How Car Detailing Works

Never used a car detailing service before? Here's what to expect — from choosing the right service to driving away with a like-new vehicle.

1

🔍 Choose the Right Service

Start by identifying what your car needs. Is the paint dull and swirled? You might need paint correction. Want long-term protection? Consider a ceramic coating or PPF. Just need a great clean? A full detail is the way to go. Check our Services Guide for help deciding.

💡 Tip: When in doubt, call a detailer and describe your car's condition — they'll recommend the right service at no cost.
View Services Guide →
2

📍 Find a Detailer Near You

Browse our directory to find local car detailing shops and mobile detailers in your area. Filter by city, state, or service type. Check ratings and read descriptions to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

💡 Tip: Mobile detailers come to you — great for convenience. Shop-based detailers are better for intensive services like paint correction, PPF, and ceramic coating.
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3

💰 Get a Quote

Contact your chosen detailer to get a quote. Most will need to know your vehicle's make, model, size, and current condition. Some offer online booking with instant pricing; others prefer a quick phone call. Pricing varies based on service, vehicle size, and condition.

💡 Tip: Pricing factors include vehicle size, service type, paint condition, interior condition, and whether you want add-ons like odor elimination or ceramic coating.
4

📦 Prepare Your Vehicle

Remove personal items, valuables, and car seats before your appointment. The detailer will need access to all areas of your vehicle. For interior jobs, clear out the trunk and back seat completely.

💡 Tip: Don't wash your car right before a detail — the detailer will do that as part of the service. However, if you're getting paint correction or coating, come in with a clean car to save time.
5

✨ The Detailing Process

Your detailer will work through each step systematically — exterior wash, decontamination, polishing, interior cleaning, and protection application. Premium services like paint correction and ceramic coating take 1–3 days. Basic details can be done in 3–6 hours.

💡 Tip: Quality detailing takes time. Rush jobs often lead to mediocre results. A good detailer who says 'drop it off for a full day' is doing it right.
6

🚗 Pickup & Aftercare

After your detail, your detailer will walk you through what was done and any aftercare instructions. For ceramic coatings, you'll typically need to avoid washing for 7 days. For standard details, gentle hand washing is recommended to maintain the results.

💡 Tip: Ask for a maintenance schedule. Most detailers recommend touch-up washes every 2–4 weeks and a full detail every 6–12 months depending on use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does car detailing cost near me?

Basic exterior washes start around $50–100. A full interior and exterior detail typically runs $150–350. Paint correction starts around $300–800. Ceramic coatings range from $500–2,000+ and provide multi-year protection.

How long does car detailing take?

An express exterior wash takes 1–2 hours. A full detail takes 5–10 hours. Paint correction takes 1–3 days. Ceramic coating takes 2–3 days including cure time.

What is the difference between mobile detailing and a shop?

Mobile detailers come to your home or office — great for convenience and basic services. Shop-based detailers have controlled environments ideal for paint correction, ceramic coatings, and PPF installation.

How often should I get my car detailed?

Most car owners benefit from a full detail 1–2 times per year, with exterior washes monthly or quarterly. Ceramic coatings reduce maintenance frequency significantly.

Is car detailing worth it?

Absolutely. Regular detailing preserves your paint, protects resale value, improves driving comfort, and can eliminate odors. Ceramic coatings and PPF especially provide long-term ROI by reducing paint damage.

Can detailing remove scratches?

Light swirl marks and minor surface scratches can often be removed with paint correction (machine polishing). Deep scratches that penetrate the clear coat or primer require touch-up paint or bodywork.

Ready to Find a Detailer?

Find a professional car detailing service near you.

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