So you’re wondering how much does it cost to detail a car? Whether you’re prepping your ride for sale, recovering from a rough winter, or just want that showroom shine back, car detailing costs vary wildly depending on what you’re after. Let me break down exactly what you’ll pay and what you’re actually getting for your money.
Table of Contents
Basic Exterior Detailing Costs
Let’s start with the fundamentals. A basic exterior detail typically runs between $150 to $300 depending on your vehicle size and local market rates. This gets you a solid wash, tire cleaning, and wax application. You’re looking at about 2-3 hours of work here, and honestly, this is where most casual car owners stop.
The exterior detail includes washing the entire vehicle (including wheels and wheel wells), applying a protective wax coat, and polishing the glass. Some shops throw in tire shine as a bonus. It’s the automotive equivalent of a good shower and fresh clothes—nothing fancy, but you’ll look respectable.
For sedan owners, expect the lower end of that range. SUVs and trucks push toward the higher end because there’s simply more surface area to cover. A basic detail doesn’t include any paint correction or deep cleaning of stubborn contaminants.
Interior Detailing Prices
Interior detailing costs separately and typically runs $150 to $400 for a standard job. This covers vacuuming, dashboard cleaning, seat conditioning, and carpet shampooing. The wide price range depends on how trashed your interior is and whether you’ve got leather, cloth, or fancy materials.
If your car’s interior looks like a disaster zone—stains, odors, sticky surfaces—you’re paying premium prices. A clean interior that just needs refreshing? You’ll hit the lower end. Premium leather conditioning and protection treatments can add another $100-200 to this cost.
Most detailers charge more for leather interiors because the materials require specialized products. Fabric interiors are generally cheaper to detail since standard upholstery cleaner works fine. If you’ve got stubborn pet hair or stains, that’s extra work, and they’ll charge accordingly.
Full Detail Package Breakdown
A complete car detail—both exterior and interior—typically costs $400 to $900 for standard vehicles. This is where you get the full treatment: everything from the basic exterior and interior packages combined, plus some extras like engine bay cleaning and trunk detailing.
The full package usually includes:
- Complete exterior wash and wax
- Interior vacuuming and shampooing
- Seat and upholstery conditioning
- Dashboard and trim cleaning
- Glass polishing
- Tire dressing
- Engine bay light cleaning
- Trunk and door jamb cleaning
This is the sweet spot for most people. You’re getting a comprehensive refresh without dropping serious cash on premium treatments. The whole job typically takes 6-8 hours, so you’re looking at solid value here.
Premium Ceramic Coating Options
Want to take it up a notch? Ceramic coating and paint protection film push costs into the $1,500 to $5,000+ range. This is where detailing becomes an investment in your vehicle’s future.
Ceramic coatings create a hard, protective layer over your paint that lasts 2-5 years depending on the product quality. You’re paying for durability and protection against UV damage, bird droppings, tree sap, and minor scratches. High-end ceramic packages include paint correction first, which adds significant cost but gives you a flawless base.
Paint protection film (PPF) is even pricier—we’re talking $2,000 to $8,000 for full coverage. This clear film physically shields your paint from damage. Most people do partial coverage (front bumper, hood, mirrors) for $1,000-2,000, which makes more financial sense.
If you’re keeping your car long-term or want maximum resale value, these premium options pay for themselves. If you’re trading in next year, skip it.
Factors Affecting Your Price
Several things determine what you’ll actually pay for car detailing:
Vehicle Size: A compact sedan costs less than an SUV or truck. More surface area equals more time and materials.
Vehicle Condition: A neglected car with stains, oxidized paint, and grime buildup costs more than a well-maintained one. Detailers charge extra for heavy lifting.
Paint Condition: If your clear coat is shot or you’ve got swirl marks and scratches, paint correction adds $200-500+ to the bill.
Interior Materials: Leather, alcantara, and specialty fabrics cost more to detail than standard cloth. Convertible tops are another premium item.
Location: Urban areas and wealthy suburbs charge 30-50% more than rural areas. Cost of living directly impacts service pricing.
Detailer Experience: A certified detailer with years of experience charges more than someone just starting out. You usually get what you pay for.
DIY Detailing vs Professional
If you’re handy and have time, DIY detailing saves serious money. You can detail your car for $50 to $150 in supplies if you already own basic tools. The catch? It takes 8-12 hours of your time, and you might not achieve professional results.
For DIY exterior detailing, grab a pressure washer, quality car wash soap, microfiber cloths, and wax. For interior, you need a vacuum, upholstery cleaner, and some detailing brushes. The supplies are cheap; the labor is what you’re saving.
Where DIY falls short: paint correction requires expensive equipment and expertise. Ceramic coatings need proper prep and application technique. If you mess up a ceramic coat application, you’re paying a pro to fix it anyway.
My take? DIY the basic wash and interior vacuum. Pay a pro for paint correction and protective coatings. It’s the sweet spot between cost and quality.
Regional Price Variations
Your zip code matters. A full detail in rural Mississippi might run $400, while the same service in Los Angeles costs $800. Urban markets, wealthy areas, and regions with high cost of living charge premium prices.
Coastal areas and major metropolitan regions consistently run 40-60% higher than national averages. If you’re in a small town, you’ll find cheaper shops, but selection is limited. Bigger cities have competition, which sometimes helps pricing, but higher overhead costs offset that advantage.
Before booking, check local detailers’ pricing. You’ll quickly see what the market rate is in your area. Don’t assume national averages apply to your location.
Hidden Costs and Surprises
Watch out for these sneaky add-ons that inflate your final bill:
Paint Correction Charges: Detailers often discover oxidation, swirl marks, or scratches during the initial wash. Correcting these costs extra.
Stain Removal: Stubborn interior stains that require specialized treatment get charged separately, sometimes $50-150 per stain.
Odor Elimination: If your car smells like wet dog or smoke, ozone treatment or specialty cleaning adds $100-300.
Engine Bay Cleaning: Many basic packages skip this. Adding it costs $75-150 depending on how grimy it is.
Convertible Top Treatment: If you’ve got a soft top, conditioning and protection costs extra.
Wheel Repair: Curb rash or brake dust buildup might require wheel refinishing, which is a separate service entirely.
Always ask for a detailed quote before work starts. Get clarification on what’s included and what costs extra.
Money-Saving Tips
Want to reduce your detailing costs? Here’s what actually works:
Maintain Your Car: Regular washing and interior vacuuming prevent buildup. A well-maintained car costs 30-40% less to detail because there’s less heavy lifting.
Book Off-Season: Detailers are slower in winter (in cold climates) and summer. You might score discounts during slow periods.
Bundle Services: Many shops offer discounts when you book exterior and interior together. Ask about package deals.
Loyalty Discounts: Regular customers often get 10-15% off. If you like a shop, become a regular.
Group Deals: Some detailers offer discounts for multiple vehicles. If you’ve got a family fleet, negotiate.
Skip Premium Add-Ons Initially: Start with a basic detail. Add ceramic coating or PPF later when you have budget for it.
DIY Between Professional Details: A basic wash every two weeks keeps your car in better shape between professional details, extending the time between expensive services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I detail my car?
Most experts recommend a full detail 1-2 times per year, depending on climate and driving conditions. If you live somewhere with harsh winters, salt, or lots of sun exposure, twice yearly is smart. Basic exterior washes every month or two keep your car looking fresh between details.
Is professional detailing worth the cost?
Absolutely, if you plan to keep your car or want maximum resale value. Professional detailing protects your paint, extends interior material life, and makes your vehicle look significantly better than a DIY wash. For long-term ownership, the investment pays off.
What’s the difference between detailing and car washing?
Car washing is basic cleaning—soap, water, rinse. Detailing is comprehensive restoration: paint correction, protective coatings, interior deep cleaning, and conditioning. Detailing takes hours; washing takes 30 minutes. They’re completely different services at different price points.
Can I detail my car myself?
Yes, for basic exterior and interior cleaning. You’ll save money but spend time. For paint correction and ceramic coatings, professional equipment and expertise matter. DIY ceramic coating application often leads to streaks and uneven coverage, requiring professional correction later.
How long does a professional detail take?
Basic exterior: 2-3 hours. Interior: 2-3 hours. Full detail: 6-8 hours. Premium services with paint correction: 8-12 hours or even a full day. Always ask the shop for their timeline.
Does detailing remove scratches?
Light scratches and swirl marks? Yes, with paint correction. Deep scratches that expose primer or metal? No, those require touch-up paint or repainting. Detailers can minimize the appearance of minor damage, but they can’t fix structural paint damage.
What’s included in a “basic” detail?
Typically: exterior wash, wax application, interior vacuum, dashboard cleaning, and seat conditioning. Specifics vary by shop, so always confirm what’s included before booking.
How much should I tip a detailer?
15-20% is standard, same as restaurants. If they did exceptional work, 20-25% is appropriate. If you’re a regular customer and they always nail it, a generous tip keeps them motivated to prioritize your vehicle.
Bottom line: Car detailing costs range from $150 for basic exterior work to $5,000+ for premium ceramic coatings and paint protection. Most people spend $400-900 for a complete detail that refreshes both exterior and interior. Your actual cost depends on vehicle size, condition, location, and what you’re after. Regular maintenance between professional details keeps costs down and your car looking sharp year-round.
