Detailing vs. Car Wash: What’s the Difference? - American Wrap Company (2024)

Most car owners take great pride in keeping their vehicles looking pristine and polished. But while both car detailing and washing keep your car in tip-top condition, these two services widely differ.

While a commercial car wash is meant to clean everyday dirt and crud from your vehicle, detailing goes a step beyond to preserve the look of your ride and boost its resale value.

So which service is best for you? Thankfully, the experienced technicians at American Wrap Company are here to help.

Here’s everything you need to know about car detailing vs. car washing.

What is Car Detailing?

Unlike a commercial car wash which is an automated system that cleans a vehicle’s exterior with machines as it passes through, car detailing is a labor-intensive process that’s entirely done by hand.

Automotive detailing is a comprehensive service that thoroughly clean and restores your car to produce a lustrous shine. It also preserves your paint and protects it from damaging contaminants and UV rays.

In addition to thoroughly washing your car, detailing utilizes innovative techniques and high-quality products to:

• Correct damage to the paint
• Polish your car to completely remove swirls and scratches, resulting in a glossy glow
• Wax or seal your car to give it an additional layer of protection
• Thoroughly clean your interior, including vacuuming, steam and glass cleaning, brushing and scrubbing, leather trimming, and perfuming

There are also plenty of optional add-ons included in a professional detailing service, such as paint correction, ceramic coating, and paint protection film (PPF).

At American Wrap Company, we have different detailing packages tailored to fit your exact needs. Whether you want a quick maintenance wash or the works with paint correction, we’ve got you covered.

Benefits of Auto Detailing

Car detailing will keep your vehicle looking its best for years to come. Some of the perks of getting your car professionally detailed include:

• Removes dirt and debris: A full detailing service effectively removes all dirt and debris from your vehicle, including bird bombs, tree sap, salt, and more.

• Boosts resale value: Properly maintaining your car will boost its resale value when you decide to sell. Vehicles that are in pristine condition are more valuable than cars with dents and dings.

• Attention to details: When you take your car to an automatic car wash, only the large exterior portions will get cleaned. A professional car detailer will carefully clean every inch of your vehicle, including the wheels, rims, door hinges, exterior mirrors, carpets, seats, and trim work.

• Kills bacteria and germs: Germs can thrive in the hidden nooks and crannies of your car, including in the cup holders, air vents, and under the seats. Detailing will effectively kill all of the airborne germs in your vehicle to keep you healthy.

If you want every surface of your car deeply cleaned, a professional car detailing service is the way to go.

What is a Car Wash?

As we previously stated, a traditional automatic drive-through car wash removes dirt, tar, salt, and other debris from your car’s exterior. Some car washes offer interior cleanings which include wiping down hard surfaces and vacuuming the floors and seats.

A basic drive-through car wash will:

• Wash the exterior
• Clean the tires and wheels
• Apply tire dressing
• Polish the wheels
• Polish and wax the paint
• Vacuum and clean the interior, if requested

While car washes are a cost-effective way to clean your vehicle, they are not as thorough as detailing.

Let’s Make Your Vehicle Shine

If you want to keep your car in mint condition and have it shine as brightly as it did on the showroom floor, book a detailing service appointment at American Wrap Company today. Our technicians use cutting-edge techniques and quality products to ensure your vehicle looks fantastic.

To learn more, contact our team today. We can’t wait to make your car shine!

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Tyler O'Hara

Owner/Founder at American Wrap Company

Ever since I was a young boy in elementary school I have dreamt of working on cars. My mom still has a folder of sketches that were takin away from me because I was drawing cars during class. I have always had a deep passion for cars, trucks, motorcycles and any thing fast! When I’m not working I love to escape from the city with my dogs and go camping, fishing, surfing, dirt biking and anything else outdoors and away from the city! I was born and raised in Thousand Oaks California and have lived in Ventura County most of my life. I was raised by a middle class blue collar family and was taught to have strong values. I have a very high level of respect, honesty, integrity, kindness to all people and compassion.

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Detailing vs. Car Wash: What’s the Difference? - American Wrap Company (2024)

FAQs

Detailing vs. Car Wash: What’s the Difference? - American Wrap Company? ›

Car Wash vs Auto Detailing: The Real Difference

Is professional detailing worth it? ›

Regular detailing services like shampooing carpets, cleaning leather seats, and conditioning plastics can make your car's interior appear almost brand new again. In conclusion, investing in auto detailing services like regular interior cleaning can significantly improve the resale value of your vehicle.

Why is detailing so expensive? ›

Quality materials: High-end detailing services use premium materials, such as high-quality waxes and polishes, to ensure a top-notch result. These materials are more expensive than their cheaper counterparts, and the cost is reflected in the final price of the detailing service.

What is a detailing car wash? ›

A car detailing service focuses not only on deep cleaning, but also on light cosmetic paint restoration and high-tech protective coatings. While getting your vehicle washed every week or so is important, car detailing is a special event to rejuvenate your ride and keep it looking good.

Why is cleaning a car called detailing? ›

Detailing is the applied depth, and knowledge one utilizes to achieve superior results. Just washing and waxing a car is not detailing, but the meticulous care where every square inch has been cared for and looking its best is.

What are the disadvantages of car detailing? ›

One of the main drawbacks is the cost, as car detailing can be quite expensive depending on the level of service you choose. Additionally, it can be time-consuming, especially if you have a busy schedule.

Is 200 too much for car detailing? ›

Getting your car detailed can cost anywhere from $100 for a partial detail to a full interior and exterior clean for $200 to $350. It depends on the size of your vehicle and the number of services you receive.

How much should I spend on car detailing? ›

The average cost of a car detailing session is $175. But, the cost usually ranges between $98 to $400 depending on the experience and quality of your auto detailer. That said, very high-end packages (or if you have lots of add-ons) can go upwards of $600!

Should you tip for detailing? ›

For example, if the detailing job costs $100, a tip of $10 to $20 would be appropriate. However, if the service exceeds expectations or involves additional effort, consider tipping on the higher end of the spectrum to show appreciation for the extra care and attention provided.

How much profit is the in car detailing? ›

Auto detailing has an average profit margin of 15-35%. If your ideal profit margin is 30%, the cost of your job should make up 70% of the total price.

What is the difference between car detailing and car wash? ›

The key to auto detailing is that it's not just cleaning, it's improving. Detailing doesn't just vacuum, it shampoos. Detailing doesn't just wipe the dash, it finds the dust in every groove and cranny. Every surface that is cleaned is also polished or buffed.

What is a full detail car wash? ›

A full-detail car wash, as opposed to a standard car wash, performs the washing process by hand. The process begins with a powerful, specialized spray on your vehicle, followed by thorough hand washing of the door jambs, car rims, glass, tires, and any other exterior components.

What is the difference between a detailer and a wash? ›

Wash is important aspect of keeping our vehicle looking and feeling its best, and sometimes it's all you need. Detailing on the other hand is the operation of deep cleaning, which involves a lot more than having your exterior looks elegant and shiny.

Is detailing worth the money? ›

The Verdict

Yes! Car detailing is a valuable investment for your car. This process is much more thorough than a regular car wash and aims to restore and maintain your car's appearance both inside and out. Every detail is carefully attended to, resulting in a car that looks brand-new and has improved aesthetics.

What is done during a car detailing? ›

A basic detailing job usually takes four to five hours. Most include an exterior wash, claying, polishing, and waxing; an interior cleaning; and tire cleaning and treatments. Many detailers also provide other services upon request, such as steam cleaning engines, paint touchup, and installing accessories.

What is the professional term for a car detailer? ›

Detail Technician - A skilled and knowledgeable professional in the art of detailing. Detailing - To clean each area or part of a motor vehicle until the desired results are achieved.

Is it worth it to detail your car yourself? ›

If you're not sure that detailing is a process you enjoy or have time to stick with, maybe it's best to choose the services of a professional a few times a year. In the long run, DIY detailing can save you boatloads of money, but you have to be committed to it.

Is it worth detailing a car before selling? ›

Detailing your car before selling it is a wise decision that can significantly increase its value and appeal to potential buyers. The investment you make in professional detailing not only enhances the car's appearance but also demonstrates your commitment to its maintenance.

Is a car detailing business a good idea? ›

By offering these types of services, detailers can charge between $1,000 and $2,000. This allows them to earn as much as $400 an hour. By capitalizing on high-demand, high-margin services, starting a detailing business can be a profitable venture for those willing to invest in the necessary skills and equipment.

Is car detailing a good way to make money? ›

Even as a part-timer, you can make substantial profits. Just a few clients each week can significantly boost your bank balance. It's a simple yet rewarding endeavor. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of starting a car detailing business on the side.

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