AutoBead: the intricacies of van detailing
Vehicle care specialist AutoBead has highlighted the role detailing can play in enhancing a van fleet’s presentation and thereby, its reputation.
“Society has become more casual in business these days,” said AutoBead’s James Ford.
“The rules about the formal business suit for all may no longer apply but personal appearance still has its place.
“Presentation is often how we are judged at first sight. A chef does not conceive a fine new recipe only to chuck it on the plate and plonk it on the table.”
Presentation is all with goods and services, James contends, and that applies equally to the vehicles used for business.
“A van that carries a business logo, be it an international company or an entrepreneurial one man band, is as much representative of that brand as the people who work there and the service they provide,” he said.
“That’s why they should always look their best.
“Operational maintenance is a big part of fleet management these days and it makes sense that a regular cleaning schedule is a part of that.
“A quick wash off may not be enough especially if the vehicles carries mixed goods which is why operators are these days having their vehicles properly detailed to maintain a professional appearance.”
James continued: “Detailing is of course the art of deep cleaning a vehicle, paying particular attention to those important details. Vans are high mileage vehicles that spend all their time on the roads, attracting road grime and other contaminants. Paintwork especially can suffer and become dull and pitted.
“Fortunately, professional quality paint detailing products are available to remove such contaminants and bring lacklustre paintwork and logos back to life.
“Further, after cleaning, a ceramic coating could be seen as beneficial and labour-saving, long term, to provide in-depth protection.”
Interior detailing is particularly relevant, argues James.
“The deep-cleaning of mats, carpets and vinyl surfaces and, especially these days, sanitising touchpoints to protect the driver and other staff, plus clients and the community at large. It’s all part and parcel of presentation,” he said.
“The load bay too takes its fair share of abuse and that’s possibly the part that customers see the most of. Detailing will get into the corners, vents and seat backs.
“Add in the wheels and the tyres as well, to make sure the van is presented in as pristine a fashion as possible.
“The many and varied high-tech products available today mean that this is a job that an owner/driver can attend to as and when required while fleet operators may prefer to call in a professional detailing service as part of a fleet maintenance schedule.
“Regular detailing makes interim cleaning easier too. Wax or a ceramic coat will ensure that any road grime washes away quickly and easily from paintwork revealing once again that showroom shine.”
As the car industry changes, says James, so does the commercial world.
“Increasingly, electric vans are finding favour for local deliveries but the same rules apply,” he added.
“Any vehicle that represents a company or sole trader says something about that business. Thus, presentation is key.”
