What a Full Auto Detail Includes

A full detail typically includes comprehensive interior and exterior reconditioning: a thorough wash and decontamination, wheel and tire care, glass and trim treatment, and a protective layer on the paint; plus deep interior cleaning with vacuuming, fabric/shampoo or steam, leather cleaning and conditioning, interior surface protection, and odor neutralization. Turnaround is usually 3–6 hours for a standard vehicle, with costs varying by size, condition, and region.

What Professionals Mean by “Full Detail”

In the car-care industry, a “full detail” refers to a bundled service addressing both the exterior and interior to restore cleanliness, gloss, and protection beyond a basic wash. While exact checklists vary by shop, the package generally targets visible grime, embedded contaminants, and light cosmetic imperfections, then finishes with protective products to help the vehicle stay cleaner longer.

Exterior Services Typically Included

The exterior portion focuses on safely removing dirt and bonded contaminants, reviving gloss, and applying protection. The following items are common in full-detail packages at professional shops; names and methods can vary by region and price tier.

• Pre-rinse and foam pre-soak to loosen dirt and reduce wash-induced scratching.
• Contact wash using safe-method techniques (two-bucket or rinseless with clean towels) and pH-appropriate shampoos.
• Wheel, tire, and wheel-well cleaning, often with iron-reactive cleaners for brake dust.
• Chemical decontamination (e.g., iron remover, tar/sap remover) to dissolve bonded contaminants.
• Mechanical decontamination (clay bar or mitt) to smooth paint by removing remaining fallout.
• Safe drying using microfiber towels and, where possible, filtered air blowers to minimize marring.
• Light paint enhancement (often a one-step machine polish) to improve gloss and reduce light swirls; depth of correction varies by package.
• Paint protection: wax, polymer sealant, or a modern spray-on ceramic/sealant for several months of hydrophobic protection.
• Exterior trim cleaning and dressing/restoration to darken and protect plastics and rubber.
• Exterior glass cleaned inside and out; water-spot removal as needed and feasible.
• Tire dressing (sling-free, satin to glossy per customer preference).
• Door jambs, fuel door, badges, and exhaust tips cleaned.
• Engine bay light cleaning and dressing (often included or offered as a small add-on).

Together, these steps restore gloss and add a protective layer that makes washing easier for weeks to months. Deeper paint correction (multi-step polishing) or long-term ceramic coatings are typically priced as add-ons rather than included by default.

Interior Services Typically Included

The interior component targets debris, stains, and odors while safeguarding materials like leather, plastics, and electronics. Processes are chosen based on surface type and soil level to avoid damage.

• Full vacuum of cabin and trunk, including under seats, seat tracks, and crevices.
• Compressed air or detailing brushes to dislodge debris from vents, seams, and switches.
• Floor mat removal and cleaning (rubber mats scrubbed; carpeted mats shampooed or extracted).
• Fabric upholstery and carpets cleaned via shampoo, hot-water extraction, or steam (method depends on material and staining).
• Leather seats and surfaces gently cleaned; conditioning or protective dressing applied if appropriate for the leather type.
• Vinyl/plastic interior surfaces cleaned and treated with a low-sheen UV protectant to reduce fading and cracking.
• Headliner spot cleaning (carefully, to preserve adhesives and fabric integrity).
• Interior glass cleaned streak-free, including mirrors and touchscreens with compatible products.
• Odor neutralization through thorough cleaning; advanced treatments (enzyme or ozone) often available for persistent odors.
• Seat belts, door panels, cupholders, and console areas detailed; child-seat areas cleaned with care (seat removal may be restricted for liability).

When performed comprehensively, these steps improve hygiene, appearance, and driving comfort without leaving greasy residues or shiny glare on touch surfaces.

Popular Add-ons and Variations

Because “full detail” isn’t a strict industry standard, shops may offer tiers or optional upgrades for specialized needs or longer-lasting protection.

• Multi-stage paint correction (two to three steps) to remove heavier swirls, oxidation, and light scratches.
• Ceramic coating (1–5+ years claimed durability) for enhanced chemical resistance and ease of cleaning; “graphene” coatings are typically ceramic formulations with graphene oxide additives.
• Engine bay deep cleaning and dressing beyond a light wipe-down.
• Headlight restoration to remove oxidation and apply a protective sealant or coating.
• Pet-hair removal and sand removal, which can be labor-intensive.
• Tree sap, tar, overspray, or hard water-spot mineral removal.
• Fabric protection (textile sealants) and leather ceramic coatings.
• Convertible top cleaning and reproofing; delicate-material care (Alcantara, suede).
• Glass coating for improved clarity and water repellency.
• Odor remediation (enzyme treatment, ozone) for smoke or spills; mold/biohazard remediation is specialized.
• Wheel-face and barrel coatings; undercarriage flush and protection.

These add-ons address specific problems or extend protection and can significantly increase time and cost beyond a baseline full detail.

How Long It Takes and What It Costs (2025 Snapshot)

For a typical sedan in good condition, a full detail commonly takes 3–6 hours and costs about $175–$400 in the U.S. Larger vehicles (SUVs, trucks, three-row crossovers) often range from $225–$600. Heavy soiling, pet hair, or severe staining can add time and fees. Paint correction packages can add $300–$1,000+ depending on the level, and professional ceramic coatings often range from $300–$1,500+ based on durability claims, prep work, and vehicle size. Mobile services may include a convenience surcharge; regional pricing varies.

How to Vet a Detailer

Because offerings differ, asking targeted questions helps ensure you get the scope and results you expect from a “full detail.”

• Request the written checklist for the package and confirm what’s included vs. add-on.
• Ask what protection (wax/sealant/ceramic spray) is applied and the realistic durability.
• Confirm wash and decontamination methods (iron remover, clay) and scratch-minimizing practices.
• Clarify whether a machine polish is included and to what extent (enhancement vs. correction).
• Verify insurance, experience with your materials (e.g., Nappa leather, matte paint), and any certifications (e.g., IDA).
• Discuss odor or stain expectations and whether advanced remediation is necessary.
• Ask about warranty or rework policy and see recent before/after photos or reviews.
• For correction work, inquire about paint-thickness measurement and test spots.

A clear scope reduces surprises and aligns the service with your goals for appearance, protection, and budget.

What a Full Detail Usually Does Not Include

Some tasks fall outside normal detailing and are either referred out or quoted as separate specialty services.

• Bodywork, repainting, or touch-up beyond minor spot fixes.
• Paintless dent repair (PDR) and windshield chip repair.
• Mold/biohazard cleanup, flood damage restoration, or rodent infestation remediation.
• Seat removal, interior disassembly, or electronics repair.
• Mechanical repairs, alignment, or tire replacement.
• Window tinting, vinyl wraps, or significant decal removal unless specified.

If you need these services, ask whether the shop offers them as add-ons or partners with specialists.

Summary

A full detail covers thorough interior and exterior cleaning, decontamination, light polishing, and protective treatments, plus wheels, tires, glass, trim, and door jambs. Interiors receive vacuuming, fabric/leather care, surface protection, and odor control. More intensive corrections, ceramic coatings, and specialized remediation are typically optional. Always review the checklist and deliverables so the “full detail” you buy matches the result you expect.

What does a full detail mean?

“Full details” means all the information or specifics about a person or thing, covering every aspect and fact, rather than a summary or overview. It implies a level of comprehensive and thorough detail that gives a complete picture, as opposed to a simple account. 
Here’s a breakdown of what it means:

• Comprehensive Information: You receive all available facts, rather than just a broad outline. 
• Thorough & Complete: It suggests that the information is as extensive as it can possibly be for the given situation. 
• Specifics: “Full details” asks for individual features or elements that make up the whole. 

Examples in context:

• Travel: Asking for “full details” before booking a trip means requesting information about flights, accommodations, activities, and costs. 
• Legal Matters: In a legal context, “full details” would include the nature of an offense, the circumstances, and any penalties or findings. 
• Writing: For a writer, providing “full details” is about “showing” instead of “telling,” using descriptive elements to make a scene vivid and immersive for the reader. 

What does a full detail cover?

In a general term, a full detail implies that all (or most) areas of the vehicle are cleaned (detailed)… exterior wash, wheels and wheel wells cleaned and dressed, door jambs cleaned, windows, interior vacuumed, interior surfaces wiped down, etc.

How much does a full detail cost on average?

But, Degen explains, drivers generally can expect to pay over $100 for an exterior or interior detailing service. A more thorough detail can easily cost twice as much. Prepare to spend up to $350 on an in-depth cleaning and detail. You may need to pay even more to add extra, more labor-intensive services.

What should be included in a full detail?

When you opt for a full-service car detailing package, there are essential services that come included. These services will vary depending on the provider and package, but typically include a thorough wash, wax or sealant protection on the exterior, and cleaning of the interior upholstery and floors.