Car valet

Car valets wash, clean and polish motor vehicles.


What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a car valet you would:

  • check vehicles before cleaning and report any scratches or damage
  • use high-pressure hoses to clean cars, vans and fleet vehicles
  • follow manufacturer's instructions on safe use of cleaning products
  • clean windows, wheels, door handles and mirrors
  • vacuum and shampoo upholstery and carpets
  • wax and polish bodywork
  • apply gels and other finishes to bumpers and trims
  • collect and deliver vehicles, or move and park vehicles on site

Working environment

You could work at a garage, at a car dealership, in a workshop or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a team leader or supervisor, or go on to start your own business.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work on your own
  • the ability to work well with others
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

How to become

You can get into this job by applying directly.

You can apply directly to work as a car valet. There are no set requirements though good customer service skills will be helpful.

Some experience in the motor trade, or in a related area like industrial or office cleaning may be useful.

You can get more advice about working as a car valet from Autocity.


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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.