How Often Should You Valet Your Car?

Most cars benefit from a full valet every three to six months, with quick maintenance washes in between to keep the protection topped up. The right frequency depends on how you use the car. Pet owners, families with young children, high-mileage drivers and anyone parking under trees or near the coast should valet more often, because their interiors and paintwork take more punishment.

The general rule for most cars

For an average car used for commuting and family life, a full valet every three to six months keeps it in good order, with a wash every couple of weeks in between. This rhythm stops dirt, stains and contamination building up to the point where they become permanent, while keeping a protective layer on the paint.

When to valet more often

Some situations call for a more frequent schedule:

• Pet owners: hair and odours build up quickly, so every six to eight weeks helps.
• Families with children: crumbs, spills and sticky fingers add up fast.
• High-mileage drivers: more road grime, bugs and brake dust.
• Parking under trees or near the coast: sap, droppings and salt attack paint.

Why winter changes the schedule

Winter is hard on cars. Road salt is corrosive and clings to the lower panels, arches and underside, while grit and damp get tracked into the interior. Through the salted months it is worth washing more often to rinse the salt off, and a mid-winter valet helps protect the paint. We cover this in our road salt guide.

Maintenance washes between valets

You do not need a full valet every time the car looks dirty. A careful wash every week or two, drying with a clean microfibre and topping up wax now and then, keeps the car looking smart and the paint protected between professional valets. Think of the valet as the deep reset and the washes as upkeep.

Setting a schedule that suits you

The best schedule is one you will actually keep to. Many of our customers book a regular valet every few months so it is taken care of without thinking about it. Tell us how you use your car and we will suggest a sensible rhythm. We valet cars on a one-off or regular basis across Derby, Nottingham and the East Midlands.