How Long Does a Detail Take?
Auto detailing is an essential service to maintain and protect your vehicle’s appearance, but one common question we get asked is, “How long does a detail take?” The time it takes to detail a car can vary based on a few key factors.
Why Does Detailing Take Time?
Vehicle Size
Larger vehicles (SUVs, trucks, and vans) take more time to clean, especially for exterior services. The larger the vehicle, the longer it will take to wash, wax, and clean tires.
Vehicle Condition
The condition of your vehicle plays a big role in the time it takes to complete detailing. If your vehicle is heavily soiled, covered in road grime, or has stubborn stains, it will take longer to clean.
Size of Service Package
The more comprehensive the detailing package, the longer it will take. A basic exterior wash and interior vacuum will take less time than a full detail that includes upholstery cleaning, waxing, and paint sealant.
Additional Services
If you request additional services like headlight restoration, engine bay cleaning, or ceramic coating, these will increase the overall time of the detailing process.
Auto Detailing: Time Required Per Vehicle Type
Every vehicle is different, and the time required for detailing will change depending on the size of the car. Here’s a breakdown of the typical time it takes for us to complete an interior, exterior detail, and full, based on vehicle size.
|
Vehicle Type
|
Service Type
|
Time Required
|
|---|---|---|
|
Sedan/Coupe |
Interior Detail |
2 hours |
|
Small/Mid-Size Trucks/SUVs |
Interior Detail |
2.5 Hours |
|
SUVs/Trucks/Vans |
Interior Detail |
2.5-3 Hours |
|
Sedan/Coupe |
Exterior Detail |
2 hours |
|
Small/Mid-Size Trucks/SUVs |
Exterior Detail |
2.5 Hours |
|
SUVs/Trucks/Vans |
Exterior Detail |
2.5-3 Hours |
|
Sedan/Coupe |
Full Detail |
4 Hours |
|
Small/Mid-Size Trucks/SUVs |
Full Detail |
5-5.5 Hours |
|
SUVs/Trucks/Vans |
Full Detail |
5.5-6 Hours |
How Long Does Interior Detailing Take?
For a standard small vehicle (like a sedan), interior detailing typically takes around 2 hours. However, the time can vary slightly based on the condition of your vehicle and the specific services you need. When it comes to interior detailing, we take our time ensuring no crumbs, or little crevices are missed. Let’s breakdown How Long it Takes.
What’s Included in Interior Detailing?
Services Included
Vacuuming
Seat Cleaning
Console Wipe Down
Window Cleaning
We vacuum all carpets, floor mats, seats, and crevices to remove dirt, food, and trash. Fabric or leather seats are carefully cleaned using appropriate solutions to remove stains and odors. All dashboard surfaces are wiped down, like the steering wheel, center console, and gear shift. Lastly, we clean the interior windows and mirrors to remove streaks, and fingerprints.
Time Breakdown
Vacuuming (Total Time: 40 mins)
Vacuuming is a key part of interior detailing, and it’s crucial to thoroughly clean every nook and cranny. This includes the seats, floors, carpets, and areas under the seats.
Upholstery Cleaning (Total Time: 40 mins)
Cleaning the seats (whether fabric or leather) is a more time-intensive task, especially if there are stains, dirt buildup, or pet hair.
Dashboard & Console (Total Time: 20 mins)
The center console, door panels, dashboard, and other hard surfaces need a wipe-down to remove dust, smudges, and grime. This task is usually quick, but attention to detail is necessary to avoid leaving streaks or missed spots.
Window & Mirrors (Total Time: 20 mins)
Cleaning the interior windows is an essential part of interior detailing, as it improves visibility and contributes to the overall cleanliness of the cabin.
How Long Does Exterior Detailing Take?
For a standard small vehicle, exterior detailing typically takes around 2 hours. However, the time can vary based on many factors such as the paint, wheels, and glass conditions of your vehicle. a When it comes to exterior car washing, we often find paint chips and defects that the owners we unaware of. This could add to the length of the services through addons. Let’s breakdown How Long it Takes.
What’s Included in Exterior Detailing?
Services Included
Hand Wash
Paint Sealant
Tires Cleaned
Window Cleaning
We begin with a thorough hand wash to remove dirt, road grime, and other debris from the car’s surface. Next, we apply a protective paint sealant, which forms a durable layer that helps shield your vehicle’s exterior from the elements. We also clean and dress the tires to remove brake dust and road buildup, refreshing the dark shine. Finally, we clean all exterior windows, leaving them spotless, and streak-free.
Time Breakdown
Hand Wash & Dry (Total Time: 45 mins)
Our thorough hand car wash and dry is a vital part of our exterior service. This takes the majority of time due to the need for a careful wash and attention to detail.
Paint Sealant (Total Time: 40 mins)
When Applying paint sealant we ensure to apply evenly and allow time for it to cure for maximum protection. This provides long-lasting protection to your cars paint.
Tire Cleaning & Dressing (Total Time: 20 mins)
Your Tires and wheels are cleaned and dressed, ensuring that brake dust, dirt, and grease are fully removed and the tires are left shiny and protected.
Window & Mirrors (Total Time: 15 mins)
The exterior windows and mirrors are carefully cleaned to remove streaks and smudges, ensuring clear visibility and a polished look.
Timeframes for Additional Auto Detailing Services
In addition to standard exterior detailing, we offer a variety of premium services designed to enhance and protect your vehicle’s appearance. These services, such as paint correction, ceramic coating, and headlight restoration, provide long-term benefits and can be tailored to suit your vehicle’s needs. Let’s breakdown How Long They Take.
|
Service
|
Time Required
|
Desc.
|
|---|---|---|
|
Paint Correction |
2-4 hours |
This service involves correcting paint imperfections like swirl marks, scratches, and oxidation to restore a smooth, glossy finish. |
|
Ceramic Coating |
3-4 hours |
A ceramic coating adds an advanced layer of protection to your car’s paint, providing long-lasting defense against contaminants, water, and UV damage. |
|
Headlight Restoration |
1-1.5 hours |
Headlight restoration removes cloudiness and yellowing from headlights, improving their clarity and brightness. |
|
Clay Bar Treatment |
1-2 hours |
The clay bar process removes embedded contaminants from the paint, leaving a smoother surface before waxing or sealant application. |
|
Wheel Coating |
1-1.5 hours |
This service applies a protective coating to the wheels, making it easier to clean and prevent brake dust buildup. |
RSRVD Mobile Detailing
We are a mobile detailing company which means we come directly to you with our auto detailing services. Our detailers are located in Camden County, NJ and service a 10 mile radius from our location. Check out our service area or give us a call to see if we service you!
Interested In learning How to Detail?
We have created an entire page dedicated to you! This full guide on How to Detail Cars is the exact process we take here at RSRVD on our jobs. We created this page to offer newcomers a safe place to learn. If you are located in the area feel free to contact us, we are open to shadowing/internship roles.
Take a Word From Our Clients
Frequently Asked Auto Detailing Time Requirement Questions
