should see the faces of the clerks when I walk into a fabric store with a micrometer and they go nuts when they can't help me pick a color or pattern because all I care about is thickness. I even used quick detailer between track sessions and I was able to get this pic because of it.

AdventurePoser

I used to be the guy who was intent on keeping my motorcycle, then my Corvette, spotless and brilliant on road trips. Then I realized I was on vacation, and I didn't need to be that guy..

Now I carry a small soft plastic scrubber to clean the bugs off the front, a bottle of detailer, a couple of micro clothes and a drying towel (for the auto wash places). This all fits in a small plastic box in the trunk (space is at a premium, we are top down anytime the temp is above 60, and dry).

I also make sure my car is well waxed prior to leaving, so clean up on the road is easy when it gets really dirty. Other than the above, I just wait until I get home.

Enjoy your new car, your road trip, and make sure you post lots of images!

chronage

normal towels have a good chance to scratch the finish. these cars deserve quality microfiber only!

+1 for Optimum No Rinse

Curahee

What did you use before micro fiber was available? Velvet?

bearphoto

I agree, just hit a coin operated wash unless you can find a hand wash location. I understand the desire to keep the car cleaning even if you are on a road trip. We all like clean corvettes and like them clean when we are shooting pics of the car. But I also would not carry all that crap across the country.

Larry/car

The clearcoat is a lot more durable than you give it credit. I have even cleaned bird crap with a very wet paper towel without any harm done. My finish passes the dreaded light test.

wrecker3

I carry spray detailer and microfiber towels. White cotton towels and window cleaner. Mr Clean Magic Eraser to clean the bugs from the windshield. A Swiffer Duster to clean the inside of my black wheels (sprayed with detailer).