Cleaning both the exterior and interior of your vehicle is part of a regular maintenance routine that keep everything looking immaculate while preserving the life of the car. When your car is ready for its regular cleaning, you have a couple of options – the car wash or a professional car detailing job.
Both a car wash and car detailing are designed to satisfy separate goals. In this article, we’re breaking down the key differences between your two options.
Cleanliness Goals
Let’s start with the desired outcome for your vehicle. A car wash and a car detailing can both be effective options, but it totally depends on what your expectations are.
The standard car wash is a great option for a quick clean on the go. Generally speaking, your local car wash will be pretty effective at removing surface level dirt and grime with the help of low power water and soap. It will be difficult to clean the undercarriage, tires and other hard to reach areas, plus you won’t be able to dry the car or apply any special treatments, but a quick wash will handle the majority of obvious dirt buildup.
The goal of a car detailing is almost the opposite of a car wash. Instead of a quick clean to remove surface grime, a detailing takes care of every single detail. The goal is showroom floor clean – as clean as your vehicle has ever been. The curb appeal of a detailed car is unmatched, making it the preferred option for selling a vehicle, preparing to impress, and turning heads everywhere you go.
Cost
Another key differentiating factor between a car wash and a car detailing is the price. Like in most cases, you get what you pay for.
The car wash is the cheaper option because the services provided and ultimate outcome leaves much to be desired. The process takes just a few minutes, and while it will take care of surface level dirt, there’s no attention to detail. The cost varies for a car wash, but you can expect somewhere between $10-20.
When you visit a professional car detailer, it will cost you more, but you can expect the very best treatment. A professional will dedicate all of their time and energy on your vehicle, giving it the ultimate spa treatment while restoring it to its former glory. A car detailing can start at around $65 with added costs for special treatments or larger vehicles.
Services Available
The services offered at a car wash versus a car detailer are completely different as well.
At the local car wash, there aren’t really any services to speak of. It’s typically just hoses for water and soap. Whether it’s a wand car wash or a drive-through car wash, the services remain about the same – bare bones.
When you take your car for a detailing, you can expect a variety of services that tackle every nook and cranny of your vehicle – inside and outside. It starts with a meticulous hand wash that includes the tires, wheels, wheel wells, glass and undercarriage. Special dressings will then be applied to your tires, black plastics and iron deposits. You can even get clay bar decontamination along with ceramic or graphene coating. The sky’s the limit.
If you’re hoping to clean the interior as well, again the services offered at a car wash versus a detailer aren’t even in the same ballpark. At the car wash, you’ll be lucky to access a coin-operated vacuum cleaner. At a detailer, they use a vacuum like a magician, removing the seats and getting to every little space. The interior class will be cleaned and the seat upholstery steam cleaned. There’s even a VIP Leather treatment available for leather upholstered vehicles and a UV Protect treatment for vinyl.
Effort Required
The level of effort required along with the business of your schedule could play another part in deciding whether you opt for a standard car wash or a professional detailing.
At a car wash, you have a couple options. Either you cruise through the automatic drive-through car wash, which is quick at the expense of any attention to detail, or you visit a self serve car wash to apply some elbow grease. In this case, you get what you put in. You could easily spend on hour cleaning your car, but without the proper products and equipment, the results won’t dazzle you.
When you drop your car off at a professional detailer, everything is out of sight, out of mind. Instead of labouring over cleaning your car, you can direct your time to more meaningful activities. While you’re doing so, your detailer will pour their attention and care into your vehicle.
Looking for an auto detailer in or around Mill Bay? Mill Bay Auto Spa can take care of your car, whether it’s a luxury collectors item or an everyday commuter. Indulge your vehicle in an exterior clean, a meticulous interior detail, or the complete VIP treatment. Ask any questions and request a service today with our easy online booking form: Request a Car Detailing.