How much does a Car Detailer cost?

If you want your car to look new again, the answer is car detailing. For $100 to $150, you can get thorough car detailing that goes beyond regular car washes. For $150, you can get a more extensive clean that may be enough for a car in good condition. If you can handle higher car detailing prices, you can get a cut and polish treatment that removes exterior wear and tear for around $300 to $400.

Car detailing experts base their prices on the number of services included in a professional car detailing package. Basic car detailing starts with a thorough wash. Detailers may use special cleaners to remove tar and other sticky substances. A wax may be all that’s needed for some cars, while others may need dents and scratches to be repaired.

Size and condition may impact your car detailing cost. A larger SUV is likely to cost more than a regular car. Very dirty interiors may need more services to be restored to an odour-free and stain-free look. Likewise, dented or scratched exteriors may need a more advanced paint protection job.

Exterior Car Detailing

Usually, exterior detailing includes a pressure rinse like a regular car wash to get every bit of debris from every waterproof part of the exterior. It continues with a thorough shampoo that includes surfaces such as the wheel arches and bumpers. A high-pressure rinse and chamois dry ensure that the final look is spotless. Car detailing should also include glossing the tyres to make them look new. These services usually come in at around $55 to $75. If you want a more extensive package such as hand wax and car paint protection, you can expect to pay around $150. For a cut and polish treatment, the price will be around $300 with some services topping out at $500 for a full car detail.

Exterior detail on a vintage station wagon. | Source: Royalz Restorationz

Interior Car Detailing

Interior car detailing packages usually includes vacuuming upholstery and carpets, dusting and shining interior surfaces, and cleaning the boot. This is likely to be included in a basic interior detail package costing from $100 to $150. However, if you want to do steam cleaning or leather cleaning, detailers may charge from $150 to $220.

Inside of a vehicle after interior detailing. | Source: Rapid Mobile Auto Detailing

Mobile Auto Detailing and Car Wash

Mobile detailing has become popular because it saves car owners time and stress. Instead of driving to car detailers, the car detailers come to you. The mobile car detailing unit arrives at your work or home with the tools needed to do the job. This includes water for pressure washing and shampooing. Mobile car detailing costs are often the same as those at a car wash. If you are only paying a small addition to the cost of car detailing, it is often worth it to let the auto detailing professional come to you. It’s possible to get discounts if you buy full detail packages for multiple vehicles at the same site. This may get all of the family cars cleaned up in one visit.

Clean SUV after a mobile car detail. | Source: In The Clear Auto Marine

Other

Other

Most detailing packages combine exterior and interior detailing services. Thus your $100 to $150 cleaning will provide the basics such as vacuuming fabrics, car wash, window cleaning, applying protectant to surfaces inside and thoroughly cleaning and waxing the outside. The $150 package is likely to combine interior shampooing and leather conditioning with exterior paint protection. There are many other add-on services that you will want to consider like using a clay bar, depending on the style and condition of your car. If you are selling it, an engine detailing service can make it look like new. Older cars may need headlight restoration.

If you are looking to splurge or a custom detail, a carbon vinyl wrap can be an option to protect the vehicle’s paint and can cost as much as $3,000 or more. Even a partial wrap can turn a basic car into a more sporty and exciting vehicle.

The main factors influencing the cost of car detailing are the size and condition of the car and the time the car detailer needs to spend on your car. Here are quotes Oneflare customers have received for a full detail of a car including both the interior and exterior:

You can figure out the price you should pay by getting multiple quotes before making a final selection. Pay attention to the services offered and ask what products and equipment are used. The best price is not always the best deal.

Since a car or auto detailer can be expensive, you want to find an individual or business with a track record. Whether you are dealing with a storefront detailer or a mobile one, ask to see before and after pictures and look at their reviews before getting your car detailed.

Tip #1: Before you hire, establish exactly what you need to restore your car’s looks. Don’t pay for more services than you need and resist the temptation to pay for pricey upgrades.

Tip #2: If your purpose is to sell the car after it is detailed, you can make your money back if the work is done well. Investing in a thorough car detail may help you get back the top value for your used car.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources