Some people, especially first-time car owners, believe that car detailing is just a fancy term for car washing. However, as you will notice from even just a basic detailing package, the process involves a wide range of services that your car regularly needs. That’s why the average car detailing cost tends to be higher than what you’d expect from getting it professionally washed.
If you’re interested in availing of auto detailing packages here in Huntsville, Alabama, we’re here to help you obtain the best value for your money. In this post, we will discuss the answers to the following frequently asked questions, such as:
What are the typical inclusions in an exterior or interior car detailing package?
How much does detailing cost if it’s just for the exterior parts?
What is the overall cost of detailing a car interior?
Do detailers offer individual services or as a package only?
By the end of this article, you’d be better informed about the prices of the mobile detailing prices and services your car should receive.
Before we discuss the different car detailing package prices, let’s clarify first the difference between car detailing and car washing.
Professional auto detailing involves various vehicle maintenance services that are done by hand because of the skills and precision needed to execute them properly. It’s not limited to what others can see from the outside, but also the interior of the car. After all, moldy leather seats or a dirty rearview mirror are not only aesthetic issues—they also pose a risk to our health and safety.
In comparison, car washing nowadays is mostly done through an automated system. Since the cleaning process covers only the exterior of a vehicle, the whole thing may be completed through either a roll-over or conveyor-style washing equipment. Those methods can effectively get rid of the accumulated dust and grime, but the scope is limited to the outside parts of your car.
Take note that car detailing and car washing are not mutually exclusive. Your vehicle has to be cleaned regularly, especially if you use it frequently. Meanwhile, mobile detailing packages should not be viewed as optional or a luxury. Remember, the interior of your car matters just as much as its exterior.
If you’d go through the auto detailing prices list in the local area, you might have noticed that some factors influence how much these services will cost you. These price factors include but are not limited to:
The larger your car is, the more expensive the mobile detailing package cost will be. For example, sedans cost the least because of their relatively small size. The total price ranges from $50 to $450 depending on the package inclusions. Large SUVs, on the other hand, tend to be offered at around 20% to 50% more than a sedan or small SUV.
As we have mentioned earlier, car detailing is done by hand. Therefore, if the professional who will handle your car is highly experienced, expect the package to be costlier because you’re essentially paying for the skills they have learned and honed over the years.
High-quality cleaning materials, paints, waxes, or seals will give you better and longer-lasting results, but expect the service price to be more expensive, too. Going for lower-cost materials, on the other hand, may save you some extra bucks now. However, you might end up spending more since you will need to have the detailing done again sooner than expected.
Most auto shops offer great car detailing packages at different price points depending on the package inclusions. When you compare the total package price versus the individual costs of the included services, you will likely get around 10% to 15% savings from the mobile detailing package.
Nonetheless, if your car only needs specific services for the time being, you may also inquire about them rather than wait it out until your car would need other car detailing services.
Typical auto detailing packages may include exterior services only, interior services only, or a combination of both. Let’s go over what you can expect from each package type and their corresponding prices.
Additional services like protecting the leather seats from UV exposure or correcting imperfections on the paint job will cost you extra. Some detailers, however, offer money-saving deals. For example, you won’t have to pay the full ceramic coating price or paint correction price since it’s already included in a special exterior detailing package. The average cost for this ranges from $350 to $500, depending on your vehicle size.
Washing and Drying
Rather than large car washing equipment, this usually involves a high-powered hand spray. The detailer will then proceed to wash and dry by hand all the exterior parts of the car that requires attention.
Claying
For impurities and residues that cannot be cleaned or eliminated using detergent, professionals use a clay bar to remove them instead.
Polishing
This refers to the restoration of the car’s original polish, especially if it is exposed to the sun or rain frequently.
Sealing or waxing
To protect the car paint from potential damage or contaminants, the detailer will apply either a paint seal or car wax. Seals last longer, so expect the upfront car wax price to be lower. For the best protection though, go for ceramic coating but note that the cost of ceramic coating car is around $800 to $1,500 depending on its longevity.
Vacuuming
This is the most efficient way to remove the accumulated debris on the seats, carpets, trunk, and other interior parts of the car.
Brushing and Scrubbing
The floor mats and carpet must be brushed and then scrubbed in case of stains.
Glass Cleaning
Every window, windshield, and other visible glass components must be wiped clean since they tend to gather dust, dirt, and fingerprints.
Leather Cleaning and Conditioning
Anything made of leather needs a special type of cleaner and conditioner to prevent them from drying out, cracking, or losing the natural appearance.
Perfuming
It’s almost a standard practice now for detailers to place an air freshener inside the car to leave it smelling as if it’s new again.
The cost of exterior car detailing services only ranges from $150 to $260, depending on the type of vehicle. At this price, the outside parts of your car will be hand-washed, dried, and then sealed or waxed.
Meanwhile, the basic interior auto detailing packages start at $60 for sedans. This includes vacuuming and general cleaning of the plastic and glass surfaces inside your car. If you prefer getting the full treatment, the interior detailing package price can be up to $180 for sedans or $260 for large SUVs.
A combination of exterior and interior mobile detailing services will cost you $300 to $400. In case your car needs more than the standard car detailing packages, you’d have to pay extra for special services, such as engine cleaning, trim restoration, or glass chip repairs.
To protect your investment and lengthen its lifetime, we suggest getting your car detailed by a professional. Yes, you may do it yourself if you’re experienced in auto repair and maintenance. However, the vast majority don’t simply have the time and patience to do every detailing process by hand.
Now that you’re aware of the car detailing prices, consider going through our list of professional detailers in Huntsville, Alabama to find the best packages that will match your needs and budget.
100% Hand Wash
Snow Foam Bath
Wheel Clean & Tire Shine
Condition Leather
Spray Wax
We pledge to put you, our valued customer, first and provide a stress-free detailing experience.
Only the best quality products on the market are being applied to your vehicle and we pay attention to our all environment.
Huntsville Car Detailing
+ 256-795-3399
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