Car detailing: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What car detailing is

A detailer deep cleans the inside and outside of your car, then uses clay, polish, and wax or sealant to restore the finish. You need it when the paint looks dull, the interior is stained or heavily soiled, or you want to protect the car before selling it.

Signs you need it

  • The paint looks dull, hazy or has swirl marks
  • Water no longer beads on the paint or the wax has worn off
  • Upholstery shows stains, odors or pet hair that vacuuming does not remove
  • Tar, bug residue or brake dust sits on the paint and does not wash off
  • You are preparing the car to sell or to protect a lease return

What the pro does

  • Inspects the paint and interior to set the scope of the work
  • Vacuums, shampoos and extracts the carpets and seats
  • Cleans the paint, wheels and glass, then clays the paint to remove bonded contamination
  • Corrects light swirls with a polish where the paint allows it
  • Applies a wax, sealant or coating and dresses the trim

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The size of the vehicle and how much interior and exterior area it has
  • The condition of the paint, including the number of swirls and scratches to correct
  • Whether pet hair, smoke or odor removal is needed
  • Whether the job includes paint correction, which takes more time than a basic clean
  • Whether ceramic coating or a longer lasting protection product is chosen
  • Whether engine bay or headlight work is added

What a written quote should spell out

  • The services included, such as interior, exterior, clay, polish and protection
  • The protection product used and how long it is expected to last
  • Whether paint correction is included and how many passes are planned
  • Any odor or stain removal treatment, listed separately
  • Whether the car must be dry and out of direct sun for the work

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What products do you use on the paint and the interior?
  • Is paint correction included, or is it an add on?
  • How long should the protection last, and what should I do to keep it?
  • Do you check the paint and the interior before quoting?
  • Will you tell me if a stain or scratch cannot be fully removed?
  • Do you use a clean, dedicated mitt and towels for each car?

Red flags

  • Promises that scratches or deep swirls will disappear completely without inspecting the paint
  • Pushes a coating with no explanation of what it does
  • Uses dirty towels or one wash mitt across the whole car
  • Will not show the condition of the paint before the work starts

What you can do yourself

You can wash the car, clean the glass, vacuum the carpets, and apply a basic spray wax yourself. Use a clean wash mitt and a two bucket method to reduce swirls. Hire a detailer for machine polishing, paint correction or deep interior extraction, since a polisher can burn through paint and extraction can leave residue or soak the carpet.

Licenses and permits

A license is usually not required for car detailing. Some areas require business registration for mobile service, so check with your state or local licensing agency.

Car detailing questions

Will detailing remove scratches?

Light swirl marks can often be reduced by polishing. Deep scratches usually need repainting or a body repair, and a good detailer will say so.

How often should I detail my car?

A full detail once or twice a year, with regular washing in between, is common for a car kept outside. Your driving conditions decide the right schedule.

Is ceramic coating worth it?

It can make the paint easier to clean and add gloss, but it is only as good as the paint preparation under it. Ask what prep is included.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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