How Much Does Car Detailing Cost?
To understand car detailing costs, consider your vehicle’s size, condition, and the level of service you choose. Prices typically range from $50 to over $500, depending on the service depth and optional upgrades like paint correction or ceramic coating. In this guide,
OnTheSpot Mobile Detailers will answer the question:
how much does car detailing cost, what affects the prices, and how to pick the right detailing package for your vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Car detailing costs range from $50–$500+, depending on vehicle size, condition, service level, and add-ons like ceramic coating or paint correction.
- Vehicle size and condition are major price factors - larger or heavily soiled cars require more time, products, and labor.
- Premium services such as ceramic coating and paint correction deliver long-term protection, deep gloss, and higher resale value.
- Mobile detailing may cost slightly more than in-shop, but it provides on-site convenience and saves time for busy customers.
- Professional detailing protects, restores, and extends your vehicle’s lifespan, often saving money on future repairs compared to DIY or basic washing.
What Is Car Detailing?
Car detailing is a comprehensive cleaning, restoration, and protection process for your vehicle’s interior and exterior. It goes far beyond a basic wash by treating surfaces to remove imperfections, restore clarity, and preserve condition over time.
Car detailing includes:
- Cleaning: Removes dirt, stains, and surface contaminants
- Restoration: Corrects swirl marks, haze, oxidation, and more
- Protection: Applies waxes, sealants, or ceramic coatings for durability
Learn more about our in-depth guide on what professional auto detailing really involves and how it differs from a regular car wash.
Types of Car Detailing Services
To get the best results, match your detailing package to your vehicle’s condition and your long-term goals. Here are the most common types of car detailing:
1. Basic / Express Detail
A fast refresh to maintain cleanliness:
- Exterior wash
- Light vacuum
- Window cleaning
- Basic tire shine
2. Interior Detailing
Focused on hygiene and comfort:
- Upholstery or leather cleaning
- Carpet shampooing
- Dashboard and trim detailing
- Odor removal
3. Exterior Detailing
Enhances paint and exterior surfaces:
- Wash and dry
- Clay bar treatment
- Light scratch buffing
- Wax or sealant
- Wheel and tire cleaning
4. Full Detailing (Interior + Exterior)
A complete deep clean inside and out:
- Interior deep cleaning
- Exterior wash, clay, polish, wax
- Tire and wheel treatment
- Glass and trim care
5. Premium / Specialty Services
Advanced restoration and protection:
- Paint correction
- Ceramic coating
- Window tinting
- Engine bay detailing
Factors That Affect Car Detailing Prices
Auto detailing prices are influenced by multiple elements. Each factor affects how long to detail a car and what products or skills are required. Below are the main factors in detail:
Vehicle Size And Type
Larger vehicles take more time and product, so they cost more to detail.
- Small cars (Honda Civic): $50–$150
- Mid-size (Toyota Camry): $150–$200
- Large SUVs/Trucks (Ford F-150): $200–$300+
More surface area requires more labor and materials, which leads to higher costs. Some brands also require special techniques.
Condition Of The Vehicle
The dirtier or more damaged the vehicle, the more expensive the detail.
- Light condition: Minor dust, quick vacuum
- Moderate condition: Dirt, light stains, pet hair
- Heavy condition: Stains, odors, mold, spills, smoke
Heavily soiled vehicles often require:
- Carpet and upholstery shampooing
- Odor removal or steam treatment
- Paint correction or headlight restoration
These services add time and cost.
Level Of Service
Most detailers offer tiered packages:
- Basic Package: Wash, vacuum, wipe-down (lowest cost)
- Full Package: Deep interior + exterior, clay bar, wax (best value)
- Premium Package: Paint correction, ceramic coating, tinting (highest cost)
Higher tiers include restoration and long-term protection, leading to higher pricing.
Mobile Vs. In-Shop Detailing
Mobile detailing offers the same high-quality results - at your home, office, or anywhere convenient. It’s ideal for busy lifestyles and eliminates the need for waiting or transport.
In-Shop Pros
- Controlled environment
- Fixed pricing and package options
- Specialized equipment and bays
Mobile Detailing Pros
- Saves time - no drop-off or waiting
- Great for fleets, work-from-home professionals
- One-on-one personalized attention
Add-On Services
Add-ons increase the total car detailing price but also enhance appearance, protection, and long-term value.
Common High-Value Add-Ons:
- Ceramic coating (long-term paint protection)
- Paint correction (removes scratches/swirl marks)
- Headlight restoration
- Window tinting
- Engine bay detailing
Other Extras:
- Exterior waxing
- Trim detailing
- Odor removal
- Fabric protection
These upgrades improve results and preserve the vehicle’s condition, often making them a smart investment.
Average Car Detailing Price (National Vs. Local Ranges)
Car detailing prices vary across cities and regions, driven by factors like labor costs, competition, and service reputation. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect nationally and why your local market might differ.
National Pricing Averages:
| Service Tier | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Detailing | $50–$100 |
| Standard (Interior + Exterior) | $150–$250 |
| Premium / Specialty | $300–$600+ |
Why Local Prices Vary:
- Urban areas may have higher labor and operating costs
- High-end shops use premium-grade tools, products, and certification
- Mobile detailers may include a fuel or travel surcharge
- DIY shops are cheaper but often lower quality and have no long-term protection
How Much Does Interior Car Detailing Cost?
Interior car detailing usually costs between $75 and $200+, depending on the vehicle's size, condition, and level of contamination. Deep stains, odors, pet hair, or mold require more labor and specialized treatments.
What’s Typically Included:
- Carpet and upholstery shampooing
- Steam cleaning or hot water extraction
- Dashboard and console detailing
- Leather conditioning or fabric protection
- Odor removal treatments (ozone or enzyme-based)
Price Examples By Condition:
| Condition | Expected Cost |
|---|---|
| Light (dust, minor debris) | $75–$125 |
| Moderate (pet hair, light stains) | $125–$175 |
| Heavy (mold, smoke, deep odor) | $175–$250+ |
How Much Should A Car Detail Cost?
A full car detail typically costs $150 to $250 for an average-sized vehicle, which includes both interior and exterior deep cleaning and protection. Basic services may be as low as $50, while premium options with paint correction or ceramic coating can exceed $300. Overall, paying around $150–$250 offers the best balance between quality, thoroughness, and long-term value.
Is Professional Car Detailing Worth The Price?
Yes, professional car detailing offers unmatched value by protecting your vehicle and extending its lifespan. DIY methods often lack the tools, products, and expertise required to achieve lasting results.
Why Professional Detailing Is A Smart Investment:
- Deep cleaning of every surface
- Protection against UV, dirt, and chemicals
- Scratch and swirl removal
- Restores faded or damaged areas
- Improves driving experience and comfort
- Boosts resale value
- Prevents long-term wear, oxidation, and rust
Advanced services like paint correction, ceramic coating, or PPF provide long-term protection and a showroom finish, often saving more money in repairs than the service costs.
Mobile Detailing: Why It May Cost More (But Saves You Time)
Mobile detailing brings professional service directly to your location - saving time and eliminating the hassle of shop visits. Though the cost of mobile auto detailing may be slightly higher, the convenience often outweighs the cost.
Top Reasons Customers Choose Mobile Detailing:
- No driving or waiting - service comes to your home or office
- Flexible scheduling around your routine
- One-on-one personalized attention
- No risk of cross-contamination (your car is the only one being serviced)
Why Mobile Services Cost More:
- Technician travel time and fuel expenses
- Portable water, power, and equipment setup
- On-site assessment and custom recommendations
- Convenience premium for busy professionals or families
Curious about how mobile detailing works? Explore the
full process, pros, and expert tips on mobile car detailing.
How To Get An Accurate Car Detailing Estimate
To get a correct quote about “how much does it cost to detail a car”, you are supposed to provide the detailer with specific information about your vehicle and the services that you want. Detailers will charge differently for the work involved, condition, and additional add-ons required.
Steps To Get A Reliable Quote:
- Call a detailer (through phone, website, online form, or app)
- Share your vehicle information, such as model, year, and size
- Describe the inside and the conditions outside precisely
- Select a detailing package that fits your vehicle's needs (basic, full, or premium)
- Choose any add-ons (ceramic coating, engine bay, headlight restoration or tinting)
- Request a written or itemized estimate
Pro Tip:
Compare shops based on quality - not just price. Look at photos, reviews, products used, and guarantees. Some professionals use OEM or EPA-approved products for safety and longevity, which increases value. DIY is possible, but professional detailers deliver longer-lasting, safer, and more visually impressive results.
Ready For A Cleaner Car? Get A Custom Quote Today
OnTheSpot Mobile Detailers delivers professional detailing that restores shine, protects surfaces, and enhances your driving experience. Whether you prefer in-shop service or convenient mobile detailing at your location, the results are consistently deeper, longer-lasting, and higher quality than basic cleaning.
Book auto detailing service from OnTheSpot Mobile Detailers today and give your car the care it deserves.
FAQs
How long does a full detail take?
A full auto detail will take between 2 and 6 hours, depending upon the size of your vehicle, its condition, and the level of service that is ordered. Trucks or SUVs, or vehicles that have a lot of stains or odors, will take longer than the standard sedan.
Do detailers remove scratches?
Yes, professional detailers are able to remove or dull the majority of surface scratches using paint correction, polishing, and buffing techniques. Deeper scratches may require bodywork or paint touch-up.
What is included in a full detail?
A complete detailing auto involves interior and exterior cleaning and protective treatments. Standard services include interior vacuuming, deep cleaning, outside wash, clay bar treatment, buffing, waxing, tire and wheel cleanup, and surface seal.
How often should I detail my car?
The majority of vehicles should take a complete detail every 4–6 months, but your driving, conditions, and storage will vary this. If you drive every day, have pets, or are a regular outdoor parker, detailing will need to happen a bit more often.
Can I do car detailing myself?
Yes - It's possible to detail by yourself, but it will perhaps not be the same quality as professional equipment and technique. A DIY approach is ideal for maintenance when details are done professionally and not a complete restoration.
