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Detailing services

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.

4,436Verified providers
$90–$250Typical cost
$160Median
2-8 hours, depending on vehicle condition and desired servicesTypical time

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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.

Top-rated providers

Best-rated exterior detailing providers nationwide

4,436 verified detailers across 20 states offer exterior detailing, 2,517 of them mobile. Here are the highest-rated:

By state

Exterior Detailing providers & cost by state

StateProvidersTypical rangeMedian
Florida 856 $75–$220 $150
California 767 $99–$300 $175
Texas 502 $80–$219 $140
Virginia 237 $85–$305 $179
North Carolina 233 $75–$250 $110
Washington 224 $100–$300 $225
Arizona 222 $100–$263 $160
Georgia 206 $50–$199 $125
Colorado 197 $99–$250 $193
Pennsylvania 123 $150–$209 $177
Tennessee 120 $105–$275 $150
Ohio 108 $100–$260 $173
Oregon 96 $100–$290 $149
Michigan 95 $100–$300 $170
Maryland 94 $125–$300 $200
Nevada 85 $100–$300 $178
Illinois 84 $100–$299 $188
New York 78 $120–$229 $186
Utah 78 $75–$110 $90
New Jersey 31 $75–$220 $140

Provider counts are computed live from the verified detailers in our directory; price ranges reflect detailers that publish exterior detailing rates. Confirm with a quote.

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
FAQ

Exterior Detailing — FAQs

How much does exterior detailing typically cost?
Exterior detailing services generally range from $40 to $1299, with a national median price of $161.
How often should I have my car's exterior detailed?
Most experts recommend exterior detailing 1-2 times per year to maintain paint protection and appearance, though frequency can vary based on vehicle use and environmental exposure.
What is the difference between an exterior detail and a car wash?
A car wash is a basic cleaning to remove loose dirt, while exterior detailing is a meticulous process that cleans, restores, and protects all exterior surfaces, often including paint correction and long-lasting sealants.
Can exterior detailing remove scratches from my car?
Yes, exterior detailing can effectively remove light scratches, swirl marks, and oxidation through paint correction techniques like polishing. Deep scratches that penetrate the clear coat may require professional body shop repair.
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