Some customers might consider you a gift from the heavens after you transform their dingy looking vehicle into something worthy of a magazine cover, but from time to time, mistakes are made. 

Being aware of these detailing sins – common mistakes – and how they can be avoided is the best strategy for combating errors.

1. Incomplete service on a vehicle

“What was I supposed to clean on this vehicle?” 

Many detail shops have different levels of service that a customer can purchase and sometimes the customer doesn’t receive what they have paid for – making the shop look unprofessional.

Customers may not notice they were short changed, but if they do, make it right by apologizing and doing the work previously overlooked.

Checksheets are a simple way to ensure that all work is done properly. If you have four or five different levels of service, run through each step and make a checksheet for the entire process. 

Each time you or your employees complete a job, simply run down the list to ensure that everything the customer requested has been completed.

2. Incorrect product dilutions

“Do I mix this with 2 cups of water, or 2 gallons?” 

The wrong mix of chemicals may not give you the optimum results in your application while also costing you money in product.

Too much shampoo solution in your extractor will leave residue in the carpets, making it more likely to pick up dirt and stains after you return the car. Too little detergent mix in your water will have you washing the vehicle a second time to remove greasy fingerprints and left over grime. 

To remedy this problem you may need to enlist the help of a chemical sales representative who can tell you how to correctly dilute chemicals to get the most mileage out of your purchase and the best cleaning power for your dollar.

3. Using the wrong product for the wrong job  

“Do I use the pink stuff for the tires or the windows?” 

This is a potentially disastrous mistake. Using a silicone based protectant to wipe down a steering wheel or brake pedal could cause an accident; using engine cleaner to wipe down windows could harm the rubber seals around the window. 

These mistakes can cost you time in having to do the work over again properly, or in an extreme case, cause the driver to have an accident. 

To solve this problem, put large and easy to read labels on your dispensers or spray bottles and cover the labels with a laminating film to keep moisture from ruining them.

4. Incorrect tool usage

“It can’t be too hard to use this polisher, can it?” 

Not knowing how to use a tool can be worse than not using it at all. 

Of course, there’s a learning curve associated with some tools. Taking the time to learn how and when to use them properly can save many headaches and insurance claims later on.

For example, it’s a great idea to visit a local salvage yard and purchase a couple doors and hoods to test a new polisher. This way you will burn paint on the test pieces, not your customer’s car.

5. Incomplete use of information 

“Who was the guy driving the black SUV that was in late last week?”

As business owners, we have to gather lots of information about cars and customers serviced. We need to know and keep records of addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and more.

Detailers should use this information for promoting business, soft sell marketing, advertising specials and most importantly, to follow up after service to ensure customers are happy. 

After a vehicle is returned to a customer, contact them within two or three days to make sure they are satisfied. 

This will give you the confidence that you have done a good job and keep your name and service in the mind of the customer so they can talk to others about it.

6. Checking the drip side

“Nobody ever looks under there, right?” 

Wheel wells tell where a vehicle has been. In the winter they get loaded up with snow and slush and in the nicer weather, they get pelted with rain, mud and the occasional rock. 

They also tell how much extra you put into your work. Wheel wells are easy to clean up – spray some degreaser inside the well and let it sit for a couple minutes. Then, just a simple long handled scrub brush and regular wash soap will remove most of the gunk. 

You will need to put in extra effort since this dirt and grime hits the well at highway speeds. Don’t forget to clean the tires and rims first or you’ll have to do them again. 

Once it’s dry, don’t spray the protectant – wipe it on, so it won’t get on the tire tread.

7. Giving yourself a tune-up

“Can I check under your hood?” 

The engine compartment has undergone a remarkable change over the years. Forgotten by some, and not even known by others, are the days when engine cleaning meant a can of oven cleaner and a hose. 

Today, there are so many sensors and different materials under the hood of later model vehicles, it simply proves the old adage “less is more” is very true. 

Harsh solvents and cleaners are out – work only with water based degreasers that are heavily diluted and work up to stronger solutions. The new citrus cleaners work wonders in this area.

Instead of soaking the engine and covering up the carburetor you need to be selective in what you spray, agitate and be careful when you rinse.

Blake Corkill is a freelance writer with extensive experience within the detailing industry and a frequent contributor to the magazine.