Detailing helps extend the life of your vehicle and keeps it looking good and smelling fresh. A quick interior detail could take as little as two hours, while a comprehensive exterior detail could take up to two days.
Use this guide to find out how long the different types of detailing take. We’ll also discuss some ways to save money on car detailing so you can keep your ride looking new for less.
How Long Does Car Detailing Take?
As with anything, the more complicated your car detailing is, the more time it will take. A simple interior and exterior wash can having you waiting only a couple hours. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, high-end services like ceramic coating applications involve many steps and require extensive inspections. Unlike car waxes and paint sealants, you don’t get a second chance to apply a ceramic coating. The extra attention to detail can cause the service to take up to multiple days.
In addition to the specific services you get done, the size, age, and level of contamination are all factors that determine how long it takes to detail a car. If you get your vehicle detailed regularly, completing each service will take less time. If you detail your car less frequently or drive more miles than average, expect the detailing service to require more time.
Time for a Complete Detail by Vehicle Size
See the time ranges it can take to detail various vehicle sizes below. These time estimates do not include decontamination and are for well-maintained vehicles.
How Long It Takes to Detail a Car by Size
Estimated detailing time can vary depending on vehicle size and condition.
| Vehicle Size | Examples | Estimated Detailing Time |
|---|---|---|
|
Small
|
Coupes, hatchbacks, sedans | 4+ hours |
|
Medium
|
Crossovers, wagons | 5+ hours |
|
Large
|
SUVs, small trucks | 6+ hours |
|
Extra Large
|
3-row SUVs, large trucks, minivans | 7+ hours |
RELATED: How Much Does Ceramic Coating Cost?
Car Detailing Time Estimates by Job
These car detailing job times are based on small vehicles and should be used as a baseline to help estimate the approximate time.
Car Detailing Time Estimates by Job
Estimated minimum time required for common car detailing jobs. Times are based on small vehicles and can be used as a baseline.
Interior Detailing
Quick Interior Detail
Vacuuming, glass cleaning, and protectantsComplete Interior Detail
Steam cleaning and deep upholstery cleaningInterior Odor Elimination
Odor treatment and interior ventilationExterior Detailing
Wash and Wax
Hand wash with wax or paint sealantComplete Exterior Detail
Decontamination, clay bar, and protectionEngine Compartment Detail
Cleaning, steam treatment, and protectantHeadlight Restoration
Sanding, compounding, polishing, and UV protectionConvertible Top Restoration
Cleaning and applying top protectantPaint Correction
Minor Paint Correction
Exterior detail plus polishing for light defectsMajor Paint Correction
Exterior detail, compounding, and multi-stage polishingRELATED: How to Prepare Your Car for Lovebug Season
Time-Saving Car Detailing Tips
Take steps to protect your car and save time and money on detailing.
- Invest in quality rubber floor mats. One of the best things a vehicle owner can do to preserve their interior and save time on car detailing is to use high-quality rubber floor mats. Rubber floor mats, particularly fitted rubber floor liners, protect the carpet from contamination buildup and potentially costly damage. Spending $100 to $300 for rubber floor liners will save countless hours of car detailing throughout vehicle ownership and help preserve resale value.
- Buy a car seat cover. This point is especially important if you have pets. Removing pet hair from a car’s interior is incredibly time-consuming, potentially adding an hour or more to the detailing job. Protective seat coverings will contain pet hair, but they will also help protect the seats from tears and stains.
- Remove personal and trash items. Take out your personal items and garbage before having an interior car detail performed. This step can be a big time saver and help reduce car detailing costs.
- Add exterior protection. Unfortunately, it’s harder to protect the exterior of a car from the elements, and the best preventative measure is always to have a layer of protection on all surfaces. Using paint protection film is an option for some vehicle owners.
- Don’t park under sap trees. In addition to protecting exterior surfaces, take care when parking a car under trees during sap season. It is tempting to park in the shade during the spring and summer, but it may result in hours of additional detailing if the car gets covered in tree sap.
This article has been updated since its original publication. Trevor Spedden contributed to this report.
