Mobile Car Detailing 101: Insight on the On-Demand Services
- Avery Burns
- Feb 28, 2017
- 4 min read
Traditionally, getting a car wash has meant driving to your nearest brick and mortar car wash center. However, with the growing number of mobile car wash and detail providers that are willing to come to you, customers now have the rather luxury option of choosing a service that caters to their needs, at their location.
This post will break down this relatively new mobile concept, and feel you in on everything that you need to make it work.
What is mobile car care?
A mobile car wash operates on wheels and carries with it everything that a stationary (brick and mortar) car wash has (e.g. shampoo, wax, polish, towels, sponges, polishers, etc.) Additionally, they will carry a reliable source or supply of water and power (which for eco-friendly providers, i.e. Rinseless, this is quite easy considering the minimal use of both.)
Based on your car wash provider’s operating hours, you can schedule an appointment anytime, practically anywhere. You will have to share details about your vehicle prior to confirming the appointment and specify what your needs are so the detailer can come prepared.
You may also discuss pricing. It’s extremely beneficial to you to be as objective and honest about the condition of your vehicle. Since if your car is dirtier than expected, the detailer must put in extra effort, meaning you may be faced with an additional charge.
This is no different from the operations of a stationary auto detailing service, since they charge you based on how much work they must do to return your vehicle to that showroom condition.
Pros and cons of mobile car care
As with any type of service, there are pros and cons to it. Fortunately, when it comes to mobile detailing, there's almost only positives.
Here are our list of pros:
• Convenience – If for your schedule doesn’t easily allow you to drive to your nearest car wash AND wait (or you simply prefer not to), then mobile car care is the best car wash option for you. YOU remain in control by choosing the place and time and set up the appointment!
• Cut back on your water use and save gas – Since the mobile car wash brings its own water (or other method of cleaning), you won’t get heavy water bills and moreover, you can also save on gas since you don’t have to make multiple trips to the auto detailing shop.
• Environmental regulations – Depending on where you live (or work), environmental laws pertaining to car wash can be very strict and if you violate them by, for example, polluting a storm drain when washing a car, may result in penalties and fines.
Any reputable car wash service provider should be familiar with any water restrictions, and have the appropriate setup to comply with them. Luckily, here at Rinseless, our water use is only a small fraction of what is traditionally used (typically less than a gallon per vehicle), which enables us to operate even during the most extreme water bans.
• Water conservation – Speaking of water, washing a car at home can take up to 80 gallons of water, which can be twice the amount that a mobile car wash provider uses with their more efficient pressure washing systems. (However, this is still nearly 40x more water than our rinseless wash process.)
And a few cons:
• Cost – This may be the only real "con" for some. Mobile car washing can be expensive compared to taking your vehicle to a stationary car wash, but that is the price you pay for a convenient car wash method that likely gives you a more detailed result than many high-volume brick and mortar wash centers.
In the end, the detailer will decide what should count for your final bill – the services you requested, how much time and effort was spent on the vehicle, supplies and equipment, water, gas money, pay for employees he brings along for the job, etc.
As mentioned above, just make sure to agree on a price before confirming the appointment if it's not very clear.
• Difficulty choosing a good service provider – Since there are so many mobile car care services around, selecting the right one might be an overwhelming experience for you.
You might end up with an unprofessional service with mediocre or poorly qualified employees, not to mention one that overcharges clients, unless you do your research.
Word of mouth is still the best form of review out there so if you have any family, friends or neighbors who can recommend a good service, then go for it. You can also check online for customer reviews of mobile car care services in your area.
• Obstacles that could affect your appointment – The weather could definitely affect your plans for a mobile car wash since the service is done outdoors. However, this may affect any plans for a car wash or detail since you likely aren't getting this type of service done anywhere during in climate weather.
So, is mobile car care the right choice for you?
That decision will likely be based on your lifestyle and where your car fits into it. The extreme convenience provided with this type of service is a necessity for some, a desire for others, and potentially unwanted by the rest.
Where do you fall in?
If you are on the look out for a professional mobile car detailing service, set up an appointment with Rinseless and we'll bring our eco-friendly wash and detail center to you.
- Avery B.
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