are you are planing to export a car?

whether you use a specialist exporting firm or do it yourself, there are many tasks that need to be organised, including a thorough cleaning, which is a requirement of both the country you are exporting from and the country you are importing to. therefore, prior shipping a vehicle, it must be fully cleaned according to the regulations of the UK and the destination country. this cleaning includes completely cleaning the vehicle and complying with the customs modifications, as many countries impose strict rules about the condition of imported vehicles.

the general rules concerning the vehicles condition, include the requirement the vehicle to be free from dirt, soil, plant matter, or any contaminants that could potentially introduce pests or diseases into the imported countries ecosystem. if you do not clean the vehicle properly and so comply with these regulations this can result in delays to your vehicle either leaving the exported country or arriving in the imported country and even rejection of the vehicle at customs points. our export valet is essential as it covers all the areas needed and comprehensively cleans the exterior allowing for export and import compliance, including a thorough cleaning of the exterior bodywork, door shuts, around the grills, front air scoops, front and rear bumper areas and the wheel arches and underside. The engine bay, underside of the bonnet and shuts are all cleaned too.

by correctly and completely cleaning your vehicle, this allows for a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s exterior, interior, and undercarriage. thus inspectors can identify any existing damage, scratches, or dents before shipping, which can be useful for insurance purposes and documenting the vehicle’s condition. a thorough clean also means you will help to the transportation of foreign substances or hazardous materials. this is really important if you have been using the vehicle for off-road activities, agriculture, or other activities that may result in the accumulation of soil, chemicals, or other contaminants within the bodywork of your vehicle. of course by having a clean and well-maintained vehicle reflects positively on your professionalism and attention to detail. it can contribute to a smooth shipping process and a good impression when the car arrives at the destination. another additional benefit of cleaning your car before export provides an opportunity for you to remove personal belongings and valuables. it means that no items are left behind, reducing the risk of loss or damage during transit.

while cleaning the exterior of the vehicle is critical, cleaning the interior is important as well. remove any loose items, personal belongings, and unnecessary accessories. a clean and uncluttered interior also makes it easier for customs officials or shipping company representatives to inspect the car. our interior cleaning includes a full clean and shampoo of the interior and headlining, full cleaning of all the interior plastics, the boot and the spare wheel area. we even include a sanitising of the HVAC system, desanitising and freshening up ventilation system, ready for your vehicles new life abroad.

however, it should be noted that specific cleaning requirements may vary depending on the destination country and shipping regulations. therefore, we advise you consult with your shipping company or check the guidelines provided by the customs authorities of the vehicles destination country to ensure full compliance with their cleanliness standards and regulations.

the inside and outside service takes between 8-10 man hours (though this can be completed over two consecutive days) and is carried out on site, using our fully mobile service.

specification list

• TFR/ACID bath of full vehicle.
• the bodywork is rinsed down using water to remove dust particles.
• engine bay cleaned and dressed and shuts and inside of the bonnet cleaned
• the wheels are cleaned using an premium safe wheel cleaner, using separate bucket and sponges.
• the entire bodywork bathed using a pre-sprayed premium tfr, along with the arches and underside
• the entire bodywork is then lathered with a premium wash wax, with separate bucket and sponges..
• tar spots are removed, but excessive tar needs our specialist service. for details click here
• the bodywork is then high pressure rinsed down, including the arches, wheels and all door shuts, backs of wheels and underside of vehicle (where accessible) are cleaned.
• all the bodywork is then leathered off using separate leathers for bodywork and the rest of the car.
• we apply a premium polish to bodywork and all shuts.
• we dress all the exterior plastics using a premium plastic dressing.
• we brush all interior fabric areas, seats, carpets and boot and hoover the interior.
• we shampoo all fabric areas, seats (if fabric), carpets, headlining and panels, but excessive dirt needs our specialist service. click here
• we carefully prepare leather with a premium preparatory cleaner.
• we then feed the entire leather covered areas with high quality autoglym leather feeder.
• all interior plastics are pre-sprayed and scrubbed, but excessive dirt needs our specialist service. for details click here
• the steering wheel is wiped down and seat runners are cleaned, but excessive dirt needs our specialist service. for details click here
• interior wood and chrome is cleaned and polished.
• all exterior and interior glass and mirrors are polished, including vanity mirrors.
A HVAC/air conditioning sanitiser is released to sanitise and disinfect the system, meaning fresh and clean air vent air flows. for more information click here
• we carry out a final hoover and place our sticker and check quality and specification.
• full coverage of UK mainland with no call out charge.

if the area of concern is not listed, it is not covered by this service, although it may be added as an optional extra.