What Does a Full Detailing of a Car Include?
Mar 12
12 min read
The Ultimate Guide for Car Owners
If you’ve ever wondered, “What does a full detailing of a car include?” you’re in the right place. A full car detail goes far beyond a simple car wash—it’s a deep cleaning process that restores your vehicle’s appearance. But it’s more than just reaching tricky spots or using extra elbow grease. Professional detailing involves advanced chemicals, specialized tools, and expert techniques to deliver a top-tier clean and long-lasting protection for your vehicle.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:
What car detailing is
Basic car detailing: what's included
Full car detailing: what's included
Special cases which require full detailing
The benefits of full detailing for your car’s longevity and value
Pricing and what to expect
Whether you're maintaining your daily driver or preparing to sell your car for the best price, understanding what a full car detailing includes will help you make the right choice. Whether you're in our local service areas of Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Parkland, or anywhere in Broward County, or researching from anywhere in the U.S., we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Car Detailing
Car detailing is a comprehensive cleaning and restoration process designed to enhance both the appearance and longevity of your vehicle. Unlike a standard car wash, which only removes surface dirt and at times uses risky techniques, professional car detailing involves deep cleaning, protective treatments, and specialized techniques to restore your car’s interior and exterior to like-new condition.
A good comparison is the difference between brushing your teeth and visiting the dentist for a professional cleaning. A detailing expert can reach areas the average person cannot, uses advanced tools and products designed for deep cleaning, and has the expertise to handle problem areas effectively. Professional detailing also includes protective treatments that help preserve your vehicle’s surfaces long-term.
Basic Car Detailing: What's Included?
A basic car detailing should go beyond a simple car wash. This means areas of the vehicle which are missed or neglected at car washes will be addressed. A basic car detail should also include standard level vehicle protectants such as waxing or ceramic sealants, plastic dressings, and tire dressings. Here is what is included in basic car detailing at Shine Plus to give an example:
Full vehicle hand washing: areas missed at the car wash which get addressed include the intricate details of the vehicle's wheels such as the inner barrel, fender wells, the intricate spaces in vehicle grilles or emblems, the fuel door, and window trim.
Door jamb cleaning: addressed with cleaning agents, pressure washing, and detail brushes when necessary.
Hand wax or ceramic sealant application: using the precision and delicate nature of a hand application, wax is applied to the vehicle's paint to protect against the environment & UV rays.
Tire dressing: hydration and protection of the tire's sidewall prevent premature cracking and damage.
Plastic dressing: plastic trim hydration and protection prevent fading and damage from drying out.
Vacuuming: compressed air, crevice tools, pet hair removal tools, and other specialty products are used to provide a vacuum service which far exceeds a car wash.
Interior detailing and wipe down: small detail brushes and vehicle-safe cleaners are used to clean all surfaces of the vehicle including problem areas such as the center console, cup holders, the dashboard, the steering wheel, air vents, and seats.
Air freshener: deodorize for a finishing touch.
How Often Should a Basic Detailing be Performed?
A basic detailing should be performed as needed. What requires the need for the next service may depend on the vehicle. For example, a vehicle that transports children gets heavy use in the interior, and therefore a basic detail will be needed once a car wash level vacuuming and interior cleaning is not enough. For vehicles that get heavy use, are driven in harsh environments, or are parked outside regularly, the hard-to-reach areas that don't get addressed at the car wash will accumulate dirt quickly, and the car detail will be needed more often. Another factor to consider is that once the protectants on the vehicle have worn off, the car is due for its next service. Waxes, plastic dressings, and tire dressings generally last for a few months depending on their quality and application process. The general rule is that most vehicles will require a basic detailing service at least every 3-4 months. Special cases like those covered above will require detailing more often, and vehicle owners who just wish to take incredible care of their vehicles may want to perform the service monthly or biweekly. But in general, for the average vehicle in average conditions, a basic detailing is needed every 3-4 months due to the protective components wearing off.
Full Car Detailing: What's Included?
Now that we know what a basic car detail should include, a full car detail should therefore go beyond what a basic car detail can perform. But one may ask, what else can be performed? The basic detail cleans all the hard-to-reach areas and protects them, what's left? This is where the expertise of car detailers really shines. A full car detail not only cleans, it decontaminates.
When you hand wash a vehicle with car soaps and other detergents, it does not remove everything. Over time, on the exterior of your vehicle, you get a buildup of contaminants such as hard water minerals, metal particles from brake dust, acidic contaminants such as bird droppings or tree pollen which can etch into the paint and embed themselves, and fallout from industrial manufacturing which goes airborne at the plant and eventually can find its way to your car. These contaminants require specialty tools and chemicals to remove, and that is the difference of a full detailing service. The same is true for your vehicle's interior. Vacuuming and brushing with standard cleaning products can leave behind oils, grime, and bacteria which require specialty cleaners and tools to remove. A full detail should use deep cleaning tools such as a professional steam cleaner and an upholstery water extractor to remove these interior contaminants.
So the difference between a basic detailing and a full detailing is the level of clean. The basic detail removes what is visible, a full detail goes beyond that to remove the problems that are harder to remove or even invisible. But just because they are invisible (or just harder to see) doesn't mean that their presence is a welcome one. These contaminants need to be addressed before they break down your vehicle's components over time. Here is what is included in a full car detailing at Shine Plus to give an example:
Full vehicle hand wash (part of basic detailing)
Door jamb cleaning (part of basic detailing)
Hand wax or ceramic sealant application (part of basic detailing)
Tire dressing (part of basic detailing)
Plastic dressing (part of basic detailing)
Clay bar treatment: this is the process of using a vehicle-safe clay to remove anything which has embedded itself in your vehicle's paint, glass, and exterior plastics
Chemical decontamination: this is the process of using chemicals to remove contaminants which cannot be removed with mechanical agitation alone, which includes hard water minerals, rust, and embedded metals from brake dust
Full vehicle vacuum (part of basic detailing)
Interior detailing and wipe down (part of basic detailing)
Full interior steam cleaning: steam is able to remove sticky substances, bacteria, and stubborn oils from your interior surfaces
Seats and carpeting shampoo: using upholstery cleaners and water extractors, stains, oils, and dirt which get trapped in leather, carpeting, and cloth seats are safely removed
How Often Should a Full Detailing be Performed?
A full detailing should be performed less often than basic detailing but at a minimum annually. The contaminants that full detailing removes take time to build up, but again, the amount of use and the environment that the vehicle is in should be considered. If the vehicle is often exposed to hard water, heavy traffic where brake dust is prevalent in the air, heavy tree pollen, or other environmental contaminants, or if the interior gets heavy traffic, a full detailing should be considered as often as every six months.
Special Cases Which Require Full Detailing
In this blog post, we've explored how a full detail tackles the removal of contaminants that basic cleaning can't handle. In this part, we'll cover some of the scenarios that basic detailing can't fix. Keep in mind, not all contaminants needing a full detail are visible; they might manifest as paint feeling rough or a ceramic coating not performing like it used to. Even if you don’t notice any of the issues I'll mention, your vehicle will still need full detailing treatment if it's been at least a year since its last service.
Water spots
Water spots are stains left behind when water evaporates from a vehicle. As the water evaporates, some minerals in the water get left behind. These minerals are metals, and metals, when they get exposed to the sun, get hot. Hot metals on your car can burn your paint and glass and cause etching. These etchings in the paint and glass are water spots. Full detailing removes water spots by first using specialized chemicals which remove any embedded minerals from your paint or glass. Then, after the minerals are removed, the scars left behind from burning are removed through a paint correction process.
Hard water stains
Hard water stains are caused when a vehicle is exposed to hard water. Hard water is any water that contains a high mineral content. This is most often seen when a home is irrigated with either well water or the city supply of water has a higher mineral content. These stains leave behind a signature orange stain that can be sticky to the touch.
Brake dust contamination
When we brake during driving, the friction caused between the brake calipers and brake pads causes microscopic particles of metal to become airborne. The metal particles are very hot because they were produced under extreme friction. When those airborne hot metal particles land on your vehicle, they burn into the paint and embed themselves. Sometimes this contamination is not visible at all. Other times you may see small orange specks on the vehicle. These specks are often most apparent on the front and rear fenders, as well as on the trunk and rear bumper of the car.
Bird dropping contamination
Bird droppings are highly acidic due to the fact that birds do not urinate; instead, their urine is excreted in the form of uric acid in their droppings. When the acidic bird droppings are allowed to dwell on your vehicle, especially when exposed to the sun, those droppings will etch their way into your paint and embed contaminants which require professional treatment to remove. This is why, as a car owner, you must immediately remove bird droppings from your car. Never let them sit for an extended period.
Bug etching contamination
Bug splatter is another highly acidic contaminant for our vehicles. When a bug is splattered on your car, its acidic guts get released. If the bugs are not quickly removed and the acidic materials are allowed to dwell, they will burn whatever material they are on, leaving behind a scar and embedded contaminants.
Tree pollen buildup
Tree pollen buildup can sometimes be mistaken for mold as it can look like black spots on the top of the vehicle. Tree pollen can also look like yellow dust on the vehicle. Another telltale sign of tree pollen is that the vehicle feels very rough to the touch. Your paint should feel smooth, but if tree pollen has embedded itself into your paint, then the car will feel rough to the touch, even after you wash the vehicle.
Scratches & swirl marks
Swirl marks are the scratches left behind when an abrasive rag is swirled againt the vehicle while cleaning it. These are very common after using automatic car wash tunnels and when washing your vehicle at home with improper technique. Scratches can be isolated or they can be numerous. Whatever the case may be, a basic detail will not address this and full detailing is required.
Rough paint
When you wash your vehicle and it still feels rough it's 100% time to get a full detailing service. Your paint is supposed to feel smooth but when you have contaminants embedded into your clear coat it will make the paint feel rough. A detailer will be able to safely perform a clay bar exfoliation of the paint to remove those stubborn contaminants.
Body oils on seats
Our skin has a natural oil which rubs off onto armrests, the center console, and our seats over time. These oils can look like discolorations or stains on cloth, plastic, or leather materials. These oils require more than just a good wipe down to remove, as they generally require cleaning agents, agitation, and in a lot of cases, steam to release the stain.
Accumulated grime on the steering wheel and center console
Our hands are often the dirtiest parts of our bodies, and as we touch objects like the steering wheel, the gear shifter, or turn signals, the grime that is carried on our hands gets transferred to the object. These stains often appear as an oily brown or gray color and require cleaning agents, agitation, and in many cases, steam to remove.
Stains in fabrics
Stains can be caused by many things like spills, mud on shoes, food crumbs, blood, vomit, dog urine, etc. These stains cannot be cleaned with just a simple vacuum and wipe down. Most stains require steam and water-based extraction of the problem, which requires professional tools.
Foul odors in the interior
Sometimes just vacuuming and wiping down the interior isn't enough to remove odors. Odors can get trapped in fabrics, carpeting, leather, air vents, air filters, and so much more. A deep cleaning with steam, water extraction, and professional-grade cleaning agents is occasionally what is necessary to solve the problem.
The Benefits Of Full Car Detailing For Its Longevity & Value
Investing in full car detailing is more than just keeping your vehicle looking clean—it’s about protecting its value and extending its lifespan. Whether you drive a brand-new luxury car or an older daily commuter, professional detailing helps prevent damage, maintain appearance, and save you money in the long run.
1. Protects Your Car’s Paint & Exterior
Your car’s exterior is constantly exposed to sun, dirt, rain, and road grime, all of which can lead to fading, oxidation, and paint damage over time. A full detailing service includes:
Clay bar treatment – Removes embedded contaminants that a regular wash can’t reach.
Paint correction (where required) – Fixes minor scratches and swirl marks to restore a smooth, glossy finish.
Wax or ceramic coating application – Adds a protective layer against UV rays, road salt, and pollutants. For our local customers in Broward County, FL, where the sun and humidity are harsh on vehicles, full detailing helps preserve your paint and keep your car looking new for years.
2. Maintains Interior Cleanliness & Comfort
Over time, dust, stains, and odors build up inside your vehicle, affecting both comfort and air quality. Interior car detailing provides deep cleaning for:
Carpet and upholstery shampooing – Removes stains, dirt, and bacteria.
Leather cleaning & conditioning – Prevents cracking and fading.
Odor elimination – Neutralizes smells from food, pets, and smoke.
If you drive regularly in Boca Raton, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, or Parkland, where sand & humidity are common, routine detailing helps prevent permanent interior damage.
3. Increases Resale & Trade-In Value
A well-maintained car is more attractive to buyers and dealerships. Full detailing before selling or trading in your vehicle can:
Enhance first impressions – A spotless car looks newer and more valuable.
Increase appraisal offers – Dealerships and private buyers will pay more for a well-kept vehicle.
Remove signs of wear and tear – When your car looks younger than its manufactured year, it will be worth more.
If you plan to sell or trade in your car, a professional auto detailing service can help maximize your return.
4. Prevents Long-Term Damage & Costly Repairs
Detailing isn’t just about looks—it helps prevent damage to key components, reducing the risk of expensive repairs:
Protects plastic and rubber trim – Prevents cracking and fading from sun exposure.
Prevents rust and corrosion – Removes salt and grime buildup that can cause metal parts to deteriorate.
Keeps engine bay clean (when requested) – Removing dirt and debris can improve performance and help detect potential issues early.
By keeping up with full car detailing every 6 to 12 months, you’re investing in the longevity of your vehicle while ensuring it holds its value for years to come.
Pricing & What To Expect
What can one expect to pay for these services? Prices can, of course, vary based on your local market, and the services included in a basic or full detailing service at Shine Plus may not be the services offered by the car detailing service near you. If you are in Broward County, FL, or one of our local markets of Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Boca Raton, or Parkland, then you are in luck because these numbers will directly apply to you, and you can make the most informed decision on which services you need.
A basic detailing service should be priced in the range of $100 to $175 and usually will take a few hours to complete. Larger vehicles and those in worse condition will have prices at the higher end, whereas smaller vehicles that are regularly maintained will be towards the lower end.
A full detailing service should be priced in the range of $200 to $350 and usually will take three to six hours to complete.
Add-on services vary from company to company. Typical add-on services and their prices include:
Engine bay detailing: $50 to $125
Headlight restoration: $75 to $150
Ceramic coatings: varies widely based on the level of paint correction needed and the quality of coating being applied. Prices range from $600 to $2000+
Paint correction: varies widely based on what exactly is being performed, such as swirl mark removal, deep scratch removal, entire vehicle correction, etching removal, water spot removal, adhesive removal, etc. Prices may range from $50 to $500+
Final Thoughts
A full car detailing service is much more than just a wash—it’s a comprehensive deep cleaning and restoration process that protects your vehicle’s interior and exterior. From paint decontamination and wax protection to interior shampooing and odor removal, a full detail enhances your car’s appearance, longevity, and resale value.
Whether you’re looking to maintain your daily driver, restore your vehicle’s shine, or increase its trade-in value, professional auto detailing in Broward County, FL, ensures your car gets the expert care it deserves. If you're in Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Parkland, or anywhere in South Florida, our team at Shine Plus Automotive Detailing is ready to help.
To schedule a detailing with Shine Plus click the button below or give us a call at 954-299-8499
For more information from trusted sources around the web, the following links may be helpful:
What is auto detailing?: link
Basic car detailing: what's included?: link
Full car detailing: what's included?: link
Car detailing prices: link
How often should a full car detail be performed?: link
For more information on detailing from Shine Plus the following pages may be helpful:
Detailing services: https://www.shineplusautodetail.com/auto-detailing