It has been a while since my car has been on any long trips, meaning that since March 27th it has stood in the carport gathering dust in VAST quantities. I am almost too ashamed to actually show what the car looked like. Luckily, dirt does not really photograph well so the car looks cleaner than it actually was.
The rearview is probably the more representative of how dusty the car actually was.
Then on the stroke of 09h00, the cavalry arrived in the form of Franck and Moses, who quickly unpacked the purpose-built pannier and set about getting ready to tackle 4 months worth of dust. And I think that they had smiles on their faces. It was difficult to tell what was going on behind their masks. (Specific time of arrival and staff can be requested and booked via the Valet-V app.)
No time for chit-chat, there was work to be completed. Lockdown for me meant that I did not have to be anywhere and I was able to let them carry on without nagging them about how long it would take. (This conventional wash method Ultimate-V service package took about 2 hours).
Not quite the "wax on, wax off" of Mr Miyagi from Karate Kid, but they have a set routine using high-quality products that are designed to keep your vehicle cleaner for longer AND be kind to expensive paintwork. The company even offers a waterless cleaning option, should you want to be Eco-friendly.
With the polish easily seen in the morning sunlight, it was about to get labour intensive as the vehicle was polished by hand...and to the sound of country music playing on Francks mobile phone. I hosted a country music radio show for several years and it is my favourite genre of music. It also seems to make time pass quicker...or perhaps that is just my perception. Turns out, Nelson Mandela, also enjoyed the genre and would to listen to Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton while on Robben Island.
BEFORE
The only before close-up that I am prepared to share. On the odd occasions that I have gone to the shops during lockdown, I have been amazed that I was not stopped by JMPD for not being able to see out of the rear windscreen.
AFTER.
But that has changed post-cleaning and it is almost as if there IS no back window.
Every cm of the car was cleaned and inspected before the guys were ready to hand over the vehicle. A testament to their work ethic and the pride that they have in the completed product.
Many thanks to both Franck and Moses(who will be heading up an operation in the East Rand) for making this 13-year-old car look like it had just rolled off the showroom floor.
COVID-19 lockdown has seen our cars been driven less, but they tend to get dusty as they stand idle for long periods of time. However, with some sort of leisure travel allowed, we are going to be out and about shortly and much like a haircut and a beard trim makes me feel better, driving a sparkling clean vehicle does the same. Just a pity that a day after this clean, I got invited to visit two game parks near Johannesburg. Both facilities are self-drive and on dusty unpaved roads. But, that just gives me an excuse to have Valet-V back again. With Spring just around the corner, NOW might be the time to book YOUR appointment. Highly recommended for both punctuality and professionalism.
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