How much does auto detailing cost?

Detailing may seem like a luxury, but many car owners consider it an important expense for a well-maintained vehicle. This-deep cleaning process keeps the exterior and interior free of debris and other harmful particles, which can damage paint, plastic, or upholstery. 

If you don’t periodically detail your vehicle, on the other hand, you could end up with pits or scratches in the paint, excessively worn upholstery, and staining. 

Aside from general dirt and grime, there are telltale signs that your car needs the special attention of a professional detailer. They include:

Car detailing prices vary greatly based on the level of service you choose, your location, and the detailer’s experience. Nationwide, prices range from $100–250. On average, auto owners spend $160 on basic car detailing packages. 

Costs can change by location. The lowest average auto detailing price, for example, is $90.50 in Hawaii, while the highest average cost is more than twice as high in Oregon, at $258. Prices can fluctuate due to fuel costs (for mobile detailers), local supply prices, and overall cost of doing business in the area.

The following services are included with most car detailing packages:

You can also upgrade a basic detailing purchase. Add-on services cost extra, but they’ll provide better vehicle protection, longer-lasting results, and other key benefits. Popular upgrades include:

Car owners who want that showroom look often opt for a full polish and buffing, which generally costs another $200–300. This removes swirls from the clear coat and makes the car’s paint look smooth as glass—in some cases, it will be even shinier than when it was new. A clay bar treatment (in which a piece of clay is gently rubbed along the surface) removes contaminants, such as environmental fallout (small pollution particles that get stuck in a car’s clear coat) from paint, for an extra $15–30. 

As for interior detailing options, carpet steam cleaning or shampooing generally starts at $75. It’ll cost about $50 to add on leather upholstery cleaning. 

The following auto detailing factors can increase the cost of your job:

There are several ways to reduce car detailing costs:

Bundle your details. See if the detailer offers a package discount on multiple sessions. For example, you might pay $150 for 1 detail, or $450 for 4 details in a single year.

Refer a friend. Some detailers will also offer a bonus for bringing in new customers. For example, if you refer a client, you could save $25 on your next detailing service. 

Patronize a newcomer. New car detailers may offer lower prices to attract business. 

Get a coupon. Car detailers aren’t as generous with discount coupons as regular car washes, but some do offer them—especially for first-time customers.

Car detailers handle dangerous chemicals and powerful equipment near your vehicle, and one wrong move can lead to pricey damage. Call the detailer to verify they have insurance and are bonded, so you’re covered if they harm your vehicle. 

Make sure you’re dealing with an experienced detailer; a novice can cause more harm than good. You want a pro with at least one year of experience as an apprentice before handling more advanced jobs like buffing and polishing or clay-barring a car themselves. 

That’s especially true if “detailing” is just one of the services offered at a large car wash. Make sure you’re getting a true detail package, not just a basic wash and wax—and that any buffing, polishing, or other delicate procedures are performed by an expert.

To learn more about car-cleaning prices, read How much does a car wash cost?

What’s included in a full detail? 

Generally, a full car detail includes an exterior hand wash, wax, wheel and tire cleaning, glass and mirror cleaning, interior plastic cleaning, and interior vacuuming. Some detailers may offer additional services as part of a standard car detailing package. 

How often should I detail my car? 

Auto detailers recommend having this service performed every 4–6 months. Effectively, this will give you a thorough cleaning after each season, especially when severe weather is an issue.

Is professional detailing worth the money? 

That depends on your car, and how much you care about keeping it well maintained. Professional car detailers have the tools and skill to clean a vehicle better than the average person can do on their own. Plus, regular detailing may keep your car looking new longer, potentially increasing its resale value.

Find a reputable car detailer in your area.