If you're like most shop owners or managers, you spend considerable time thinking about ways to squeeze another dollar out of each part of your operation. While you consider expanding your operation to offer niche businesses such as paintless dent removal, glass repair and minor express repairs, take a closer look at your detailing department. In it lies a potential revenue stream that can generate money through upselling and a marketing device that can put you in contact with a pool of customers who will need you eventually for more substantial chores.
What's the secret? Think vehicle interiors – specifically the beautiful cowhide covering seats, consoles and other interior pieces.
Leather seats and interiors have been a staple of luxury vehicles for awhile now and for good reason – the material looks attractive and feels comfortable next to skin. With more vehicle manufacturers offering leather on all their high-end, and some of their not-so-high-end vehicles, shop owners see much more of this material. If you look closely, you've probably also noticed a problem – much of this leather is showing wear and tear that is preventable and often is reversible.
With the right training, shop owners can offer this care as part of a repair (in which you can match the shining new exterior with an equally attractive restored interior) and separate niche business. Refer to the following steps:
Cleaning leather
Leather has to be cleaned carefully before it can be conditioned properly. As leather ages, it loses essential protectants the vehicle manufacturer infused into it. When these protectants diminished or disappear, the leather becomes susceptible to oils, dirt and UV damage. Most leather damage comes from contact with humans. The oils and other contaminants from skin (especially from sweat) take a toll on leather, as do lotions, perfumes, colognes, tanning products, etc. Regular cleaning is vital to protecting leather. Perform this cleaning with the proper steps.Step 1. Clean the entire vehicle interior thoroughly. Dirt, grit and other contaminants can get trapped in the grooves of leather. If they aren't removed, the friction that results from wiping them against leather can create blemishes. Even more damaging are contaminants such as glass and airbag and collision debris. Thoroughly vacuum the vehicle. Then, vacuum it again. Dab the leather with a damp cloth to pick up any remaining particles.
Step 2. Raise the vehicle temperature. Direct the output from a shop heater onto the interior. The heat has the same effect on leather as it does living skin – it causes the pores to open, which allow cleaners and conditioners to penetrate deeper. Some products recommend application at a higher temperature.
Step 3. Use a quality cleaner. Don't simply buy a leather-cleaning product. Conduct research. Talk to vendors and note their recommendations. A superior product can make a significant difference and is well worth the extra investment and time.Know what kind of leather interior you'll be cleaning and conditioning. Some leather interiors may be suede or coated with vinyl. To determine the kind of leather, check with the dealer, the owner's manual or manufacturer information. If you're still unsure, test the leather with a few drops of clean, cool water. Traditional leather absorbs water; vinyl-coated leathers repel it.
Note, too, acidic and alkaline cleaners can be as damaging to leather as they are to living tissue. Also, steer clear of any household cleaners. Use only those products made expressly for the interior.
Step 4. Use a quality applicator. Like a superior cleaner, a superior applicator can make a considerable difference. Again, conduct research and talk to vendors. A good applicator will allow you to clean deeper and more thoroughly. Have a sufficient supply. Never use the same applicator to apply a cleaner and conditioner.Step 5. Work methodically. Take your time and clean all the leather – seats, armrests, etc., thoroughly. Don't forget the backs of the seats.
Clean one section at a time. If the leather is especially dirty, clean several times. Don't move on to another section until the one you're cleaning is cleaned thoroughly.
Step 6. Rinse properly. Use a damp towel to remove any remaining cleaner. Rinse with clean water and wipe several times (water won't damage leather). Dry the leather with a fresh, dry towel.
Final tips: How often leather needs cleaned depends on how dirty it is and the color. At least, dark-colored leather interiors should be cleaned two to three times a year. Lighter colors usually need to be cleaned more often – once a month or every few weeks, depending on when dirt appears on the interior.
Conditioning leather
Step 1. Choose the right product. Again, the type of product will depend on the kind of leather. Conduct research and talk to vendors about options. Don't use leather-care products such as mink oil and saddle soap because some of these products will leave oily deposits.
Step 2. Apply methodically. Properly applying conditioner takes time and patience. Use an applicator, preferably a microfiber cloth, to work the conditioner into the leather thoroughly. Work in sections. Apply the conditioner in a circular motion. Then, let the conditioner settle – anywhere between several and 20 minutes. You want the conditioner to soak in to replace the moisture leather loses over time. The conditioner isn't simply shining the material. It's keeping it soft and flexible. Refer to the product recommendations. Buff any excess. Some will evaporate, but you'll still need to buff the leather. Don't return a vehicle with slippery seats to your customers.
Step 3. Stick to the leather. Some luxury vehicles have seats that are covered on all sides by leather. Most vehicles with leather interiors have seats with leather only on the front and sides. Don't waste time and product on the back, although apply some protectant based on material.
Tips: Leather should be conditioned every 30 to 60 days based on climate conditions. Dry climates, especially cold ones, require more frequent conditioning.
Finally, educate customers about the importance of proper leather care and how a properly cared-for interior adds value when it's resale time. Explain how much work is involved and how your shop, through regular appointments, can take care of it.
Editor's Note: Look for an ABRN Training Ground article about restoring leather interiors in an upcoming issue.
