There are many reasons to use a professional valeter, for many people it is simply for ease and convenience, but there are also more fundamental reasons:

Safeguarding Your Investment - A vehicle that is in good condition cosmetically, can be worth many hundreds and in some cases thousands of pounds more than one in poor condition. Examples of this can be seen in used price guides.

Protecting Your Vehicle - Regular washing is essential if you want to protect your car from the detrimental effects of UV, water, slush, tree sap, bird lime, pollution and general dirt and grime. This becomes even more important during winter when salt is added to the equation. By keeping your car clean, contaminants are less able to adhere to its surface and therefore less likely to have harmful long term effects.

Technique and Chemicals - A professional valeter knows how to treat the bodywork of your vehicle without harming its finish. They know which chemicals and products can be used safely and effectively to remove dirt and grime, as well as having the right equipment for the job.

Contract Hire and Lease Companies - Usually it is expected that leased and hired vehicles are returned in an excellent all round condition, which allows only for fair wear and tear. Often high penalty charges will be imposed for any work that has to be done prior to their disposal of the car. The only way to avoid these charges is to have your car regularly cleaned, as well as a final full valet inside and out just prior to it's return. If your vehicle has been smoked in, or carried pets regularly, it would also be advisable for the vehicle to be deodorised prior to return.

Automated Car Washes - Most drive through and automated car washes use powerful chemicals, which can strip off your wax protection or in the worst situation damage your vehicle if used too frequently. These chemicals are used to give quick results and the shine you have when clean will often fade quickly. Rotating brushes, as with any brush has the potential to leave your car covered in thousands of tiny scratches (see below). Plus of course, they invariably miss bits, particularly around the wheels, sills and wing mirrors.

This picture shows an 18 month old black car, that had previously only been washed in an automatic car wash. The whole car was covered in thousands of tiny scratches that 'dilute' the depth and shine of the paint. It's the edges of these scratches that catch and defract the light, making them very obvious in any bright light. It's not just automatic car washes that leave these marks, poor washing and drying techniques will also result in a swirled surface.