Strictly, yes.. If you show off your car you are indeed, by definition advertising it. I know that's not the definition youre referring to, but the word does

Strictly, yes.. If you show off your car you are indeed, by definition advertising it. I know that's not the definition youre referring to, but the word does mean to call attention to, especially in a boastful or ostentatious manner. But anyway, it's still advertising because the car has the manufacturers badges, it's just not first order commercial advertising.