Car Valeting: Overview and Equipment
The primary tools needed for car valeting include a pressure washer, microfiber towels, sponges, polishers and waxes, tire shine product, and lint-free cloths. Depending on paintwork condition, additional products may need to be purchased such as clay bars or compounds to remove oxidation or scratches from surfaces.
Car Valeting Frequency
To stop dirt and grime build-up on the bodywork, wash your car at least once a fortnight and get a full valet every 2-3 months. Ideally, valeting should take place in a dry, well-lit garage or workshop with plenty of ventilation and room.
Detailed Car Valeting Process
- When applying wax, work panel by panel to prevent wax setting on paintwork, making residue removal difficult.
- After waxing, restore the color of faded black plastic trim using Simoniz Back to Black.
- Valeting should take place at least twice monthly and waxed at least every 90 days.
Full Car Valet Inclusions
Full valets include a deeper exterior and interior clean, wax or sealant application to paintwork, and tire and trim dressing. Valeting means "to clean bodywork and interior professionally", while detailing means "thoroughly cleaning interior and exterior and minor repairs".
Full Interior Valet Checklist
- Empty all interior rubbish including boot, glove box, and ashtray.
- Clean and dress the dashboard, air vents, and controls.
Professional Car Valeting Service
If valeting your car yourself, let’s look at professional valet service first. Car valeting professionally cleans, polishes, and waxes a vehicle for a brand new, pristine look. Professionals usually provide service leaving car valeted inside and out.
Equipment Checklist for Valeting a Car
- Some cleaning solution to mix with water when rinsing down your car.
- Glass cleaner (no ammonia)
- Foam car shampoo (if fabric seats), or leather cleaner (if leather seats)
- Autoglym The Collection – an extensive car cleaning kit ideal for a full inside and outside clean.
Mobile Car Valeting Equipment
There are a lot of car valeting equipment found in the market. Based on my automobile service experience in mobile car valeting in South West London, I write this writing on 5 must-need equipment for car valeting:
- Steam cleaners for cars: Car cleaning supplies are highly adaptable pieces of equipment that can be used to clean a vehicle’s engine.
Essentials for Car Valeting Business
With a growing demand for professional car cleaning services, it is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the automotive industry. Here are some essential steps to help you get started on your car valeting business:
- Research the Market
- Create a Business Plan
- Decide on Your Business Type and Location
- Fund Your Detailing Business
How to Start Car Detailing Business
- What is Car Detailing?
- Market Research
- Create a Business Plan
- Decide on Your Business Type and Location
- Fund Your Detailing Business
Car Valeting FAQs
- How do you professionally valet a car?
- How long does it take to valet a van?
- What qualifications do you need to be a car Valeter?
- What do I need to start car valeting?
- What happens in a car valet?