Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate
Key takeaways
- An in-depth cleaning can run you over $300.
- Factors like the condition and size of the car, as well as add-ons like stain protection, can affect price.
- Getting a car cleaned is important for safety reasons, and it could possibly increase the overall value if you want to sell the car.
- You can also clean and detail your car yourself by using a multipurpose cleaner and glass cleaner, removing trash and vacuuming.
You might know the importance of cleaning old food from the refrigerator or decluttering a cramped closet, but it’s easy to ignore your car. A car detail is a deep clean of your vehicle’s interior and exterior. The goal of the service is to leave your vehicle in like-new condition.
Getting your car detailed can cost anywhere from $175 for a partial detail to a full interior and exterior cleaning for $200 to $350. Your cost depends on the size of your vehicle and the number of services you receive. The price can be worth it if you want to sell your car privately or trade it in at the dealership. If you aren’t going to sell soon, consider ways to get your vehicle feeling brand new without the additional price.
How much does car detailing cost?
The cost of a full vehicle detail varies by region, says Matt Degen, senior editor at Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. But, Degen explains, drivers generally can expect to pay over $100 for an exterior or interior detailing service. A more thorough detail can easily cost twice as much.
Prepare to spend up to $350 on an in-depth cleaning and detail. You may need to pay even more to add extra, more labor-intensive services. A driver with stubborn interior stains will spend more than a driver simply requesting vacuuming, for example.
Vehicle size also plays an important role in determining price.
“Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks and minivans will cost more since there is literally more vehicle to clean,” shares Degen.
But having a larger vehicle shouldn’t dissuade you from getting your car detailed. Many services and coupon companies offer discounts — especially in spring — which can cut down on costs even for the biggest of cars.
Factors that impact car detailing cost
When predicting the price of car detailing services, consider your lifestyle and the car’s current condition.
“A truck that is outdoors all day and working at a construction site will become dirtier faster and more often,” Degen says. He adds that the same is true for the vehicle interior, too. “A minivan that’s doing daily duty hauling kids will inherently become soiled faster and more frequently.”
That said, some interiors are easier to clean than others. For example, a spill or stain on faux leather seats tends to be easier to remove than those on fabric seats.
Bankrate tip
When vehicle shopping, consider its use to ensure you aren’t left with a vehicle that can’t handle its day-to-day wear and tear.
Other factors include:
- Detailing service. Many vehicle detailing services offer packages that will protect your car from future issues. These typically include extensive finishes like ceramic coating. These services can greatly surpass base prices.
- Vehicle size. Small vehicles mean less to clean and a smaller cost for the service. The price difference between detailing a small sedan versus a larger SUV can be $100 or more.
- Cleaning add-ons. It will increase the cost if you need to address a specific issue, such as odor removal, exterior scratches or pet hair. These add-ons can vary in price from $20 to $100.
- Trim package. Often, the more luxurious your vehicle, the more expensive your detailing may be. It doesn’t directly equate to a higher cost, but certain features, like leather seats and chrome interiors, may be more expensive.
How to find a car detailing service
As with finding any service, the first step is to research. You could go to a generic car wash place or a business specializing in detailing. No matter what business you choose, check out customer reviews or get a referral from trusted friends or family.
“Like any other service, you’ll want to check the reputation of the company or individual and make sure their price is satisfactory to your budget,” advises Degen.
What happens during a car detail?
A full car detail is an extensive process that can leave your vehicle feeling brand new. You can expect experts to perform the following services by hand at a full car detailing appointment:
- Exterior washing and drying.
- Exterior polishing.
- Interior vacuuming.
- Glass cleaning.
- Paint claying.
- Exterior sealing and waxing.
- Steam cleaning.
- Interior perfuming.
Is getting your car detailed worth it?
Vehicle cleanliness goes beyond just vanity.
“There is a real safety risk to driving a dirty vehicle,” Degen explains.
Driving with an unwashed windshield or external sensors blocked with road grime can endanger you and your passengers. Regular detailing can help prevent safety issues and may improve the longevity of your vehicle.
How your vehicle is used should ultimately determine whether it’s worth it to detail it regularly.
“A work truck that is just going to get dirty the next day won’t receive or necessarily need the pampering of a beloved classic,” says Degen. “It’s not a show car.”
Bankrate tip
If you plan to sell your car, detailing is a smart first step. KBB notes that a vehicle in excellent condition will be worth more than one in average shape, which may prevent you from being upside down on your auto loan.
DIY tips to keep your car clean
If you want to spring-clean without breaking the bank, consider the following tips from Chase:
- Take out the trash. One of the easiest ways to keep your car clean is to remove accumulated trash. Pay close attention to hidden spots like your glove compartment and between the seats. Stick a trash bag in the car to avoid trash building up in the future.
- Use glass cleaner. Keeping your windows and windshields clean and clear is vital to keeping you and your passengers safe. Pick up an inexpensive glass cleaner and microfiber towel for streak-free windows. Remember to clean the interior and exterior and roll the windows up and down to release trapped dirt.
- Vacuum. Our shoes constantly track dirt and debris into our cars. Even easier, shake out your mats to release any built-up dirt.
- Use a multi-surface cleaner. Simply spraying down commonly touched areas in your car can greatly reduce germs. Wipe off your steering wheel, gear shift and main console.
Bottom line
If you can’t afford to finance a new vehicle this spring, there are ways to give an old car new life. Car details usually cost between $100 and $350. That might not be cheap, but detailing gives you that new car smell for far less than an actual new car.
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