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Useful experience for vehicle groomers/cleaners includes:

• work as a cleaner
• work with cars, particularly paint or panel work.

Vehicle groomers/cleaners may do some or all of the following:

• vacuum and shampoo vehicles
• clean door jambs, rubber seals, and plastic work
• clean the vehicle's exterior, including wheels, mudflaps and bumpers
• steam-clean the engine, boot, door sills and outside of the vehicle
• remove surface scratches on bodywork
• shift and position vehicles
• pick up and drop off vehicles and their owners
• perform basic mechanical checks such as water, oil and tyre pressure.

Those who work for car rental companies may also:

• complete paperwork
• assist clients with their luggage
• identify and report damage 
• check and report on fuel levels.

Chances of getting a job as a vehicle groomer/cleaner are good because:

• there is high staff turnover in the job
• vehicle grooming and cleaning is not thought of as a long-term career
• more than 30% of vehicle groomers/cleaners are 15 to 24 years old.

Job chances better in spring and summer

Demand for vehicle groomers/cleaners rises during spring and summer, when both rental car hires and car sales tend to increase.

According to the Census, 3,675 vehicle groomers/cleaners worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Vehicle groomers/cleaners may work for:

• specialist car grooming businesses
• new and used car dealers
• car and van rental companies
• panelbeaters and garages
• owners of large fleets of vehicles such as the police.

Some vehicle groomers/cleaners own their own businesses and are self-employed.

Vehicle groomers/cleaners may progress to set up their own business.

Vehicle groomers/cleaners need to be:

• organised
• accurate, with an eye for detail
• reliable and honest.