Having your vehicle detailed by a professional detailer is the best way to ensure a job well done.
But if you have never paid for a mobile detail service or been to an auto detailing location, you may be wondering what you can expect and how much it might cost you.
What is the average cost for auto detailing? Pricing options may vary depending on packages and location, but on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $450 to have your vehicle professionally detailed.
To help understand and to identify the right package and service for you, we at No-H2O have put together this quick guide.
Car Detailing: What to Expect
Many vehicle owners simply take their care to a drive-thru or self-serve car wash when they need a quick clean.
And while these options are cost-effective, they do not necessarily provide the superior clean and value that can be found through a car detailing service.
Car detailers will do more than clean your car, they will return it to like-new conditions, extending the life of your car and helping it maintain value.
An auto detailing service company will offer a range of packages from the most basic wash and polish, to the top of the line packages that include things like pet hair removal, interior sanitization, and carpet cleaning.
Be sure to read the details of each package so you can determine which best fits your needs and budget.
How to Choose an Auto Detailing Service
The cost of auto detailing will be less painful if you find a professional service you can believe in.
Start by looking for a company that offers a range of packages that include multiple services. The more options you have, the more likely it is that you find something you are happy with.
Next, look for a company with a good reputation. Read online reviews to see what others have to say. Remember, a negative review doesn’t necessarily mean the business is bad. Pay close attention to how the company responded to that review and the steps they took to make things right.
Finally, look for a company that has core values you can support. This may seem like an odd way to choose an auto detailer but stay with us on this one.
The car wash and auto detailing industry uses a ridiculous amount of water. On average, a traditional car wash uses 35 gallons (132 Liters) of water on a single vehicle! Look for a company that is taking active steps to reduce water usage and mitigate environmental impacts.
A detailing company like No-H2O is waterless and environmentally friendly, making us the world leader in waterless car care.
How Much Does Auto Detailing Cost?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. The car detailing price will be determined by the package and services you choose, the condition and size of your vehicle, and your geographical location.
While most auto detailers will have established package pricing, you may wish to include add-on services that will increase the price.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $450 to have your vehicle professionally detailed.
The availability of packages and the pricing options may vary depending on whether or not you are using a mobile, on-demand service, or booking an appointment at a traditional brick-and-mortar location.
To give some idea of what may be included at different price points, let’s take a look at the detailing packages offered through No-H2O.
Wash & Polish
The average detailing cost per car is $45, per SUV $50, per XL vehicle $55.
This package includes:
- Exterior detailing only
- Hand wash and polish with polymer finish
- Wheels cleaned and tires dressed
- Exterior windows cleaned
Bronze Package
The average detailing cost per car is $60, per SUV $75, per XL vehicle $75.
This package includes:
- Hand wash and polish with polymer finish
- Wheels cleaned and tires dressed
- Windows cleaned exterior and interior
- Interior vacuum plus trunk
- Wipe down console and dash
- Door jams cleaned
Silver Package
The average detailing cost per car is $95, per SUV $115, per XL vehicle $130.
This package includes:
- Hand wash and polish with polymer finish
- Wheels cleaned and tires dressed
- Windows cleaned exterior and interior
- Interior vacuum plus trunk
- Cracks and crevices cleaned
- Wipe down console and dash
- Wipe down doors and paneling
- Carpets and mats cleaned
- Seats wiped down
- Door jams cleaned
- Trash removal
Gold Package
The average detailing cost per car is $160, per SUV $195, per XL vehicle $235.
This package includes:
- Hand wash and polish with polymer finish
- Ceramic sealant sio2 formulation Hydrophobic protective applied
- Wheels cleaned and tires dressed
- Windows cleaned exterior and interior
- Interior vacuum plus trunk
- Cracks and crevices cleaned
- Wipe down console and dash
- Wipe down doors and paneling
- Carpets and mats cleaned
- Seats wiped detailed and leather conditioner applied
- Door jams cleaned
- Trash removal
Platinum Package
The average detailing cost per car is $375, per SUV $400, per XL vehicle $450.
This package includes:
- Hand wash and polish with polymer finish
- Ceramic sealant sio2 formulation Hydrophobic protective applied
- Wheels cleaned and tires dressed
- Windows cleaned exterior and interior
- Interior vacuum plus trunk
- Cracks and crevices cleaned
- Wipe down console and dash
- Wipe down doors and paneling
- Carpets and mats cleaned
- Seats wiped detailed and leather conditioner applied
- Door jams cleaned
- Trash removal
- Interior sanitized
- Clay bar treatment
- Muffler tips polished
- Pet hair removal
- Orbital buffer
As you can see, there is a range of options available to find a range of needs and budgets.
No-H2O offers flexibility by allowing you to choose a detailing package but also select from an a la carte menu of add-on services. These add-ons include things like pet hair removal, windshield rain repellant, and water spot removal.
Auto Detailing is Worth the Cost
Auto detailing is a great way to keep new vehicles looking and feeling new or give a needed refresh to older vehicles.
Whether you want to focus on exterior detailing or include complete interior detailing, there is no doubt a service and package that’s right for you.
While you may be tempted to go with the cheapest option, remember, you often get what you pay for.
Auto detailing is more than just removing dirt from the exterior and vacuuming a floor mat. It is a full-service cleaning and refresh of your vehicle.
Car detailing prices will reflect the quality of work being provided. While detailing is more expensive than a traditional car wash, it is far more valuable to you as an owner.
When you’re ready, so are we! Contact No-H2O today to book your auto detailing appointment!