Professional mobile valeting keeps your fleet in top condition — but what happens between visits? The actions taken (or not taken) between scheduled valets can significantly affect vehicle appearance and the longevity of protective coatings.
Here are five practical steps that fleet managers can share with drivers to maintain vehicle condition between professional services.
1. Address Bird Droppings and Tree Sap Immediately
Bird droppings are acidic. Left on paintwork for more than 48 hours, they can etch through clear coat and even penetrate ceramic protection. Tree sap has a similar bonding effect.
Driver guidance: Keep a small bottle of waterless wash solution and a microfibre cloth in the glovebox. A quick spot-clean takes 30 seconds and prevents permanent damage.
2. Avoid Automated Car Washes
Automated roller washes use abrasive brushes that create swirl marks and micro-scratches. Over time, these degrade paintwork and strip protective coatings — including ceramic treatments like PureShield.
Driver guidance: If vehicles need cleaning between scheduled valets, a gentle hand wash with pH-neutral shampoo is far safer than any automated alternative.
3. Park Strategically
UV exposure is the leading cause of paint oxidation and interior fading. Vehicles parked in direct sunlight for extended periods suffer accelerated clear coat degradation.
Driver guidance: Where possible, park in shaded areas or covered car parks. This is especially important for darker-coloured vehicles, which absorb more heat and UV radiation.
4. Keep Interiors Tidy
Interior condition degrades through accumulated debris — food crumbs, drink spills, sand, and general clutter. These attract moisture and bacteria, leading to odours that eventually require professional ozone treatment.
Driver guidance: Remove rubbish at the end of each journey. Use rubber floor mats that can be shaken out weekly. Report spills promptly so they can be addressed at the next scheduled valet.
5. Report Damage Early
Small chips and scratches are inevitable in fleet operations. The key is catching them early, before rust sets in or damage worsens. MMCC’s 25-point vehicle inspection flags these issues at every visit — but drivers who report damage between visits enable faster intervention.
Driver guidance: Use your fleet management system or email your fleet coordinator when you notice new chips, scratches, or interior damage.
How Professional Valeting Supports These Efforts
| Between-Valet Action | Professional Valet Complement |
|---|---|
| Spot-clean droppings/sap | Full decontamination and clay bar treatment |
| Avoid automated washes | Paint correction and ceramic reapplication |
| Park in shade | PureShield UV-resistant ceramic coating |
| Keep interior tidy | Deep steam clean and sanitisation |
| Report damage early | 25-point inspection with photographic record |
The Combined Effect
When drivers take simple daily precautions and fleet managers invest in scheduled professional valeting, the result is vehicles that maintain their appearance, hold their value, and represent the business well throughout their entire lifecycle.