I get asked all the time, Why can Real Detailing get so expensive at times?

We get it—a $20 car wash and a self service vacuums seem like a solid option. So why pay more for our services?

Let’s use a Honda Pilot as an example.

A drive through “tunnel wash” takes about 3 minutes.

A hand wash might take 20–30 minutes.

Our time spent just on the wash? AT LEAST an hour. That’s before the detail even starts—and with pro tools already set up.

Here’s what went into just the wash:

• Pre-wash ~ soak heavily soiled areas with a high alkaline soap to break down bugs, tar, & dirt etc.

• Wheels (including barrels), tires, and wheel wells deep-cleaned

• Full-body iron decontamination to break down embedded metal particles from road debris, brake dust,etc.

• Mild acid wash for water spot/mineral build up removal (if needed)

• Contact wash by hand—one panel at a time, including the roof

• Clay bar treatment for a smooth, contaminant-free surface

• Door jambs and gas cap area deep cleaned

• Engine bay and edges cleaned

• Full drying process

1. Reverse osmosis deionized (spot free) rinse

2. Towel dry by hand

3. blow dry all nooks and crannies

Then comes the Interior:

Another 2 hours and 30 minutes spent getting into every crevice, vacuuming under seats, mats pulled and cleaned, all plastics refreshed.

Finally, the finishing touches:

Sealant applied to all paint and trim, hand-dressed tires, glass cleaned, plastics treated.

This is still one of our more basic services. We can even go as far as 1-2-3 or 4 step paint correction to really bring your paint back to better than new condition! Or if the original paint is too far gone, we can go as far as refinishing panels, bumpers, trim pieces, mirror cap etc. and repairing minor damages to bring your car back to like new condition!

But just thought it would be fun to time the detail of this vehicle and give a break down of what all goes into it and what separates a basic detail or “carwash” service from our more full fledged detail service.

True detailing goes beyond just the surface—it’s about having the knowledge and skills(and tools) it takes to adapt and provide the best outcome for every customer and situation.

At the end of the day there is absolutely nothing wrong with cheaper wash services. Sometimes that’s all you need or want, BUT sometimes there are situations that require an expert eye and the knowledge to truly bring a vehicle back to like new condition.