The Auto Show: Detailing, Coatings, Tint and Prices

What is The Auto Show?

The Auto Show is a small, independent car care shop in Anderson, South Carolina, in the Upstate. Its site calls it "The Auto Show Detailing" and "The Auto Show Detail Center." It does five kinds of work:

• Detailing: cleaning and refreshing a vehicle inside and out, sold as Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 packages, plus separate interior and exterior details and add-ons.
• Paint correction: machine polishing to remove swirl marks, light scratches, water spots and oxidation from the clear coat.
• Ceramic coatings: IGL-brand coatings sold as 1-year, 3-year and 5-year options, plus coatings for glass and leather.
• Window tint: LLumar carbon and ceramic tint films.
• Paint protection film (PPF): LLumar Platinum clear film, sold in packages from partial front-end coverage to a full car.

The shop describes its approach in three steps that run through most of its work: cleaning (a thorough interior and exterior clean), polishing ("to mirror-level reflection") and protecting (applying products that last "from 3 months of protection to years of protection with a ceramic coating"). The photos in its gallery show work on everyday trucks and SUVs, such as a Ford F-150, a Ford F-350 dually, a Ram 1500 and a Toyota Tundra, alongside sports cars such as a Porsche, a Dodge Hellcat and a Lamborghini.

It works by appointment only. You drop the vehicle off and collect it later: there is no waiting area, and the shop does not offer rides home.

Who owns and runs The Auto Show?

The site names Nick Parker as the founder, and says the team works "under the expert guidance of our founder." It says the team has "over a decade of hands-on experience." One customer testimonial on the home page also describes the shop as "owned and operated by Nick Parker" and says the customer exchanged several emails with him before booking a coating. The site does not name other staff members or publish the year the business opened.

Is The Auto Show legit?

Here is what a customer can check before booking:

• A street address and phone number. The shop lists 112 Metro Drive, Suite B, Anderson, SC 29625, with phone 864.202.6934 and email theautoshowsc@gmail.com on every page.
• A named owner. Nick Parker is named as founder on the home page.
• Named products. The site names the coatings (IGL EZ, IGL Quartz+ and IGL Kenzo) and films (LLumar carbon and ceramic tint, LLumar Platinum PPF) it uses, so you can read the manufacturers' own product information. The shop says it is an authorized installer for LLumar films; you can ask to see proof of that, and ask how the manufacturer warranty is registered.
• Published prices. Most services have a listed starting price on the site or the online booking page, which is less common in this trade.
• Customer comments. The home page shows four customer testimonials (from customers named as Scott, Charity, Adam and Tyler). These are chosen and displayed by the shop itself. The site does not publish a review count or star average, so look at its Google, Facebook (facebook.com/andersonautoshow) or Instagram (@andersonautoshow) pages for a wider sample.
• Social profiles. The site links Facebook and Instagram accounts under the name andersonautoshow, where you can see recent work.

We did not find a state license that applies to detailing, tint or film installation in South Carolina for this guide, and we did not check business registration records, so we have not quoted any. South Carolina does put rules on tint installers, covered in the window tint section.

Detailing packages, one by one

The shop's online booking page sells detailing as three levels, each priced by vehicle size. Level 1 is a maintenance clean. Level 2 adds decontamination. Level 3 adds a paint enhancement polish. All three include a 6-month paint sealant, according to the package descriptions.

Level 1 Detail. Outside: wheels and tires cleaned, fender liners cleaned, a rinse, a pre-wash foam soak, a "decontamination hand wash," drying with soft microfiber towels (polished or ceramic-coated cars are blown dry instead), a 6-month paint sealant and tire dressing in matte, semi-gloss or gloss. Inside: a vacuum, floor mats cleaned, hard surfaces, door jambs and seats wiped, and glass cleaned.

Level 2 Detail. Everything in Level 1, plus an iron-removal ("de-iron") treatment on the wheels and paint, a bug and tar remover, a clay bar treatment, fender liners dressed, and plastic trim treated with a plastic rejuvenator. Clay and iron removal pull out bonded grit that washing alone leaves behind. This matters if you are thinking about a coating: the ceramic coating page says a car must have at least a Level 2 detail before it can be coated.

Level 3 Detail. Everything in Level 2, plus the shop's "Paint Enhancement Process," a polish that restores gloss. The package description says plainly that this is not a paint correction: it brightens the paint but does not remove scratches, swirls, etchings or water spots. The booking page lists Level 3 in several versions by vehicle size and protection level, but the site's pages don't describe the included protection the same way, so we have left those prices out. Ask the shop what protection your Level 3 includes and what it costs for your vehicle.

Add-ons listed on the booking page:

• Interior Micro Detail ($149.99, or "starting at 129.99" added to any detail package). A deeper interior job: detail-brushed hard surfaces, dash and console seams cleaned and blown out with compressed air, UV protectant on the dash, door panels and seat tracks, steering wheel and buttons deep-cleaned, screens and vents cleaned, door seals cleaned, leather seats deep-cleaned and conditioned, and glass treated with a 6-month rain repellent. The shop notes it can only spot-clean headliners, not deep-clean them.
• Carpet and cloth seat steam extraction (from $99.99). For heavily soiled or stained carpets and seats; listed as an add-on to the Micro Detail.
• Bronze Interior, Maintenance Level. A quick interior refresh (surface wipe-down, vacuum, plastics, seats, screens, interior glass, floor mats and cargo area), about 2 hours. It is priced by vehicle size on the booking page.

Interior and exterior detailing on their own

The main Detailing page also lists stand-alone interior and exterior work, with "starting at" prices for a coupe:

On interiors, the shop says "every vehicle is different" (children, pets and so on) and that it tailors each interior service, so it asks you to call for an interior quote. Exterior add-ons listed are headlight restoration, ceramic coating and paint protection film; headlight restoration has no published price.

A Ceramic Maintenance Program is also mentioned: once a car is coated, the shop invites owners to join a monthly maintenance program. Its price and contents are not published.

Paint correction

The shop calls paint correction "truly a form of art": machine polishing the paint to remove defects such as automatic car wash swirls, scratches, acid rain marks, holograms, haze, oxidation, bird-dropping etchings and factory blemishes. It says it uses paint thickness meters, full LED lighting and professional tools, and that it tailors each correction to the car's age, condition, the result you expect and your budget.

Both prices are "starts at" figures; the final price depends on the vehicle's size and condition. Every correction is finished with a 6-month sealant included in the price. The shop recommends coating the car afterwards with at least its 1-year ceramic coating, saying this makes the finish more resistant to future swirls and scratches.

How long it takes. Plan on leaving the car for about a day or two for a 1-step correction and two to three days for a 2-step. The site gives slightly different in-shop times on different pages, so confirm when you book. The site also gives different figures for how much of the defects each step removes, so we have not quoted one; ask the shop what result to expect on your paint.

Correction vs enhancement. The shop draws a clear line: a Paint Enhancement (part of the Level 3 detail) restores gloss, while a Paint Correction removes defects. If your car has visible swirls or scratches, an enhancement will not remove them.

Ceramic coatings

The shop describes ceramic coating as a silica-based liquid polymer that forms a hard shell over the paint, with a water-repelling (hydrophobic) surface that makes water bead and helps keep dirt, water spots, bird droppings and road grime from sticking. It sells three IGL Coatings products:

• 1-year coating: IGL EZ. A low-solid silica coating, which the site lists at 8H hardness, described as lasting "1 year or more with appropriate maintenance."
• 3-year coating: IGL Quartz+. A dual-layer hybrid coating listed at 9H, described as giving "3 years of protection" against UV, acid rain, chemicals, road grit and rust.
• 5-year coating: IGL Kenzo. Listed at 10H, described as "tested to last 5 years," with a silk-like finish.

Hardness ratings and lifespans are the manufacturer's and shop's figures. Real-world life depends on how the car is washed and stored.

Ceramic coating prices from the shop's pricing menu:

Prep comes first. The ceramic coating page says coatings can only go on a paint-corrected or enhanced finish, that the car must have at least a Level 2 detail first, and that unless the car is brand new, the wheels must be de-ironed and polished where applicable. So the total cost of a coating is the coating price plus the prep. Ask for a single quote covering both.

Coating add-ons listed on the menu: wheels, wheel faces, windshield, exterior glass, exterior plastics and seats. Only the glass and leather coatings have published prices (below).

Glass and leather coatings

Glass coating. $100 for the windshield only, and $250 for all windows on the booking page ($250 to $350 on the ceramic coating page, depending on the vehicle). The shop says the glass coating lasts about 20,000 miles. It describes the benefit as a strongly water-repellent surface that helps rain roll off, makes ice, bugs and tree sap easier to remove, and improves visibility in wet weather. The product named differs between pages, so ask which glass coating will be used.

Leather coating. A clear coating for leather seats that the shop says resists spills, stains, abrasion, dye transfer (for example from dark jeans on light leather) and UV. Prices differ by page and product: the booking page lists a leather ceramic coating at $24.99 per seat and a leather coating "starting at $50/Seat," while the ceramic coating page lists $50 per seat for new seats and from $75 per seat for older seats. Stated durability also varies by product, from 3 to 12 months on high-wear areas up to "1 full year." Ask which product you're getting, how long it should last on your seats, and the price.

Window tint

The Auto Show installs LLumar window film, computer-cut to the vehicle, in two lines:

The shop says both films block 99% of UV rays and reduce glare, add privacy, and help hold glass together. Prices for full cars, rear windows or windshield strips are not published, so ask for a quote for your vehicle.

Vehicle age limit. The shop's FAQ says it does not tint any vehicle older than 8 years, because seals and plastics become brittle with age and are more likely to break during installation.

South Carolina tint law. South Carolina's sunscreen device law (S.C. Code § 56-5-5015) says film on the side windows and rear-most window must be nonreflective and that the combined light transmission of the film and the factory glass must be at least 27%. Film may not be red, yellow or amber, and may only run along the top of the windshield, no lower than the AS-1 line. Each tinted window must carry a certificate of compliance showing the light transmission, the installer's name, address and phone number, and the installation date. There is an exemption for drivers with a qualifying physician's or optometrist's affidavit. Ask the shop which shades are legal on your vehicle before you choose one. This is a summary of the statute, not legal advice.

Paint protection film (PPF)

Paint protection film is a clear, self-healing film applied over the paint to absorb rock chips, scratches and road debris. The shop says it is an authorized installer for LLumar films and uses LLumar Platinum PPF, which it lists as a 10-year film available in gloss, black, matte and extra-thick versions. It says the gloss film's top coat blends with factory paint so partial coverage is hard to spot, that light swirls and scratches disappear with heat from the engine or the sun, and that the film's HydroGard surface is water-beading and stain-resistant. Ask how LLumar's warranty applies and how it is registered.

The booking page lists 48 to 72 hours of shop time for each PPF package. Note that the Interstate package covers the front bumper, while the Long Distance Driver and Off Roader lists don't mention it, so ask whether the bumper is included in the larger packages.

How much does The Auto Show cost?

These are the published starting prices on 19 October 2026. Most are "starts at" prices; size and condition raise them.

Worked example. If you want a 3-year coating on a sedan, the coating is $1,049.98. Because the coating page requires at least a Level 2 detail first (the sedan price is $269.99), plan on at least about $1,320 before tax, and more if the paint needs correction ($799.99 and up). Confirm the total with the shop, since it may bundle the prep.

Not published: payment methods, financing, discounts, mobile service and sales tax. Ask when you call. A deposit is required to confirm any appointment (see policies).

What happens when you book, step by step

1. Choose a service or ask for a quote. You can book a listed service on the Book Online page or send the quote form (name, email, phone, vehicle year, make and model, the service you want and a message). Interior details, Level 3 and most tint jobs are quoted individually.
2. Pay the deposit. The FAQ says your appointment is confirmed once the deposit is received. The deposit amount is not published.
3. Drop off the vehicle. Service is by appointment only. There is no waiting area, and techs start work as soon as you drop off, so arrange your own ride. Call ahead if you need to drop off after 6 p.m.
4. Allow the shop time. Published times run from about 2 hours (Bronze interior) and 4 hours (Level 1) up to about a day for glass and leather coatings or a 1-step correction, and 48 to 72 hours for PPF or a 2-step correction. The booking page asks customers to go by the times listed on the main booking list rather than the times shown on later booking screens.
5. Collect the car and plan upkeep. For coated cars, the shop offers a monthly Ceramic Maintenance Program; ask what it includes.

Deposits, cancellations and shop rules

• Deposit. Required. "Once your deposit is received, your appointment will be confirmed."
• Cancellation. You can cancel up to 72 hours before your appointment. If you cancel within 72 hours, the deposit is forfeited.
• No waiting area. You cannot wait in the shop for your vehicle.
• No rides. Techs do not drive customers home; the shop says it is a small business and starts work on your car as soon as it arrives.
• Tint age limit. No tint on vehicles older than 8 years.
• Coating prep. At least a Level 2 detail (and wheel decontamination unless the car is new) before any ceramic coating.
• Headliners. Spot-clean only; no deep cleaning.
• Warranties. The site gives product lifespans (1, 3 and 5 years for coatings, 10 years for the PPF) but does not publish its own written warranty or guarantee terms. Ask for the warranty terms in writing.

Where is it, and what areas does it serve?

The shop is at 112 Metro Drive, Suite B, Anderson, SC 29625. It is a drop-off shop, not a mobile service: the site does not mention coming to your home or workplace. Its pages talk about serving Anderson and the wider Upstate South Carolina area, and one testimonial describes the customer researching shops across the Upstate. Hours are by appointment only, and drop-offs after 6 p.m. can be arranged by phone.

How it compares with other options

Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere

Questions to ask before you book

1. What is the total for my vehicle, including any required prep (Level 2 detail, wheel decontamination, correction)?
2. For Level 3: what protection is included, and what does it cost for my vehicle?
3. How much is the deposit, and how do I pay it?
4. Which glass or leather coating product will you use, and how long should it last?
5. For tint: which shades are legal on my vehicle under South Carolina law, and will I get the certificate of compliance?
6. For PPF: what is the price of the Off Roader package, is the front bumper included, and how is the LLumar warranty registered?
7. What warranty or guarantee do you give on your own labor?
8. What's included in the Ceramic Maintenance Program, and what does it cost?

How to get started

1. Look over the services on andersonautoshow.com: detailing, paint correction, ceramic coatings, window tint and PPF.
2. Book a listed package on the Book Online page, or send the quote form with your vehicle's year, make and model.
3. Call 864.202.6934 or email theautoshowsc@gmail.com for interior, Level 3, tint or Off Roader quotes.
4. Pay the deposit to confirm, and plan your drop-off and ride.

Visit The Auto Show

Terms you'll see on the site

• Clay bar: a clay compound rubbed over lubricated paint and glass to pull out bonded contaminants that washing leaves behind.
• Iron (fallout) decontamination, "de-iron": a chemical spray that dissolves embedded iron particles, mostly brake dust, from paint and wheels.
• Sealant: a synthetic paint protectant that lasts months rather than years; the shop's packages use 6-month and 4 to 6 month sealants.
• Paint enhancement: a light polish that restores gloss but does not remove defects.
• Paint correction (1-step, 2-step): machine polishing in one or two stages to remove clear-coat defects such as swirls and scratches.
• Ceramic coating: a silica-based liquid coating that bonds to paint and forms a hard, water-repelling layer.
• Hydrophobic: water-repelling; water beads and runs off.
• 8H / 9H / 10H: hardness ratings that coating makers quote for their products.
• PPF: paint protection film, a clear film applied over the paint to protect it from chips and scratches (the shop calls it "a clear self-healing vinyl sticker").
• Self-healing: a film top coat whose light scratches fade with heat.
• VLT: visible light transmission, the share of light that passes through tinted glass; a lower number means darker tint.
• Carbon vs ceramic tint: in the shop's descriptions, carbon film gets its color and heat rejection from dye built into the film; ceramic film adds nano-ceramic particles that block infrared heat.
• AS-1 line: a mark near the top of the windshield; South Carolina law does not allow tint below it.
• Ozone treatment: an odor treatment used in the shop's interior details.
• Dually: a pickup with dual rear wheels on each side.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

All pages checked on 19 October 2026.

1. The Auto Show, home page (about, process, testimonials, FAQ, contact): andersonautoshow.com
2. Detailing: andersonautoshow.com/detailing
3. Paint correction: andersonautoshow.com/paint-corrections
4. Ceramic coatings and pricing menu: andersonautoshow.com/ceramic-coatings
5. Window tint: andersonautoshow.com/window-tinting
6. Paint protection film: andersonautoshow.com/paint-protection-film
7. Book Online (service list and prices): andersonautoshow.com/book-online
8. Our Work gallery: andersonautoshow.com/our-work
9. Booking service pages: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Interior Micro Detail, Steam extraction, Bronze Interior, 1-Step Correction, 2-Step Correction, Glass coating, windshield, Glass coating, all windows, Leather coating, Leather ceramic coating, Interstate, Long Distance Driver, Off Roader, Full Car
10. South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Chapter 5, Section 56-5-5015 (sunscreen devices): scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php