The average time for interior car detailing took around 3-5 hours for standard size cars and big SUVs took around 4-6 hours. And the average time for exterior car detailing took around 2-3 hours for standard size cars and Big SUVs took around 3-4 hours. These are the estimates that we get from experts and many car detailers.
In this article we will breakdown all the estimations, and explain the reasons behind the time taken to detail your car. Let’s dive in.
What includes in Interior car detailing?
Interior detailing is the process of cleaning and finishing your car interior in brand-new condition that enhances driving experience and comfort. It includes:
Vacuuming: it involves vacuuming all interior areas like seats, carpets, floor mats, and those spots that are hard to reach in normal washing. It cleans dirt and debris from the car interior.
Shampooing and Steam cleaning: it removes stains and odor, and involves deep cleaning of carpets and upholstery. This is effective for stubborn dirt.
Leather cleaning: it involves deep cleaning of leather seats with specialised products and then conditioned to prevent fading and cracking.
Dashboard and console detailing: It involves in depth cleaning of dashboard, cupholders, air vents, and buttons.
Window Cleaning: It involves streak-free cleaning of windows that enhance visibility and safety.
Stain Removal: it involves removal of stains from carpet, upholstery and fabric.
How long does a full interior detail take?
In this article , we will dive into the complete details, like exploring the factors that affect the interior car detailing time, the services involved and the condition of the car and size.
Factors affecting the time a full interior car detail take:
Car size and condition:
- If you own a standard size car with normal condition then it takes less time around 2 hours to detail, but if the interior condition is too messy then it takes 3 to 4 hours to detail the interior.
- And if you own large size cars (SUVs, trucks) it has more interior space so, it took 3-4 hours for complete interior detailing in normal condition, but again if condition is highly stained or neglected then it takes 5-6 hours for complete interior detailing.
Complexity of the interior:
- Some cars have unique and special designs, a lot of compartments to clean, or cool features that need extra attention during detailing.
- Leather seats, soft fabric and tricky controls all make it complicated and take time to ensure professional finishing and detailing.
Extra detailing services:
Some cars are more messy and not done by basic vacuuming and wiping, needs extra services like steam cleaning, stain removal and leather conditioning also take more time then normal detailing.
Expertise of detailer:
Timeframe also dependent on detailer expertise, a professional and skilled detailer work very efficiently, and ensure quality detailing in less time.
Remember, Interior detailing not only cleans your car cabin but also protects it. Regular detailing provides freshness, safety and comfort and also peace of mind to the driver, investing in your car pays off in the long run.
What includes in exterior car detailing?
Exterior car detailing is the process to restore and enhance your car exterior into a brand-new look. It includes:
Hand-washing and drying: it involves first hand-washing your car exterior to remove dirt and road debris and then carefully drying using a microfiber towel to remove water spots.
Clay bar treatment: it aims to provide a smooth and contaminant-free surface. This process helps to remove particles like tar, tree saps and industrial fallout. The claybar smoothly glide on paint, making it feel silky and ready for more treatments.
Paint correction: it aims to remove the imperfections like swirl marks and minor scratches from the car’s paint. Detailers use special polish and compounds to restore the paint clarity and shine.
Polishing and buffing: it aims to remove fine scratches and increase the gloss and depth of the paint. Detailers use dual-action polisher or rotary buffers to apply polish and achieve fine gloss of car’s paint.
Sealant or wax application: it provides a protective layer against UV rays, water spots and environmental contaminants to maintain the freshy look of your car.
Tires and wheel cleaning: it involves in depth cleaning of wheels and tires to remove tar, road grime and dust to maintain its original look and shine.
Trim and plastic restoration: it restores the faded plastic trim like bumpers, mirrors and moldings. Detailers use specialised products to protect them against UV rays and maintain their shine.
Glass treatment: it involves in depth cleaning and treatment of all windows and windshields to enhance visibility while driving.
Headlight restoration: it restores dull and yellowed headlights that enhance the overall car look and ensures safety.
How long does a full exterior detail take?
Exterior detailing time depends on many factors. In this article we will explore are the factors that affect time to detail your car exterior:
Factors affecting exterior car detailing time:
Car size and condition:
- Small cars like coupes and sedans take less time. But if your car condition is normal it takes 2-3 hours. But if the condition of the exterior is bad, full of imperfections , dullness and scratches then it takes 5-6 hours due to the extra level of detailing.
- If you own a large car (trucks or SUVs) it takes more time due to its area and it requires additional hours. In normal car condition it takes 3-4 hours, but again for extra services due to car condition it takes 6-7 hours for complete exterior detailing.
Extra detailing services:
If you want add-on services then it takes more time then normal like:
- Light correction (4-5 hours)
- Heavy correction (1-2 days)
- Rim coating (30 minutes – 1 hour)
- Engine restoration (1 hour)
- Trim restoration (30 minutes)
Remember, the extra time required only for additional services, if your car runs on messy areas, dusty roads and harsh weather conditions then you must need special services to well-maintained your car. But if your car runs in normal areas and maintains its condition then basic exterior detailing is enough for it.
