How dirty is too dirty for UQD?

[gtrspeed]

Pretty simple question, but I can't recall seeing it answered here before. How dirty is too dirty to use Ultimate Quik Detailer (or any QD, for that matter)? The rule of thumb I've been going by is that so long as the car doesn't look too dirty (i.e. washed within a day or two, and I haven't driven in the rain), I'm good to go, but there have been a couple times when my MF gets quite a bit of grime on it after just wiping down one panel. Obviously, this is somewhat subjective, but at what point do I need to put away the UQD and do a proper wash?

[imz4n]

Re: How dirty is too dirty for UQD?

My MF gets the same way. I do the rear of the car and the rocker panels last. My dirt on the rear is from brake dust and exhaust. If I have been in rain or even heavy dew over night when parked out , I am looking for a wash. I guess it depends on what the source of the dirt is.

[gtrspeed]

Re: How dirty is too dirty for UQD?

I'm just talking about general dust and road grime. If I drive through a really dusty construction zone, or any kind of mud or sand, it's getting washed. On a sunny day when all I've done is the 14 mile round trip to work and back, though... When I do the QD wipedown, I fold up my MF into several sections so that I can use a fresh side for each panel of the car to limit the amount of dirt I'm dragging across the car, but still, I worry that I might be pushing it too far at times. As much as I'd like my car to look freshly washed every day, it's not worth the risk of scratching it up over time by going nuts with the QD when I should really be washing.

[Joe Dragon]

Re: How dirty is too dirty for UQD?

... As much as I'd like my car to look freshly washed every day, it's not worth the risk of scratching it up over time by going nuts with the QD when I should really be washing.

There's your answer. Same as what I do: if in doubt, wash.

[rst08tierney]

Re: How dirty is too dirty for UQD?

try a car duster before the qd

[Malo83]

Re: How dirty is too dirty for UQD?

try a car duster before the qd

Exactly, if the car is still dirty after using a car duster then it's time to wash

[Shawn T.]

Re: How dirty is too dirty for UQD?

Try a waterless wash.