One of the best things about buying a new (or new to you) car is that new car smell, squeaky clean interior and gleaming exterior. Unfortunately, as you use your car day in and day out, dirt, crumbs and smells accumulate inside the car, while road grime and even soap scum cling to the outside.
There is a solution: car detailing is an intensive wash that will leave your car looking like new. Professional car detailing can cost between $50 and $300, depending on the type you choose. Keeping your car clean not only gives you the benefit of a clean car to drive, but it can also boost your resale value. Continue reading to learn more about how car detailing works and what you should expect to pay.
You probably run your vehicle through the car wash now and then and even stop to vacuum it out. But car detailing takes cleaning the interior and exterior to the next level. Professional car detailers use tools like steam cleaners, pressure washers and compressed air to get as much dirt and grime as possible off your car.
Here's what you can expect to be included when having your car detailed:
- Vacuuming the interior, usually twice
- Washing the interior, including power washing floor mats, steam cleaning door handles and scrubbing the upholstery and carpets
- Treating and polishing interior surfaces like leather and chrome
- Clay bar washing, which removes dirt from the exterior paint
- Waxing and polishing the exterior after it's been washed
- Cleaning glass surfaces inside and out
- Shining the tires and rims
- Polishing the headlights
When you get your car detailed, you can expect a high level of cleaning and attention to—you guessed it—detail. But there are different approaches to detailing, so you'll want to make sure you know exactly what's included when you get your car detailed.
Here's an overview of the common types of car detailing you might encounter:
- Basic full vehicle detailing: This usually includes everything outlined above, from a clay bar wash for the exterior paint to a thorough cleaning inside.
- Add-ons: Many detailers offer add-ons like stain protection, paint repair and more. These can drive up the cost of detailing.
- Engine detailing: While most detailing pays attention to what's visible, engine detailing gets under the hood to remove dirt, grease and grime from your engine parts.
- Full vehicle restoration: This is the most intensive type of detailing, designed to leave your vehicle looking as good as (or better than!) new. It can take up to a week to complete, since techs will repair any scratches or dents, tint the windows and make sure your entire vehicle is clean and protected.
The cost of detailing your car can vary widely. Most people can expect to pay about $125 to $200 for basic full vehicle detailing on a sedan. If you drive a truck or SUV, you'll pay $25 to $50 more. Add-ons can quickly drive up the price, and a very intensive detailing job or full vehicle restoration can cost $1,000 or more.
Many car detailers charge a package price, which means you'll pay a flat fee for the services included in the package. Others charge by the hour. In that case, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per hour.
Engine detailing is particularly expensive because it's dirty and difficult work. Expect to pay $100 to $400 just to have your engine detailed. The factors that impact the final price you'll pay for car detailing include:
- Your make, model and trim: Luxury and high-end cars are often more expensive to detail than base-trim vehicles.
- Vehicle size: SUVs and trucks are more expensive to detail than sedans and smaller vehicles.
- Services selected: Opting for lots of add-ons will increase the price.
- Your location: Labor costs are often higher in high-cost-of-living areas.
When comparing car detailing prices, look closely at what's included in the package. That way, you can make an informed choice and get the best value for the money, which may not necessarily be the lowest price.
If you're having your car professionally detailed, someone's putting in the elbow grease to make sure your ride looks great. After settling the bill, it's customary to tip the detailer 10% to 15% of the cost of service. That means you'll pay about $30 in tip if your detailing bill was $200. Don't forget to tip on the total price, including any add-ons.
Even if you're just getting a basic interior detail, it will take at least two hours. After all, it takes a while to remove months or years of dirt and grime. A more in-depth detail can take a day or two, while a total vehicle restoration can take up to a week. You never want to rush the job, so ask your detailer how long they'll need your vehicle in the shop—and if they have a loaner you can use in the meantime.
Most auto shops and dealerships offer car detailing. There are also specialty detailer shops that are dedicated solely to getting cars super clean. You can even find mobile car detailing in most areas. These services come to you at home or work so you're not inconvenienced by having to drop off your car at the shop.
Many people believe car detailing is worth it. Detailing has many benefits, including:
- Giving you a clean, visually appealing vehicle.
- Increasing your vehicle's resale value by protecting the interior and exterior.
- Improving engine performance by removing dirt and grime when you opt for engine detailing.
Since detailing protects the materials in your car, it can save you from more expensive fixes, like needing to reupholster your vehicle seats.
Most professionals recommend you get your car detailed every three to six months. If you get your car professionally cleaned regularly, it will likely stay in better condition before detailing. That can make future detailing trips quicker and more affordable.
While it may feel luxurious to spend hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars a year to have your car cleaned, detailing is a way to protect one of the most important items you own—your vehicle.
The Synchrony Car Care™ credit card can help you pay for car detailing and other vehicle maintenance. Learn more about the Synchrony Car Care™ credit card and apply today.