Exterior Detailing
Exterior detailing is a comprehensive service focused on cleaning, restoring, and protecting a vehicle's outer surfaces. It goes beyond a simple car wash to remove contaminants, correct paint imperfections, and apply protective coatings. This service is ideal for car owners who want to maintain their vehicle's appearance, protect its finish from environmental damage, or prepare it for sale.
What exterior detailing includes
- Thorough hand wash and dry
- Paint decontamination (clay bar treatment)
- Wheel, tire, and fender well cleaning and dressing
- Paint polishing to remove light swirls and scratches
- Application of wax or sealant for protection
- Exterior window and mirror cleaning
- Restoration and dressing of exterior plastic trim
Best for: Best for vehicle owners seeking to restore their car's exterior shine, protect its paint from environmental elements, or significantly enhance its curb appeal and resale value.
Compare exterior detailing quotes
Compare what remains after the wash: contamination treatment, finish improvement and protection.
| Part of the job | Confirm the scope | Possible difference |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Paint, wheels and exterior glass | Check wheel barrels, jambs and trim exclusions. |
| Decontamination | Treat bonded deposits when needed | Do not assume every wash includes iron or tar removal. |
| Finish and protection | Wax, sealant or separately priced correction | Polishing and ceramic coating are different work. |
Questions to ask before booking
- What protection product is included?
- Are bonded contamination and water spots covered?
- Is paint correction a separate estimate?
Send each provider the same vehicle details and photos. Ask for approval before extra work begins, and keep a written copy of the agreed package.
Top exterior detailing detailers near you
Best-rated exterior detailing providers nationwide
4,578 verified detailers across 22 states offer exterior detailing, 2,580 of them mobile. Here are the highest-rated:
- Daniel's Mobile Detailing & Ceramic Coating 5★ · Mesa
- Squeegee Boys Mobile Detailing 5★ · Draper
- ColorAuto Detailing 5★ · Grand Junction
- Shell Shocked Wraps 5★ · Garland
- Your Detail 5★ · Silver Spring
- Mint Mobile Detail 4.9★ · Chamblee
- CarPlay Mobile Detailing 5★ · Spring
- CarPlay Mobile Detailing Service 5★ · Houston
Exterior Detailing providers & cost by state
| State | Publishing a price | Typical range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 127 | $149–$275 | $200 |
| Florida | 88 | $99–$210 | $150 |
| Texas | 75 | $110–$240 | $175 |
| Washington | 54 | $169–$300 | $230 |
| Colorado | 30 | $125–$250 | $195 |
| Virginia | 30 | $160–$395 | $245 |
| Arizona | 25 | $115–$215 | $150 |
| Georgia | 24 | $100–$213 | $149 |
| North Carolina | 24 | $105–$249 | $159 |
| Illinois | 22 | $140–$299 | $199 |
| Ohio | 21 | $125–$250 | $175 |
| Wisconsin | 19 | $120–$250 | $179 |
| Michigan | 17 | $125–$270 | $180 |
| New York | 16 | $149–$275 | $189 |
| Utah | 14 | $110–$215 | $150 |
| Oregon | 13 | $225–$340 | $300 |
| Pennsylvania | 13 | $150–$275 | $200 |
| Tennessee | 12 | $120–$195 | $164 |
| New Jersey | 11 | $160–$345 | $235 |
| Maryland | 8 | $150–$225 | $180 |
| Oklahoma | 7 | $75–$170 | $125 |
| Nevada | 5 | $100–$180 | $160 |
Advertised rates read from each business's own website, shown only where at least 5 separate businesses in the state publish one. Ranges are the 25th to 75th percentile of per-business midpoints, not quotes. Full cost breakdown →
What affects the price
- Vehicle size and type
- Current condition of the vehicle's exterior
- Extent of paint correction required
- Type and durability of protective coating applied
- Specific detailing package chosen
Exterior Detailing FAQs
How much does exterior detailing typically cost?
How often should I have my car's exterior detailed?
What is the difference between an exterior detail and a car wash?
Can exterior detailing remove scratches from my car?
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