Every spring and fall, the Charlotte AutoFair takes place in Charlotte, NC, showcasing row after row of one-of-kind collector cars. But when it comes to your personal car, showmanship happens daily, not just bi-annually.

To have your vehicle looking auto show-ready on an everyday basis, take advantage of these helpful tips from Charlotte AutoFair on how to properly clean your car's exterior:

• Choose A Gentle Cleaner: Take to your treads with a non-acid-based cleaner for the best results. While acid-based cleaners might be used for an auto show to strip residue from new tires, less harsh products will get your wheels to shine without oxidizing the metal alloy or removing their protective coating. Don’t use dish detergent on the car’s exterior—it will take off the wax coating that protects your vehicle from nicks and scratches.
• Use Your Hands: As effortless as a drive-through car wash can be, hand-washing your car’s exterior will allow you to spot-treat dirty areas and handle delicate parts with care. Use a car wash soap solution to protect the paint and a rubber squeegee to swipe off minerals and dirt. When you’re done, check for missed spots by running your hand over the car and feeling for hard-to-see deposits.
• Make It Shine: After your car’s exterior is clear of any grime, make it look fit for an auto show by polishing the paint with an oscillating machine. To test your polish job, hold a ruler perpendicular to the car’s surface before and after you’ve finished—the longer its reflection, the shinier you’ve made the paint.

No matter what set of wheels are sitting in your garage, get some inspiration from the antique and collector cars at this year’s Charlotte AutoFair. Call the vintage auto show at (704) 841-1990, or visit their website for more information on the sprawling car exhibit.