Last updated on August 5th, 2024 at 02:27 pm
So how much does it cost to detail your car? Car detailing is essential for maintaining a vehicle’s aesthetic looks and also helps improve and increase the functional value of the car. When is comes to how much it costs to detail your car, it is simple the cost is ascertained in two ways one if you’re doing it yourself and two if the detailing is going to be done by a professional; I mean if you’re hiring a professional to do it for you.
Whichever option you choose has its own set of costs and benefits.
In this article we will be addressing the questions “How much does it cost to detail your car”, “Is it cheaper to detail your own car” and What is Car Detailing Cost done Professionally vs Doing it Yourself?
We will be providing a detailed comparison of professional detailing costs across various states in the United States and the expenses related to DIY detailing.
So first, let’s start with the question “Is it cheaper to detail your own car?”
Related article: 21 Professional Car Detailing Secrets and Hack Only the Pros Know
Table of Contents
Is it Cheaper to Detail Your Own Car by Yourself?
My answer is in the long run, Yes, though it might some expensive for the first time when you have to invest in buying some necessary detailing products, but after the cost goose all the way.
When you detail your own car, you mainly invest in the initial purchase of cleaning supplies and equipment, and then these products can be used multiple times for the entire year as frequently as you.
Basic detailing car product supplies you may need to invest in include car wash soap, microfiber cloths, a vacuum, interior cleaners, glass cleaner, wax, and tire shine.
The total cost for these items can range from $50 to $400, depending on the quality and quantity of products you buy.
Once you have these supplies, the cost of subsequent detailing sessions is minimal, primarily consisting of the time and effort you put in.
On the other hand, a professional detailing service typically charges anywhere from $50 to $520 or more per session, depending on the level of service you want done for your vehicle, your location, and the size of the vehicle.
While professional services offer convenience and expertise, doing it yourself can save you significant money in the long run, especially if you enjoy car maintenance choirs and have the time to do it thoroughly. This is one of my favorite things to do.
How Much Does It Cost to Detail Your Car Professionally?
The cost of detailing a car can vary widely based on several factors, including the location, the size and type of the vehicle, and the specific services requested. On average, you can expect to pay the following amounts:
Basic Exterior Wash and Wax: $50 to $125. This typically includes a thorough wash, wax, tire cleaning, and sometimes minor paint touch-ups.
Interior Detailing: $75 to $150. This usually covers vacuuming, upholstery cleaning, dashboard and console cleaning, window cleaning, and deodorizing.
The estimated average full detailing cost is around $150 to $520 or more depending on your location. This is a one-time cost, now multiply this by the number of times you would do a detailing job per year. The table below will break it down.
Also, you have to note that Luxury vehicles, larger SUVs, and trucks may cost more due to their size and the complexity of detailing required for such vehicles.
Additionally, if you opt for premium services such as ceramic coating, paint correction, or leather conditioning, the cost can significantly increase.
Professional Car Detailing Costs
Professional car detailing involves a comprehensive cleaning and restoration of a vehicle, both inside and out.
The cost can vary significantly depending on the location, the type of service, and the vehicle’s size.
Average Professional Detailing Costs by State
| State | Basic Detailing ($) | Full Detailing ($) | Premium Detailing ($) | |
| California | 80 – 150 | 150 – 250 | 250 – 500 | |
| Texas | 70 – 130 | 130 – 220 | 220 – 450 | |
| New York | 90 – 160 | 160 – 270 | 270 – 520 | |
| Florida | 75 – 140 | 140 – 230 | 230 – 470 | |
| Illinois | 80 – 145 | 145 – 240 | 240 – 480 | |
| Ohio | 70 – 120 | 120 – 210 | 210 – 420 | |
| Pennsylvania | 75 – 130 | 130 – 220 | 220 – 440 | |
| Michigan | 70 – 125 | 125 – 215 | 215 – 430 | |
| Georgia | 75 – 135 | 135 – 225 | 225 – 450 | |
| North Carolina | 70 – 120 | 120 – 210 | 210 – 420 | |
DIY Car Detailing Costs
Though the initial investment can be higher due to the cost of equipment and supplies, but gets lower subsequently.
How much does it cost to detail your car yourself?
Here is the breakdown of the cost for basic supplies:
Car Wash Soap: $10 – $20
Microfiber Cloths: $10 – $30
Buckets (2 recommended): $10 – $20
Sponges or Wash Mitts: $5 – $20
Glass Cleaner: $5 – $10
Tire Cleaner and Brush: $10 – $20
Interior Cleaner: $5 – $15
Vacuum Cleaner: $30 – $100 (if you don’t already have one)
Detailing Brushes: $10 – $20
Wax or Sealant: $10 – $30
Clay Bar Kit (optional): $20 – $30
Leather Cleaner and Conditioner (if applicable): $20 – $30)
Total Estimated Cost: $135 – $378
Initial Investment for DIY Detailing
| Product | Average Cost ($) | Link to product in each group |
| Car Wash Soap | 10 to 20 | Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash Soap |
| Microfiber Towels | 8 – 50 | Auto Detailing Towels |
| Wax/Sealant | 20 – 40 | Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax |
| Clay Bar Kit | 15 – 25 | Mothers California Gold Clay Bar Kit |
| Polishing Compound | 15 – 30 | Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound |
| Polisher (optional) | 50 – 170 | Torq 10FX Random Orbital Polisher |
| Interior Cleaner | 10 to 20 | Meguiar’s Quik Interior Detailer |
| Glass Cleaner | 5 to 15 | Stoner Invisible Glass Cleaner |
| Tire Cleaner | 10 to 20 | Meguiar’s Endurance Tire Gel |
| Total Initial Cost | 135 – 378 |
Remember, all the products purchased for DIY detailing can be used multiple times, making the cost per detailing session decrease over time. After the initial investment, the cost for each subsequent detailing session is primarily the time and effort spent, with minimal additional product costs when the supply finishes.
Here is an article on How to detail your own car like a pro that will help you if you choose to go this route.
Cost Comparison Over Time of Professionally vs DIY Detailing
Let’s compare the costs over a year for a vehicle detailed every two months which is considered the ideal mini number of times to detail your car in a year (this will be 6 times per year).
Professional Detailing Cost (Full Detailing)
| State | Cost Per Session ($) | Annual Cost ($) |
| California | 150 – 250 | 900 – 1500 |
| Texas | 130 – 220 | 780 – 1320 |
| New York | 160 – 270 | 960 – 1620 |
| Florida | 140 – 230 | 840 – 1380 |
| Illinois | 145 – 240 | 870 – 1440 |
| Ohio | 120 – 210 | 720 – 1260 |
| Pennsylvania | 130 – 220 | 780 – 1320 |
| Michigan | 125 – 215 | 750 – 1290 |
| Georgia | 135 – 225 | 810 – 1350 |
| North Carolina | 120 – 210 | 720 – 1260 |
DIY Detailing Cost
| Product | Average Annual Cost ($) |
| Initial Investment | 150 – 345 |
| Product Replenishment | 50 – 100 |
| Total First Year Cost | 200 – 445 |
| Total Subsequent Year Cost | 50 – 100 |
Conclusion
The choice between professional and DIY car detailing depends on personal preferences, budget, and the value placed on your time and effort.
If you have free time for play that can be invested in detailing your car and saving some cash, or you are on a tight budget then you can make out time to do your car yourself.
But if you are always busy working on your actual job and maybe the only free time you have is to relax and regain your strength and you have the cash, maybe professional detailing will be a better option.
I mean it’s not too expensive but it adds up over time and also it does hinder your car look its best if you’re unable to meet up with a regular visit.
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Whether you choose professional detailing or DIY, regular maintenance is crucial for preserving your car’s value and ensuring it looks its best.
