What Is Car Detailing? What's Included and How It Differs From a Car Wash
What is car detailing, and what does it include? A plain explanation of interior and exterior detailing, how it differs from a car wash, and how long it takes.
Short answer: car detailing is a thorough, top-to-bottom hand clean and protection of a vehicle, inside and out. A car wash removes surface dirt. Detailing goes much further, and aims to bring the car as close as possible to its best condition.
What does exterior detailing include?
Our Exterior Detail includes:
- A foam pre-wash and safe hand wash.
- Wheels, tires and wheel wells.
- Bug and light tar treatment.
- Chemical paint decontamination.
- Exterior glass and tire dressing.
- A premium 3–6 month paint sealant.
What does interior detailing include?
Our Interior Detail includes:
- A thorough vacuum and cleaned mats.
- Dashboard, console and doors.
- Vents, crevices and cupholders.
- Interior glass.
- Plastics and vinyl cleaned and protected.
- Leather cleaned and conditioned, where applicable.
- Light spot treatment.
How is detailing different from a car wash?
A wash is quick upkeep. A detail adds decontamination, protection and close attention to areas a wash never reaches, such as door jambs, vents and wheel wells. Most owners need both: a full detail once or twice a year, and lighter washes in between.
Is paint correction part of detailing?
Not usually. Standard details clean and protect the paint, while paint correction uses machine polishing to remove swirls and light scratches. Our Restoration Detail includes a one-step enhancement.
How long does a detail take?
- Maintenance Detail: 1–2.5 hours.
- Interior Detail: 2–4 hours.
- Executive Full Detail: 4–6 hours.
- Restoration Detail: 6–9+ hours.
Ready to book? Choose car detailing in your town, visit our Toms River shop, or book online.
