Car show preparation in 6 Easy Steps

Looking to get your car ready for a show? It’s not as difficult as you might think! With a little preparation and the right supplies, you can have your car looking its best in no time.

In this article, we’ll walk you through six easy steps to get your car show-ready, from washing and waxing to detailing the interior and exterior. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Preparation

As any car enthusiast knows, getting your car ready for a show is a process. But it doesn’t have to be a daunting one! With a little preparation, you can have your car looking its best in no time. Here are four car show preparation steps to get your car show-ready:

1. Choose a shaded area to work in. Cleaning your car in direct sunlight can cause the cleaning products to dry too quickly and leave streaks or water spots on your paint.
2. Gather your supplies. Car wash shampoo, wheel cleaner, tyre cleaner, interior cleaner, wax (or ceramic paint protection), microfibre towels, cleaning mitts, and drying towels.
3. Give your car a quick rinse to remove loose dirt and grime.
4. Check for any damage. Take a quick walk around your car to look for any chips or scratches that might need attention before you start detailing.

Step 1: Washing

Washing your car is an important part of your car show preparation process, to help remove any dirt, grime, and other contaminants that may have accumulated on the surface.

Pre-wash: Snow foam

If you want to take your car-washing game to the next level, you gotta get yourself some snow foam pre-wash. And not just any old snow foam, my friend. We’re talking about the Bilt Hamber Auto Foam – the holy grail of snow foams.

It can take on even the most stubborn road grime without stripping away any of your precious protection. And those alkaline-based cleaners are no match for the Bilt Hamber. They’re like the little siblings of the cleaning world, always trying to steal the spotlight.

Now, when it comes to using snow foam, there’s a delicate balance you gotta find. You want it thick enough to do its thing on the surface, but not so thick that it’s just a useless blanket of foam. It’s like trying to make a perfect latte – not too frothy, not too flat, but just right.

If your foam is too thick, it’s just gonna hang out on top of your car like a lazy teenager on the couch. And that’s not gonna help anyone. But if it’s too light, you might as well be spraying your car with plain ol’ water.

And let’s not forget about the Bilt Hamber’s unique talent – it doesn’t create those fluffy blizzard effects like other snow foams. But it does something even more important – it encapsulates and drags down debris, protecting your car from scratches during shampooing. Plus, it’s biodegradable and eco-friendly, so Mother Nature won’t be giving you the stink eye while you’re washing your car.

So, to sum it up, the Bilt Hamber Auto Foam is like the Batman of snow foams – tough on dirt, gentle on your car’s protection, and a hero for the environment. Get yourself a bottle and watch your car shine brighter than the Bat Signal.

Wheel Cleaning

Are you tired of seeing your car wheels looking like they’ve been through a mud bath? It’s time to give them the love and care they deserve, and we’ve got just the solution for you!

Before you start washing your car’s bodywork, don’t forget to give those wheels a good clean first. This will prevent any brake dust or other nasty contaminants from ruining your car’s paint job. Plus, let’s be honest, who wants a shiny car body with dirty wheels? That’s like wearing a tuxedo with dirty trainers. It’s just not a good look.

But hold up, before you go scrubbing away with just any old cleaner, listen up. Chemical-based detergents and highly acidic cleaners are a no-go for those gorgeous alloy wheels. They can strip off the protective layer of alloy wheel wax and dull the shine of your wheels faster than you can say “car wash.”

Enter Bilt Hamber Auto Wheel Cleaner, the saviour of dirty wheels everywhere. This water-based cleaning solution is like a magic eraser for removing brake dust, dirt, and industrial fallout on your precious rims. And get this, it has a colour-changing formula that turns from clear to red as it lifts off metallic particles and debris from the surface of your wheels. It’s like a mood ring for your car’s wheels!

Using Bilt Hamber Auto Wheel Cleaner is a breeze. Simply spray it onto your alloy, steel, or aluminium wheels, let it dwell for a couple of minutes, and rinse it off. Voila! You’ll be left with sparkling wheels that look like they just rolled off the showroom floor. For those extra mucky wheels, a soft wheel brush or sponge might be needed for some extra scrubbing power. But fear not, as a water-based and non-acidic cleaner, it’s gentle on the wheel surface, ensuring a like-new finish every time.

So don’t settle for dirty, dull wheels any longer. Give them the TLC they deserve with Bilt Hamber Auto Wheel Cleaner, the clever and effective solution that will have your wheels looking better than ever.

Car Shampoo

Spending hours scrubbing your car to prep for a paint restoration? Fear not, my fellow car enthusiasts, because I have found the holy grail of car cleaners: Meguiar’s Wash Plus! This bad boy is not your average soap and water routine – it actively removes contaminants and swirl marks while you wash, making your life a whole lot easier.

Gone are the days of carefully mixing chemicals or making multiple trips to the bucket. With Wash Plus, all you need to do is apply it directly to your wash mitt and get ready to witness some magic happen.

Now, pay attention to this next part, because this is where the real fun begins. First, make sure your microfibre wash mitt is dripping wet (we’re not talking about a little sprinkle here, we’re talking about Niagara Falls’s level of wetness). Then, apply a ribbon of Wash Plus onto the mitt and start working your way down from the top of your car, one panel at a time.

You may start to notice a slight tingle of excitement as you watch the Wash Plus work its magic, removing all those pesky contaminants and swirl marks. Once you’ve finished a panel, rinse it off immediately – no need to wait and admire your work just yet, we’ve got more panels to conquer.

Now, for those stubborn bugs and scuff marks that just won’t budge, don’t sweat it. Give them another go with your Wash Plus and watch them disappear before your very eyes.

After rinsing off your car, it’s time to dry it off with a clean drying towel or a car dryer. Don’t forget to hit all the nooks and crannies, including the door jams, mirrors, glass, and undercarriage components.

Step 2: Exterior Detailing

Now, when it comes to exterior detailing, you can’t just settle for a simple wash and wax. No, no, no. You need to take it to the next level with some claying, polishing, and protection.

First up, let’s talk about claying. This isn’t some pottery class, folks. Claying is all about getting rid of those pesky surface contaminants that are ruining your car’s paint job. And let me tell you, Bilt Hamber has got your back with their selection of different clays:

• If the vehicle is heavily contaminated, has never been clay-barred before, or it’s hot summertime then use the regular option.
• If the paint is in good condition and you like to clay your vehicle frequently, go for the soft option.
• If your paint is in a reasonable condition, the medium option is the way to go.

This clay bar is water activated, so you don’t need any fancy lubricant and when lubricated with plenty of water, the bar glides like an ice hockey puck. With 200g of clay, you’ll be able to clean a lot of metal.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But wait, won’t using a clay bar on clear coat paint be hazardous?” Well, yes and no. Sure, you’re rubbing the surface of the paint, but you’re also pulling out all those nasty contaminants that are causing damage. And that’s where polishing comes in. It’ll level out the paint by getting rid of those pits and valleys left behind by the contaminants. And finally, waxing will seal the deal and give you that show-stopping shine that’ll have everyone drooling over your ride.

Step 3: Protect your ride

Looking for a wax that won’t break the bank but will still make your ride shine like a diamond in the sun? Well, look no further than Collinite No. 845 Insulator Wax!

First things first, this wax is tough as nails. You could take a sledgehammer to your car (please don’t) and this stuff would still be hanging on for dear life. It’s like the Chuck Norris of car waxes – it doesn’t mess around.

And don’t even get me started on how long this bad boy lasts. We’re talking 5-6 months of protection, people. That’s half a year! You could take your car on a world tour and this wax would still be going strong.

But wait, there’s more! This wax is so versatile, it’s like a Swiss Army Knife for your car. You can use it on your paintwork, your trim, your wheels – the world is your oyster. And all for a price that won’t make you want to sell a kidney.

Sure, it may not give you the same shine as a high-end wax, but who needs that kind of pressure? You’re the chilled, laid-back kind of person who just wants to keep their car looking nice without breaking the bank. And that’s exactly what the Collinite No. 845 Insulator Wax does.

So go ahead and give it a try. Your car (and your wallet) will thank you. Plus, you’ll have some extra cash to take your baby out for a spin and show off that shiny, protected exterior. You’ll be the envy of the town.

Step 4: Interior Detailing

If you’re anything like me, then you know that taking care of your car is just as important as taking care of yourself. And that includes keeping the interior clean and shiny.

Now, I’m not just talking about picking up empty coffee cups and fast food wrappers. We’re going to dive deep into the nitty-gritty details of detailing your car’s interior.

Step one: declutter! Say goodbye to all the garbage and debris that has been piling up in your ride. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you can do this. And if you’re feeling really overwhelmed, well, you might need to hire a cleaner! But we’re going to stay optimistic and assume that won’t be necessary.

Step two: vacuum like a pro! You want to make sure that every inch of your upholstery and carpets is free of dirt and dust. Get in all those hard-to-reach spots and really give your vacuum a workout. Your car will thank you for it.

Step three: break out the cleaning solution! We’re talking about Bilt Hamber Surfex HD, the holy grail of all-purpose cleaners. A powerful water-based all-purpose cleaner that’s safe for virtually all surfaces (including fabric upholstery), and it’ll leave everything looking brand spanking new. Just remember to dilute it if you’re dealing with lighter cleaning tasks, or you might end up with a car that smells like a chemical factory.

And finally, step four: protect that interior! You don’t want your car’s upholstery and vinyl to fade in the sun, do you? Of course not! That’s why you need to apply a protectant to keep everything looking fresh and new.

Step 5: Tyre and Wheel Maintenance

So let’s talk about how to your those treads in tip-top shape. First things first, you gotta inspect those tyres regularly. And no, that doesn’t mean just kicking them and hoping for the best. Look out for any cuts, cracks, or other damage, and if you spot anything fishy, take your ride to a garage ASAP. We don’t want any blowouts ruining our joyride, do we?

Next up, let’s talk about tyre pressure. I know, I know, checking your tyre pressure is about as exciting as watching paint dry. But trust me, it’s worth it. Under-inflated tyres are a big no-no, and as well as messing with your fuel economy they can cause all sorts of wear and tear. So grab a tyre pressure gauge, get to work, and add some air if needed.

And finally, let’s talk about balancing and rotating those tyres. Balancing and rotating them helps to ensure even wear and tear, and makes sure they last as long as possible. So don’t skip out on this step, unless you want your tyres to wear down faster than a pair of flip-flops in a marathon.

Step 6: Keep the interior fresh

Sick of those cheap plastic air fresheners that smell like a mix of chemicals and regret? Fear not, my friends, for Air-ly Car Air Freshener is here to save the day (and your nostrils).

Not only is it plastic-free (which, let’s be honest, is pretty cool), but it’s also reusable, premium-scented, and ultra-long-lasting. Each Air-ly refill can last up to 20 times longer than your average air freshener. Yes, you read that right, 20 times longer! That’s longer than a goldfish’s attention span.

And let’s talk about the scent. They have a whole range of scents to choose from, but my personal favourite is the Sandalwood fragrance. It’s like a warm hug for your nose. It’s like a cosy fireplace in the middle of winter. It’s like a…you get the idea.

It might cost a bit more than your average air freshener, but it lasts up to 20 times longer than your average air freshener, so you’ll save money in the long run. Plus, all the packaging can be recycled. That’s right, the cardboard box, the aluminium tin, and even the glass fragrance bottle can be recycled. You’ll be doing your part for the environment while making your car smell like heaven.

And guess what? I’ve got an exclusive 20% discount code for you. Simply go to the Air-ly Car Air Freshener website and you should get our exclusive code FMCS20 automatically applied at checkout. And if it doesn’t work automatically, don’t panic, just type it in.

If you want your car to smell like a luxurious spa, get yourself an Air-ly Car Air Freshener. It’s reusable, long-lasting, and eco-friendly. Plus, you’ll save money in the long run. It’s a win-win situation.

At the car show

Of course, you want your car to look its best, shining like a diamond in the sun. But what happens when you get there and realise you’ve got some dirt and grime on your paint job? Panic sets in!

But fear not my friends, because I’ve got the solution for you. Keep some Greased Lightning Waterless Car Wash and microfiber cloths in your car for a quick detailing session. It’s like magic, no hose, no bucket, no rinsing required! Plus, it’s safe for all surfaces, even your precious plastic trim. And it comes with not one, but two microfiber cloths!

But what about the interior, you ask? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. The eufy Clean H20 cordless handheld car vacuum cleaner is the perfect solution. It’s lightweight (only 654g), has all the necessary attachments to reach those pesky nooks and crannies, charges in just one hour and gives you 30 minutes of cleaning, more than enough for a last-minute quick clean! And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good portable handheld vacuum for their home or office?

The eufy H20 even comes with a flexible extension hose to help you clean the hard-to-reach areas. I mean, who doesn’t love a good hose extension, am I right? And when you’re done, just pop it back in its handy storage bag and toss it in your glove box or boot.

So, go ahead and show off your ride at the car show with confidence, knowing you’ve got the power of Greased Lightning Waterless Car Wash and the eufy Clean H20 at your fingertips. Your car will be the belle of the ball, shining brighter than all the rest.

In conclusion

To get your car looking it’s absolute best for a car show, you need more than just a wash and wax. Make sure that your car is clean and shiny and that every surface reflects the quality and pride that you have for your vehicle.

These are just a few tips fo your car show preparation. By using the right products and following the recommended steps, you can keep your vehicle looking its best for any car shows we have listed and years to come.

Note: This list of recommended products and the steps is only a guide. We can not be held responsible for not following manufacturers’ instructions for the correct way in using their products or for any damage or issues arising from following the guide.