Car Detailing & Wash in California

Machine polishing removes most swirl marks and light scratches that haven't broken through the clear coat. Deep scratches that catch your fingernail need touch-up paint or a body shop.

A wash is exterior cleaning only. A valet (or 'groom') adds interior vacuuming, wipe-downs and windows. A detail goes deeper — clay bar, machine polishing, engine bay, and often paint protection — and takes hours rather than minutes.

For washes, valets and interior work, yes — mobile units carry water and power. Machine polishing and ceramic coatings are better done indoors where lighting, dust and temperature are controlled.

Most detailers price by size: expect a 20-50% premium over a sedan for large SUVs, 7-seaters and vans, simply because there's more surface area and interior to cover.

Both are common surcharges — typically 15-40% on top of an interior detail. Ozone or enzyme treatment for smoke can be a standalone service; heavy pet hair is often quoted after inspection.

A full interior-and-exterior detail on a sedan typically runs $175-450. Basic wash-and-vac services are $50-100, while multi-stage paint correction with ceramic coating commonly lands at $800-2,000.