Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
The amount of time spent detailing a vehicle depends on the level of detail required and the size of the vehicle. A basic exterior wash may only take 30 minutes; however, for more intense detailing jobs, such as polishing or waxing, the job may take up to 5-6 hours. Additionally, larger vehicles require more time than smaller cars due to their increased surface area. If extra attention is being paid to certain parts, such as rims or spotless windows, this may also add additional time to a thorough job.
What Is Car Detailing?
Car detailing is cleaning and restoring the vehicle to its showroom condition inside and out. It thoroughly cleans the car’s exterior, including the tires, wheels, windows, trim pieces, grilles, headlights, and taillights. The interior is also cleaned extensively with vacuuming, steam-cleaning carpets, upholstery, and polishing surfaces like leather or vinyl. Additionally, any defects in paintwork may be corrected through machine polishing or buffing.
How Long Does It Take To Do An Interior Car Detail?
A thorough interior car detail can take up to four hours or more. This includes vacuuming, shampooing carpets and seats, cleaning leather surfaces, and wiping interior components like the dashboard and doors.
Interior Car Detailing Process:
Most services break down interior detailing into cleaning, protection, and restoration. All surfaces are vacuumed and thoroughly wiped or washed with approved products during cleaning. This includes seats, door panels, consoles, and carpeting. A protective coating such as waxes or sealants may be applied to protect these surfaces from future dirt accumulation or discoloration due to UV rays.
In the restoration step, any minor scuffs or scratches are polished away using a variety of compounds to bring back the original shine of certain surfaces. This process may also include leather conditioning treatments for leather seats if necessary.
How Long Does It Take To Do An Exterior Car Detail?
For a smaller car, you can expect to spend 2-3 hours on a basic wash, wax, and detailing. Doing more intensive detailing, such as polishing or clay bar treatment, may take 4-5 hours.
For larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks, exterior detail jobs can take 8+ hours due to their larger surface area. It also depends on how much work needs to be done—if there are scratches or other damage that needs repair, that process will take much longer than a basic detail job.
Exterior Car Detailing Process:
The exterior car detailing process involves cleaning and polishing all exterior components, such as paint, metal trim, glass, wheels, and tires. This can involve a combination of manual washing with soap and water or special chemical cleaners specifically designed for automotive use.
After cleaning, any oxidized or faded paint is polished with a high-speed buffer to restore its luster. Any wheel wells or body crevices that accumulate grease or dirt are cleaned by hand using specialized brushes. The final step in the detailing process involves applying wax or sealant to protect against future dirt buildup.
How Long Does It Take To Do A Full Auto Car Detail?
A full auto detail can typically take between 4 and 6 hours to complete. This includes washing, polishing, waxing, and cleaning the car’s exterior; shampooing carpets, seats, and upholstery; vacuuming floors; cleaning windows; and cleaning all other interior components.
Full Car Detailing Process:
The full car detailing process includes an exterior wash using specialized products, removing surface contaminants such as tar, bugs, and tree sap, applying wax to protect the paint and diminish minor scratches, cleaning door jams, polishing glass and chrome surfaces, vacuuming interior seats and carpets, cleaning console panels with special solutions for vinyl or leather surfaces and dressing tires. Floor mats should be scrubbed clean with a brush before being put back into place. Depending on the level of service requested, some facilities may offer additional services such as steam cleaning engine compartments or odor removal solutions.
How Long Does Car Detailing Last?
A professional car detail can last up to six months when done correctly. However, this does not mean you should wait until six months have passed before getting your vehicle detailed again. Regular maintenance detailing is recommended every 2-3 months to maintain a clean and polished look for your car’s exterior and interior.
Is Detailing A Car Worth It?
Detailing a car is an important routine maintenance task that many drivers overlook. Not only does detailing improve the appearance of your vehicle, but it also helps to extend its life. Investing in regular detailing can be highly beneficial in the long run.
When a car is detailed, all dirt, debris, and contaminants are removed from the vehicle’s exterior and interior. Special attention is given to areas around windows, door handles, and trim for complete protection against rusting or corrosion. Detailing also includes polishing paint surfaces to restore shine and protect from UV rays and applying waxes or sealants for additional protection from external elements such as rain, snow, salt, and dust particles.
Conclusion:
Car detailing takes an average of 5-6 hours to complete depending on the size and condition of the vehicle. Note that this time can vary based on personal preference, the type of service being done, and the detailed shop’s protocol for safety and sanitation. Professional detailing services are often more expensive than DIY options, but they offer a higher-quality finish worth paying extra for in many cases. Taking proper care of your car with regular details will help keep it looking its best and extend its lifespan so you can enjoy it for years.
