What does a Detailer do?
Detailers provide interior and exterior cleaning services to automobiles. They are responsible for anything from a simple wash and vacuum to a more extensive cleaning job that could include hand-washing a vehicle, steaming and deodorizing interiors, waxing, polishing, or applying protective agents to a car. Detailers operate machinery, including buffers, steamers, hoses, vacuums, and other equipment to meet service expectations. They use cleaning, protective, and restorative agents to maintain and enhance a vehicle’s appearance.
Detailers perform inspections and keep complete and accurate records of the vehicle’s condition. They move and park the cars, deliver them to correct locations, and sometimes pick owners and drivers up. Detailers manage inventory and record supplies and need a high school diploma or equivalent in a valid state driver's license with a clean driving record. They also need successful completion of automotive tech or other training programs alongside attention to detail and excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Comply with all safety policies and company uniform standards.
- Assist in tracking statistics and reports (weekly, monthly, and annually).
- Wash vehicle exterior, using cleaning solution, water, cloths, and brushes.
- Regularly bend and crouch to repair car wash equipment.
- Follow proper operating rules, procedures, and standardized work initiatives as assigned.
- Maintain a neat, clean and organized overall site appearance.
- Ensure all needed repairs identified to eliminate supplements and minimize repair time.
- Mend damaged body and fenders by hammering out or filling in dents and welding broken parts. insure all gaps and fits are to industry standards.
- Remove damaged fenders, panels and grills. and bolts or welds replacement parts in position and reassemble after parts are painted. insure all gaps and fills are to industry standards.
- Perform multi-point inspection on inbound units as required by company policies and procedures. check tire pressure. report service issues to shop.
- Participate in all training programs related to parts, service, and product updates.
- Perform automotive preventive maintenance such as changing oil, checking and refilling other vehicle fluids, replacing filters, and inspecting and replacing lights and wipers.
- High school diploma or associate degree in engineering.
- Able to carry or pull up to 40 lbs. of test equipment.
- Budget planning expertise.
- Exhibit strong leadership, time management, and problem solving skills.
- Demonstrated positive attitude and sense of humor.
- Fluency in product availability and offerings.
- Can collaborate with clients to carry out desired outcome.
Detailer Salaries near Canada
Average Base Pay
Detailer Career Path
Learn how to become a Detailer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Detailer Insights
CARVANA“Good money if you get lucky and your interview lowest seen is 15 highest 17 for the same position”
Cloud Imperium Games“The quality of the work being done from an art standpoint was amazing and really fun to work on.”
Ford Motor Company“It was fun and everyone was nice to work with”
Teph Seal“Not really any I can think of other than if you’re a manager you can decide your schedule but then again not really.”
Enterprise“Horribly understaffed and overworked.”
Carbiz“really nice and honest people.”
Bill Bryan Chrysler Jeep Dodge“Good pay Work was steady”
“Professional growth and an enjoyable Job”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Detailer
- Team Member
- Cashier
- Laborer
- Machine Operator
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