What a Real Auto Detail Includes (and Why It Isn’t a Car Wash)

“Detail” is the most abused term in our industry. What one shop calls a detail, another considers a wash. We regularly talk with customers asking about a detail who are really describing a car wash.

By our definition, a detail means every surface of the vehicle is cleaned, conditioned, and restored to its maximum potential. We see plenty of vehicles that are clean but still need to be detailed.

What should a full detail include?

At minimum, a full detail at Shine Detail Exclusive should cover:

• A thorough wash, including every door jamb and the trunk jamb
• Wheels cleaned behind the spokes and around the lug nuts
• Wheel wells cleaned and refreshed as needed
• Engine bay detailed, including the underside of the hood
• The entire exterior clay barred
• All exterior surfaces machine polished by a trained technician; this step depends on how much correction the paint needs
• All exterior surfaces waxed or sealed for durability and protection
• Tires dressed
• Every interior surface cleaned: seats, headliner, vents, door panels, cup holders, instrument cluster, and carpets
• Interior glass clean and streak-free

Why we steam and extract instead of wiping

Wiping an interior with a towel and a little cleaner is not detailing. Cracks and crevices between the seats, around switches, and inside vents should be cleaned with a vapor steamer. Carpets should be steamed to help remove allergens and then extracted with a hot-water carpet extractor.

How long does it take?

A full detail typically takes two to three technicians at least six hours, plus dry time. If you are told you can wait, or that it only takes a few hours, that is not a full detail.

Ready to book?

Tell us your vehicle and its condition and we will recommend the right service. Request an appointment or see our detailing work.