Regular detailing is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s appearance and value. Whether you’re planning to DIY; take it to a shop, or hire a mobile detailing service, you might wonder: How long does it take to detail a car? The answer depends on various factors.
In this blog, we’ll break down these factors and provide a clear understanding of how long a typical car detailing session should take. Check it out!
What does car detailing involve?
Before we delve into the time aspect, it’s important to understand what car detailing involves. Car detailing is a thorough cleaning and restoration process to make your vehicle look as good as new – inside and out. This goes beyond a standard car wash and involves intricate cleaning, polishing, and sometimes minor restoration work. Here are some key components of car detailing.
Exterior detailing
- Washing and drying
- Clay bar treatment for removing contaminants
- Polishing and buffing
- Waxing or applying sealant for protection
- Tire and rim cleaning and dressing
- Window and trim cleaning
Interior detailing:
- Vacuuming seats, carpets, and floor mats
- Shampooing carpets and upholstery
- Leather cleaning and conditioning
- Dashboard, console, and trim cleaning and polishing
- Window and mirror cleaning
- Odor elimination and sanitization
Depending on the level of detail, some services may also include additional steps like engine cleaning, headlight restoration, or even paint correction.
Read more: How much does a professional ceramic coating cost for a car near me in Scottsdale, AZ
How long does each type of detailing take?
The time it takes to detail a car depends largely on whether you’re getting an interior, exterior, or full detailing service. This remains true whether you’re opting for in-shop or mobile detailing. Here’s a general breakdown:
Interior detailing time
Interior detailing can range from two to four hours, depending on the vehicle’s condition. Cars with heavy stains, pet hair, and odor issues will take longer to detail. For instance:
- Quick interior cleaning: If the interior is generally clean with only light dust and dirt, a basic interior detail may take about two hours.
- Deep cleaning: For vehicles with deep stains, spills, or pet hair, the process can take three to four hours as more time is needed for shampooing, stain removal, and odor treatment.
How long does interior detailing take?
Exterior detailing time
Exterior detailing typically takes between two to three hours, depending on the level of service and the vehicle’s condition:
- Basic exterior wash and wax: A quick exterior wash with a wax finish can take one and a half to two hours.
- Full exterior detail: This includes washing, claying, polishing, and waxing, which can take two to three hours. The polishing process alone is time-intensive, as it involves removing imperfections in the paint.
Full detailing time
A full car detail, including interior and exterior detailing, can take four to six hours or more. For a well-maintained vehicle, four hours might be sufficient. However, if the car is heavily soiled or needs extensive work (e.g., removing scratches or addressing odor issues), expect it to take six hours or longer.
Related: Protecting Your Vehicle from Sun Damage with Ceramic Coating
Factors that affect the time to detail a car
Now that we know the general time frames, let’s explore the factors influencing how long it takes to detail a car. These factors can significantly impact the total time spent on detailing.
Vehicle size
One of the most significant factors is the size of the vehicle. Larger vehicles naturally take longer to detail:
- Small cars (sedans, coupes): These cars require less time since there is less surface area to clean. A complete detail may take about four to five hours.
- SUVs, trucks, and vans: Detailing larger vehicles can take six to eight hours or more because of the additional surface area, both inside and outside.
Condition of the vehicle
The current state of your vehicle also has a significant impact on detailing time:
- Well-maintained vehicles: If you regularly clean your car and maintain its good condition, the detailing process will be faster, likely on the lower end of the time spectrum.
- Heavily soiled vehicles: If your car has extensive dirt buildup, stains, or other issues like pet hair or odors, the detailer will need more time to clean and restore it. This could add two or more hours to the job.
Type of service requested
As mentioned earlier, the time required depends on whether you’re getting interior, exterior, or full detailing. If you’re opting for specialized services, these can further extend the time:
- Paint correction: Polishing scratches and swirl marks is time-consuming and could add several hours.
- Headlight restoration: Cleaning and restoring cloudy headlights can take an extra 30 minutes to one hour.
- Odor removal or pet hair treatment: Special treatments, like ozone odor removal or using tools to remove pet hair, can extend the time by another hour or more.
Factors that affect the time to detail a car
Experience and equipment
The efficiency and skill level of the detailer also play a role:
- Experienced detailers: Skilled professionals can work faster without sacrificing quality. They know the most effective techniques and have streamlined processes.
- High-quality equipment: Professional-grade equipment, such as steam cleaners, polishers, and extractors, can reduce the time spent on detailing while delivering better results.
How to reduce detailing time
While car detailing naturally takes time, there are some tips you can do to reduce the amount of time it takes to detail your car:
- Maintain your car regularly: Regular cleaning, inside and out, helps prevent dirt and grime buildup, meaning the detailer will need less time to restore your vehicle.
- Declutter before your appointment: Remove personal items, trash, and clutter from the car before bringing it in for detailing. This will save the detailer time and allow them to get started immediately.
- Communicate your needs: Be clear with the detailer about what you want. If you don’t need deep cleaning or polishing, let them know so they can focus on the areas that matter most.
Top-rated car detailing service in Scottsdale, AZ
Are you tired of your car looking dull and lackluster? Signature Auto Detailing in Scottsdale, AZ, offers professional car detailing services that will make your vehicle shine like new.
We understand the importance of convenience, which is why we offer mobile detailing services. Whether you’re at home or the office, we bring high-quality car detailing directly to you. Our experts use the latest techniques and premium products to ensure your vehicle looks its best, inside and out.
Call us today at 480-973-6236 to schedule an appointment now!
