After you spent a few all-nighters installing accessories and doing last minute add-ons, the least of your worries is cleaning the car. Right? Many competitors make that mistake and it costs them in the points scale. Therefore, from an ex-competitor, owner of Winning Edge Customs, and 2006 DUB Custom Auto Show head judge from the Elite Judging Team, here are a few pointers on prepping your auto just right.

First, every competitor must understand that it is a car show competition. As impressive as it may be that a vehicle is a daily driver, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s up against “trailer queens.” This makes it difficult for some competitors whose vehicles receive rock chips and all the abuse from seeing pavement on a daily basis. This doesn’t even include the effects of Mother Nature. Just remember the show is built for spectators and they don’t come to see the car next door. Depending on the extent of your modifications, judges will put you in the proper class to compete. So, yes, you are up against the guy on the trailer if you both spent the same amount of time at the body shop.

The judging of competition vehicles is based on a points scale. The vehicle is broken down into different categories by the judge. These include 1) paint, 2) body, 3) engine, 4) wheels and tires, 5) suspension, 6) interior, 7) audio, 8) trunk, hatch or bed area, and 9) “extra credit.” Twenty points are available for paint and body, and ten points for each additional category. This adds up to a max total of 120 points. Competition vehicles are expected to be spotless in the areas to be viewed by the general public. If you’re expecting a trophy, then you definitely want to make that extra effort to clean any areas that the judges will be keeping an eye on. Judges are looking for both modifications and cleanliness.

Keep in mind that cleanliness is important for many reasons. You wouldn’t show up to a wedding in dirty clothes, so don’t display your auto with grime. It’s very important to know how to clean your own vehicle. Most shows provide car show contestants with two passes, so bring along a friend for companionship and aid in prepping the vehicle.

Now the fun part. How can we get the vehicle ready for competition? I can only give you my recommendations based on past experience and what I have seen work from coast to coast. It’s always best to wash and wax the vehicle at home because this is the most time-consuming part. You want to buy a bucket to carry your cleaning supplies everywhere you go. Things to include in the bucket are a quick detailer for your paint, gloss tire spray, window, interior and wheel cleaners, and duct tape. Don’t forget micro-fiber and polishing rags to wipe it all down. You should also carry a roll of tape. Not only does it work well for cleaning carpet and fabric tops, someone is always in need of tape to hold up a banner or just to keep something from falling off. It’s a good way to meet future friends and, sometimes, last-minute add-ons just aren’t strapped on right. So, tape (and cable ties) can get you by for a few hours at the show. Just try your best to hide it from the judges.

You are also going to spend a good amount of time in line just waiting to get into the show. That’s a good time to get grime off the car from the drive to the show. It’s always difficult to know how much time you will have to clean your vehicle before judging commences, so you want to take advantage of any time you have.

Once you’re finally parked in your show spot. Your first order of business is to disconnect the battery. Staff members will ask you to have your battery disconnected always while parked inside the venue and to come in with a quarter tank of gas or less. All indoor venues are required to comply with local fire marshal’s standards. Fire marshals have the authority to cancel the show if the vehicles inside do not comply with their regulations. So, it is very important to follow those two simple guidelines.

Hopefully, these few hints will help make your car show experience more pleasant and memorable. Keep in mind that show promoters put on shows with the thought of promotions and business profit. Just like a business, they must make their customers happy. This includes competitors and spectators. Big cash prizes and trophies are up for grabs for competitors, and spectators want to get their monies’ worth. In the end, the competitor who puts the biggest effort and thought into building their show vehicle will prevail.

So, good luck in the competition and remember, you’re out to have a good time, meet new people and show off your ride. See you at the next event.