Find an auto detailer near you
An auto detailer deep cleans and protects a car inside and out, beyond what a car wash does. People hire one before selling a car, after a long winter, to remove stains and odors, or to protect new paint. A good detailer explains what each service does and how long protection will last.
Find auto detailers by city
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Philadelphia, PA
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- San Jose, CA
- Austin, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Fort Worth, TX
- Columbus, OH
- Charlotte, NC
- Indianapolis, IN
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Nashville, TN
- El Paso, TX
- Washington, DC
- Boston, MA
- Las Vegas, NV
- Portland, OR
- Detroit, MI
- Memphis, TN
- Louisville, KY
- Baltimore, MD
- Milwaukee, WI
- Albuquerque, NM
- Fresno, CA
- Tucson, AZ
- Sacramento, CA
- Kansas City, MO
- Mesa, AZ
- Atlanta, GA
- Omaha, NE
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Raleigh, NC
- Long Beach, CA
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Miami, FL
- Oakland, CA
- Minneapolis, MN
- Tulsa, OK
- Bakersfield, CA
- Wichita, KS
- Arlington, TX
What do auto detailers do?
- Hand wash and dry
- Interior vacuuming and shampoo
- Leather cleaning and conditioning
- Clay bar treatment
- Paint correction and polishing
- Waxing and sealants
- Ceramic coating
- Headlight restoration
- Odor removal
- Mobile detailing at home or work
How do you choose a good auto detailer?
- Ask what each package includes, step by step.
- For paint correction or ceramic coating, ask to see before and after photos of cars they did.
- Ask what products they use and how long protection lasts in real use.
- Ask whether they are insured while working on your car.
- For mobile service, ask whether they bring water and power.
- Ask whether they offer a warranty on coatings.
Auto detailing is not usually licensed beyond a normal business license, though some areas regulate water runoff from washing.
Questions to ask before you hire
- What is included in this package?
- How long will it take?
- Are you insured?
- What products do you use?
- How long will the wax, sealant or coating last?
- Can stains or scratches be fully removed, or only improved?
Red flags to watch for
- Promising that deep scratches or permanent stains will be completely removed.
- Lifetime claims for coatings with no written warranty.
- No insurance.
- Using automatic brushes or dirty towels on paint.
What changes the price?
- Vehicle size
- Condition: dirt, pet hair, stains
- Services chosen
- Paint correction steps
- Coating type
- Mobile versus shop service
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a car wash and detailing?
A car wash cleans the surface quickly. Detailing is a deep clean and restoration, often by hand, of both the inside and outside.
Is ceramic coating worth it?
It can protect paint and make washing easier for a long time. It needs proper prep and does not stop rock chips or scratches.
How often should I get my car detailed?
Many people detail once or twice a year, with regular washes in between. Cars used daily or with pets may need it more often.