The average cost for a full car detail is between $180 to $280 for a regular-sized sedan. It can go up between $260 to $360 for larger SUVs, trucks, and minivans.
Before going any further, it’s important to know that a car detail is different from a car wash. A full car detail, however, is an umbrella term that consists of detailing the exterior and interior of the car. It’s a head-to-toe cleaning and restoration for your vehicle.
Many car detailers offer different services and packages under a “Full Detail” so expect different inclusions from one detailer to another. It’s best to choose an expert mobile car detailing that has all the services your vehicle needs.
How often should you do a full car detail? Experts suggest that you take your car for a full detail 2 to 3 times a year. That’s once every 4 to 6 months. Of course, this depends on the overall condition of your car.
Most people who choose a full car detail have moderately dirty cars, inside and out. Some have minor interior stains, pet hair, and dirty car exteriors. If that’s the case, you don’t have to wait 4 to 6 months for a full car detailing if your vehicle badly needs it now.
In this blog, we’ll break down the costs of getting a full car detail and guide you on which services you need.
What Does a Full Car Detail Include?
As mentioned, a full car detail covers the interior and exterior of your vehicle. This includes all its non-mechanical components such as the tyres and wheels, exterior paint, interior surfaces, seats, and carpets.
Although each detailer has their own variety of services under a full car detail job, in most cases, it includes:
For the exterior:
Hand wash
Clay bar
Wax
Cleaning wheels
Dressing tires
For the interior:
Thorough vacuuming
Steam cleaning
Leather seat cleaning
Wiping down surfaces and glass
A full car detail is often sold as an interior and exterior package. It is recommended for people who have moderately dirty cars or busy professionals who don’t have time to clean their car themselves.
You can DIY washing your car anytime but a full car interior detail is something that you’d want professionals to handle.
As mentioned earlier, this type of service varies from one detailer to another. Some detailers include more services while others only have a handful. There are also some who offer add-ons while others don’t.
If you need a more thorough detailing or have swirl marks on the paint, you need a specialized detailing service such as deep car interior cleaning or paint correction.
6 Factors that Determine The Cost of a Full Car Detail
How does an expert car detailer determine the cost of a full car detail? It’s not a one-size-fits-all case. There are certain factors that need be to considered and these are:
1. Size of the car
One of the biggest factors in determining car detailing rates is a vehicle’s size. Ultimately, the bigger the car, the more time it needs to be cleaned.
It will also require more materials for cleaning which translates to a higher cost.
Take for example, an SUV. It will take a lot more time to clean it inside out compared to a sedan. It will also need more cleaning products such as shampoo, wax, and other auto detailing supplies.
With a vehicle that big, it will also take a longer time to complete a full car detail.
2. Condition
A regularly maintained vehicle costs less to detail compared to a car with a moderately dirty interior and exterior. In short, the worse the condition, the more expensive it gets.
This has also something to do with the amount of time and cleaning products needed to fully detail the car.
If your car has a lot of brake dust, mud, pet hair, and swirl marks that you need to get rid of, you may not qualify for a full car detailing service.
You may need a paint correction, superior wash and wax, and/or a deep cleaning service.
3. Biohazard stains
Vomit, pet urine, blood, and other organic stains that may transmit illness, disease, or virus are considered a biohazard.
This requires careful and thorough cleaning and detail. If your vehicle has any of this, expect a higher cost.
4. Amount of dirt, stains, pet hair, sand
The amount of dirt plays a role in determining the cost of a full car detail. If the condition of the stains or dirt is severe, it may qualify for a deep car interior cleaning service and a wash and wax.
If the interior and exterior is moderately dirty, it may qualify for a full car detailing service.
5. Expectations
Some people expect to remove as many stains, some people expect their car to be swirl free, and some people just expect a clean car.
If your expectations are quite higher than the service you’re looking for, maybe you need a more special detailing service.
If you expect a good detail at a reasonable cost, then a full car detailing service is right for you.
6. Quality of your chosen car detailer
Choosing a car detailer is also important. Be sure to look for their reviews, before and after photos, the way they communicate, professionalism, and overall customer service like River Islands Car Salon.
Going for the cheaper detailer is not always your best option because they can rip you off, cut corners, or over promise you results.
Is Full Car Detailing Worth It?
Yes, a full car detailing service is worth it especially at the hands of a trusted expert car detailer. You can always learn how to DIY but you might not get the results that you want especially when you don’t have the proper tools to do it.
Health and Mental Benefits
Having a clean car reduces the chances of you getting sick. Without the dust, dirt, and nasty smell lingering on the carpets and seats, you can breathe better and have a clearer mind when driving.
A clean car also minimizes the risk of getting allergies, food poisoning, and choking hazards for children. This makes for a better and more pleasant driving experience.
Overall Car Benefits
A full car detail helps prolong the lifespan of your car. It preserves the quality materials of your leather or cloth seats and car paint so you can save money in the long run.
It keeps you from having it repaired and making it look nice in the years to come. Plus, it makes your luxury car more appealing.
A full car detail can increase your car’s value and help you sell it easily. If a buyer is deciding between two cars of the same model at almost the same price, one is detailed and one isn’t, which of the two, do you think has a higher chance of getting sold?
A full car detail can increase your car’s value and help you sell it easily. If a buyer is deciding between two cars of the same model at almost the same price, one is detailed and one isn’t, which of the two, do you think has a higher chance of getting sold?
With these many benefits in a single full car detail, whatever the price is, it’s totally worth it. It only costs about $180 to $280 for a regular-sized sedan to be fully detailed.
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and minivans can go up to $260 to $360.
Every car detailer has their own version of a full car detail. Some have more services and there are those who offer add-ons.
But ultimately, a full car detail deals with the exterior and interior cleaning of your car; like a head-to-toe kind of wash.
There are certain factors that determine the cost of a full car detail. You can’t expect an SUV to cost as much as a sedan, can you?
You have to consider the size of the vehicle, its condition, if there are any biohazard stains, the amount of dirt, your expectations, and the quality of the car detailer.
A full car detail is best for those car owners who have a moderately dirty car inside and out. If you’re dealing with a severe dirt and stain problem, you might want to consider getting a deep car cleaning service instead.
Don’t worry, these services (and more!) are available at River Islands Car Salon.
Contact us to get a quote and experience the best full car detail your vehicle will ever have!
