How Long Does it Take to Detail a Car?

You may have been sitting at a detail shop for hours in the past, or you might be short on time before an event. Here's everything you need to know about how long car detailing takes.

Basics of Car Detailing: 

Car Detailing involves a thorough cleaning of the car to recondition it both inside and out. Unlike a typical car wash, detailing includes comprehensive services such as: 

Exterior Detailing

Exterior Detailing of your car involves washing, polishing, and waxing the exterior of the car to remove any dirt or minor scratches and add a protective layer to your car. 

Interior Detailing

Interior Detailing includes vacuuming, shampooing, and conditioning the interior of your car’s upholstery, including the dashboard, windows, and other interior surfaces.

Additional Services

Even though most of the car detailing service providers give you a full package for your services, you can always ask for additional services depending on your needs, which might include engine, paint correction, or ceramic coating. 

Each of these car detailing steps requires time, skill, and precision, which contributes to the overall duration of the detailing process. 

Also Read: What Does Car Detailing Mean

How Long Do Different Detailing Packages Take

Quick Detailing

Quick detailing will take approximately 1 to 2 hours. This will be a light service, best suited to maintain a car that has previously received more comprehensive detailing. However, it won’t provide the depth of full detail; you will only get results that you give your detailer time for.

• Thorough interior vacuum
• Dashboard, console, and door wipe-down
• Mirror and window cleaning
• Door jamb cleaning
• Exterior foam wash

Full Detailing

Full detailing will vary between 2 and 4 hours, depending on different factors like the size and condition of the vehicle. Full detailing includes thorough detailing for both interior and exterior, like steam cleaning, shampooing for seats and carpets, and wax application. The full detailing service includes quick detailing service plus: 

• Meticulous detailing of the dashboard, console, cup holders, & doors
• Full-scale steam cleaning of the interior
• Treatment and conditioning for leather seats
• Deep steam shampoo treatment for carpets, seats, & mats
• Salt & soil stains removal
• High-Gloss wax

Premium Detailing

Premium Detailing, as the name says, is a premium service for those who look to achieve showroom quality and are very concerned about the appearance of their car. Premium detailing can take anywhere from 6 to 7 hours or even longer, depending on the services included and the size of the vehicle. This level of detailing includes the services of full detailing plus:

• Interior ceramic coating
• Car paint iron decontamination
• Wheel iron decontamination

Why does Professional Car Detailing take time?

If you wonder why car detailing services take time, even though it can seem simple, it depends on various factors. Some of the most common factors affecting auto detailing time are:

Size of the Vehicle 

Size is one of the major factors affecting the time needed for detailing. If you have larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, or minivans, it naturally requires more time to detail than smaller cars like sedans and coupes. 

Condition of the Vehicle 

A well-maintained vehicle takes less detailing time than one that has not been cleaned for a while. The less-maintained vehicles with dirt, grime, stains, or discoloration require extra effort and time to restore them to their optimal condition. 

Level of Service 

The type of detailing service you choose for your vehicle plays a significant role in the time it takes to detail. A light maintenance service will be much faster than a deep or premium detailing service because of additional services, such as high gloss wax or ceramic coating.

Experience of the Detailer

Experienced car detailers can perform their task more efficiently and effectively than those with less experience. Experienced detailers not only know the use of proper equipment but also know the step-by-step process for each type of vehicle, which potentially reduces the time required while still delivering high-quality results. 

Want to be connected with a professional detailer in your area? Panda Hub is the best way to find the best car detailers around you!

Save upto $71 on car detailing

Book Now

Why does car detailing take so long?

It’s in the name! Detailing a car is not just about washing it. There are many steps, and each step requires careful attention to ensure your car is truly clean, looks its best, and is prepared for the future. Skipping or rushing any part of the process of car detailing can lead to potential damage. The attention to detail, no pun intended, is key.

If you’re short on time, why not schedule a mobile car detailing service that comes to you? No waiting at a shop, just a time slot for your detailer to arrive when it suits you best.