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Maintenance Basics intermediate 3 min read

The Show Car Prep Checklist

Most car owners make this harder than it needs to be. Here's the straightforward approach that actually works—no fluff, no upselling.

Getting a car ready for a show is a different beast to a Sunday wash. It’s all about the details most people miss, like the wheel arches and door shuts.

B"W
Barry "Bazza" Williams Product Reviewer
| Updated: 19 March 2026
What You'll Learn
The Show Car Prep Checklist

Aussie Conditions

Australian conditions are tougher than most—intense UV, red dust, coastal salt, and 40°C summers. European car care advice often doesn't cut it here.
Quick Summary

Look, I’ve prepped dozens of cars for the big shows over the last 15 years, and the biggest mistake I see is people rushing the basics. Whether you’re heading to a local meet or a major event, this list is what I use to make sure nothing gets missed. It’s focused on getting that deep, wet look while making sure the harsh Aussie sun doesn't ruin your hard work.

01

Gear You'll Actually Need

What You'll Need

0/9
Two 15L buckets with grit guards — Don't skimp here. One for soapy water, one for rinsing your mitt.
High-quality snow foam & cannon — I reckon Bowden's Own Snow Job is the best for our heat.
Clay bar or clay mitt — Essential for removing that gritty feeling from the paint.
Dual Action (DA) Polisher — Unless you want arms like Popeye, use a machine.
Finishing Polish — Something like Meguiar's M210 for that final mirror shine.
Carnauba Wax or Ceramic Topper — Wax gives a warmer glow for shows, ceramic is better for protection.
Boar's hair detailing brushes — For the badges, fuel cap, and wheel nuts.
At least 10 clean microfibres — You can never have enough. Trust me on this one.
Glass cleaner (Ammonia free) — So you don't cook your window tints in the sun.

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02

Pre-Start Checklist

What You'll Need

0/4
Check the weather — If it's over 35 degrees, don't even start. The products will dry too fast.
Assess for 'Bombing' — Check for bird or bat droppings. If they've sat in the sun, you might need a wet sand.
Cool to the touch — Make sure the panels aren't hot. I learned this the hard way on a black Commodore once.
Wheel check — Check for heavy brake dust. You might need a dedicated iron remover.
03

The Show Prep Process

Tap each step to mark complete
01

Deep Wheel Clean

Start with the wheels while they are cool. Use a brush to get deep into the barrels and behind the spokes.

02

Snow Foam & Decon

Coat the car in foam to lift the dust. Rinse, then use an iron remover to get rid of those tiny metal shards.

03

The Contact Wash

Use the two-bucket method. Work from the roof down. Honestly, I wouldn't bother with cheap sponges, use a microfiber mitt.

04

Clay Bar

Run the clay over the wet paint. If you've been driving outback roads, you'll be amazed at the red dust it pulls out.

05

Machine Polish

Use a light finishing polish on a foam pad. We aren't removing deep scratches here, just bumping up the gloss levels.

06

Seal and Protect

Apply your wax or sealant. I'm a fan of Gtechniq Liquid Crystal for a quick, insane shine before a weekend show.

07

Interior Detail

Vacuum everything. Use a soft brush on the air vents. A customer once tipped me fifty bucks just for cleaning his cup holders properly.

08

Tyre Dressing

Apply a water-based dressing. Don't use the greasy stuff from the servo; it'll just flick all over your clean paint.

04

Final Inspection (The 'Judge's Eye')

What You'll Need

0/4
Door Shuts and Jams — Dry them properly. Judges always check the hinges for grease and dirt.
Glass Streak Check — Check from the inside out. Use a torch to find those annoying smears.
Exhaust Tips — Give them a quick hit with metal polish. It makes a massive difference.
Number Plates — Take them off and clean behind them. It's a pro move that shows you care.

Watch Out

Avoid 'Engine Dressing' sprays that are flammable or silicone-heavy. In the Aussie heat, they can cause issues or just turn into a sticky mess that attracts dust. Also, never buff your paint in direct sunlight, you'll end up with holograms that look bloody awful under the show lights.

Pro Tip

If you're driving to the show, chuck a small spray bottle of 'Quick Detailer' and a fresh cloth in the boot. Use it to wipe off the bugs you'll inevitably hit on the way there. No dramas.

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Professional advice for Australian conditions

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Products We Recommend

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pH Neutral Snow Foam
Bowden's Own

pH Neutral Snow Foam

$39.95 View
Pressure Washer 2000 PSI
Karcher

Pressure Washer 2000 PSI

$499.00 View
The Rag Company

Microfibre Towels 400GSM (10-Pack)

$39.95 View
Iron Remover / Wheel Cleaner
CarPro

Iron Remover / Wheel Cleaner

$29.95 View

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