So, you’ve taken the plunge, found a reliable mobile valeter, and your booking is set. But, it’s your first time using a mobile service, and you’re wondering how to prepare and what to expect on the day.
Well, no need to worry. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get your car ready for a mobile valet and what usually happens during the appointment.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of how the whole process works.
How to Prepare Your Car for a Mobile Valet
1. Choose a suitable location
- Pick an area with enough space for the valeter to work.
- Use your driveway, a quiet street, or a car park.
- If not, arrange another spot or let the valeter move the car.
The first step in preparing for a mobile valet is ensuring you have a suitable location for the valeter to work. This could be your driveway, a quiet street, or even a local car park, as long as there’s enough space around the vehicle for equipment like a pressure washer and long-handled brushes.
If you don’t have space at home, you can arrange to meet your valeter at a better spot. In some cases, and provided they have the right insurance, the valeter can move your car to their own location and return it once the service is complete.
2. Check access to power and water
- Confirm if the valeter brings their own water and power supply.
- Otherwise, you’ll need to supply a nearby tap and socket.
If your valeter doesn’t provide their own electricity and water supply, you’ll need to make sure there’s a power socket and water tap nearby for them to use. Most mobile valeters carry their own water tanks and generators, but it’s always a good idea to confirm this beforehand so there are no surprises on the day.
3. Remove personal items
- Remove valuables and personal items before the valet.
- Take out larger items like child seats or pet blankets.
- Clearing the car gives the valeter full access and protects your belongings.
If your mobile valeting package includes an interior clean, it’s a good idea to clear out any personal items before the appointment. That means removing things like phones, wallets, jewellery, and other valuables, along with loose change, phone holders, and air fresheners.
Bigger items such as child seats, storage organisers, pet blankets, and toys should also be taken out where possible.
Not only does this give the valeter full access to every corner of your car, it also means you don’t have to worry about your belongings getting in the way or being damaged during the clean.
4. Take note of existing damage
- Photograph existing scratches, dents, and paint imperfections.
- Include interior areas like seats and carpets.
- A visual record provides peace of mind and avoids disputes.
Before the valet begins, spend a few minutes documenting any existing damage to your car. Take clear photos of scratches, dents, or paint imperfections, especially in hidden areas, to protect yourself from any unnecessary disputes. Be sure to capture the interior as well, including seats, carpets, and other vulnerable spots.
While it is highly unlikely that an experienced and reliable valeter will cause any damage, having a visual record gives you extra peace of mind, especially if it’s your first time hiring them.
5. Plan for waste disposal
- Have a bin ready if your package includes rubbish removal.
- Valeters need space to dispose of the waste during the clean.
When rubbish removal is part of the valet package and your car has gathered quite a bit, it helps to have a bin nearby with plenty of space. Most full valets or interior valets cover rubbish removal, and the valeter will need somewhere to throw it all away.
6. Consider lighting for night jobs
- Ask if the valeter brings lighting equipment for night jobs.
- If not, choose a well-lit spot like a driveway or under streetlights.
- Extra light helps the valeter deliver a more thorough clean.
Although most valeters bring their own lighting for working at night, such as a spotlight, it helps to choose a location with decent existing lighting like driveway lights or nearby street lamps.
Extra light makes it easier for the valeter to spot dirt, blemishes, or areas that need extra attention, ensuring a more thorough and polished result.
More Tips to Consider After Booking a Mobile Valet
- Check weather reports: Aim to book your valet on a dry, clear day to reduce the chance of cancellations or delays.
- Prepare for noise: Valeting often involves equipment like pressure washers and vacuums, which can be loud, so consider giving your neighbours a heads-up if needed.
- Highlight problem areas: Let the valeter know about any spots that need extra care, such as stubborn stains, scratches, or heavily soiled sections.
- Plan around car use: Schedule the valet on a day you don’t need to use the car right away, allowing time for any products applied to fully settle and dry.
What to Expect Before & During the Valet
1. Arrival and setup
Typically, the valeter will arrive at the agreed location, collect the keys, and spend around 10-15 minutes setting up their equipment. This can include connecting tools to your water and electricity supply if they don’t bring their own. In the case of night-time appointments or poor weather, they may also set up a portable tent and spotlight to ensure they can work safely and effectively.
2. Quick inspection
Sometimes the valeter will perform a quick inspection of your vehicle and note any existing damage, like scratches or dents, before starting the work. They may also take photos of these areas to maintain transparency and prevent any potential disputes.
3. Service begins
Once the valeter is satisfied with the setup, they will begin the agreed-upon service. How long it takes depends on the type of service booked, with a basic valet usually taking 30 minutes to an hour, and a full valet or mobile detailing taking several hours. The estimated duration is typically provided when you book the service so you know what to expect.
4. Final inspection
After the valet is complete, you can walk around your car and check the results while the valeter is still present. If everything meets your expectations, they might request permission to photograph the car for their website or social media to demonstrate their work.
5. Pack up and departure
To finish, the valeter will pack away their equipment, clean up the area, and hand your car back to you looking its best. They may also ask for a review or feedback on social media or platforms like Trustpilot. If you’re happy with the service, leaving a review is a simple way to support the valeter and help them gain more clients in the future.
What to Expect After the Valet is Finished
- Lingering car odours: You may notice a faint smell from cleaning products or air fresheners right after the valet, but this usually fades within a few days.
- Damp carpets or seats: If a deep shampooing was part of the package, allow some time for them to fully dry.
- Initial brake noises: After wheel or brake disc cleaning, you might notice a slight squeak until the brakes are completely dry.
- Temporary “wet look”: Certain products, such as wax or shine treatments, can make your car appear extra glossy or “wet” for a short time before the finish evens out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to provide access to electricity and water for a mobile valet?
It depends on the valeter as some bring their own electricity and water supply, while others will need access to a power outlet and water tap at your location. It’s best to confirm with them before booking.
Do I need to remove personal items before a mobile valet?
Yes, it’s recommended to remove all personal items from your car before a mobile valet, unless you’ve specifically agreed with the valeter that they can handle them. This includes bags, storage organisers, child seats, pet covers, interior ornaments, and any loose belongings that could get in the way of a thorough clean.
Should I take pictures before a mobile valet?
Yes, it’s wise to take pictures of your car, both exterior and interior, before a mobile valet, especially if it’s your first time using that particular company. This provides a clear record of any existing scratches, dents, or other imperfections and can help protect you in case of any disputes about potential damage.
How do I pay for a mobile valet service?
It depends on the valeter or company you hire, but usually you can pay online by card when booking, or pay by card or cash after the service. Always check with the valeter beforehand to confirm accepted payment methods.
Conclusion
Preparing for a mobile car valet is fairly straightforward. Just make sure the valeter has enough room to work, remove any personal items from the car and provide access to what’s needed to complete the job, such as electricity, water, and rubbish bins.
On the day of your booking, the valeter will arrive at the agreed time, set up their equipment, and begin the service. Once finished, you’ll typically have the chance to inspect and sign off on the work before they pack up and tidy the area.
The process is designed to be hassle-free for you. In most cases, all that’s required is handing over the keys and letting the valeter take care of the rest.
