Take a good look at the cleanliness of the car traveled in during your trip in India. I’m not talking about the first day when you’re picked up from the airport. Take notice on day 3, day 6…heck even day 17. That vehicle will be spotless whether you’re traveling the dusty, sand trapped roads of Rajasthan, or burning rubber through the tropical delights of South India.

Every morning, drivers wake long before their clients to perform the routine of finding a car washing “station”. A peek in the trunk will locate the ubiquitous bucket and cloth nearly every prepared driver travels with. Most hotels provide a spot around back where drivers can diligently shake out the mats, pat down the gritty seats (wrapped in individually made covers) and wash yesterday away. Hotels without water services leave the driver to seek out natural streams on the roadside or use their network of friends in each city for water access. Restaurants in Rajasthan even provide spigots near parking spots for drivers to use during lunch stops or toilet breaks.

It’s not uncommon to spot numerous tourist vehicles parked along the roadside midway through a good washing or drivers pulling out a cloth to wipe down windows. A new trend of car washing services is emerging across the country. Locations in cities often times are jam packed but quickly make room for drivers in a hurry. Their clients may be eating lunch or sightseeing for an hour allowing a brief opportunity to the driver. A young man hurriedly uses an air hose to blow the dust out of the vehicle, rather than vacuum, while another is already spraying the grime on the outside away.

Empty water bottles, wrappers or plastic bags will be gone the next morning. Bird trophy on the windshield blocking your camera view? It will be gone in the morning. And along with a clean car you may be welcomed to a fresh garland wrapped around the rear view mirror or dashboard deity. Incense may still linger giving a sign your driver performed his daily puja prior to your arrival for the day.

It’s all about the image, and maintaining that image must be done when the client is not looking. But if you’re observant, you may spot the signs.