As professional valeters and detailers, we understand that the summer months can pose significant challenges to our work. In the UK it is either torrential rain or blistering heat – not ideal when trying to plan your work week! While the warm weather may be an appealing prospect, the extreme heat can take a toll on both the detailer and the detailing process. In this blog post, we will discuss the various aspects of working in the heat and provide practical tips to help you maintain high standards of workmanship while ensuring your well-being and that of your equipment and the vehicles you work on.
Look after number one
Working in high temperatures can lead to various health issues such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration. It's crucial to recognise the symptoms of these conditions and take preventive measures. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Take regular breaks in the shade or a cool area to avoid overheating. Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing and a hat can also help protect against the sun's rays. Always apply suncream to protect against UV radiation, but make sure you wash your hands thoroughly to remove it from hands to prevent troublesome suncream marks on paintwork!
Look after your gear
High temperatures can cause your electrical equipment to overheat, especially machine polishers which tend to run a bit warm anyway. Ensure you keep up with your regular maintenance, make sure air vents are clear and look for any signs of overheating. Simple steps like putting them down in the shade of the vehicle will have a big impact too vs leaving them in direct sun.
Impact on products
Heat can cause detailing products to dry out too quickly, making them difficult to work with and potentially leading to disappointing results. If you look at your Autoglym product label, it will often advise to work on a cool surface, but we know in the trade, that isn’t always possible. There are some steps you can take to help though:
- Try to work during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.
- Whenever possible, work in the shade or use a canopy to protect the car and yourself from direct sunlight (but make sure it won’t blow away!)
- Use a cool water rinse to lower the temperature of the vehicle's surface before starting the detailing process. This ensures products don't dry too quickly.
- Work on small sections of the vehicle at a time to ensure you can effectively work the product before it dries out.
By planning your workday, you can effectively cope with the challenges of working in the heat, ensuring the safety of both yourself and maintaining the high standards expected by your clients. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, and taking the necessary precautions will enable you to continue delivering exceptional detailing services even in the hottest conditions.