What Is Included in a Full Car Detail?

A full detail is the complete package: the whole car, inside and out, brought back close to showroom condition. It is not a quick vacuum and rinse. Depending on the pro and the vehicle, it runs three to six hours. Here is what a proper full detail actually includes.

Exterior wash and prep. The car starts with a foam pre-soak to loosen dirt, then a two-bucket hand wash to avoid dragging grit across the paint. Wheels, tires, and wheel wells are cleaned separately, because that is where brake dust and road grime live.

Decontamination. This is the step most drive-through washes skip. A clay bar or clay mitt pulls out bonded contaminants (tar, rail dust, tree sap, salt residue) that washing alone leaves behind. If you run your hand over clean paint and it feels gritty, it needs decontamination. See our clay bar guide for the detail.

Paint protection. After the surface is clean and smooth, a sealant or wax goes on to protect the clear coat and add gloss. Some pros offer a longer-lasting ceramic coating as an upgrade.

Interior deep clean. Full vacuum including seats, trunk, and under the mats. Shampoo or steam on fabric seats and carpets, leather cleaned and conditioned, all hard surfaces wiped down, vents and crevices detailed, interior glass cleaned streak-free.

Finishing touches. Door jambs wiped, tires dressed, exterior glass polished. A good pro walks the car in daylight to catch anything missed.

What is usually not included in a standard full detail: paint correction (machine polishing to remove swirls and scratches), engine bay cleaning, and headlight restoration. These are add-ons. If your main concern is the cabin rather than the paint, an interior-only service may be enough. See interior vs full detail to decide.

In Montréal, winter road salt makes the decontamination and underbody steps matter more than in milder climates. A spring full detail after salt season is one of the best things you can do for your car. Our remove road salt guide explains why.

LuxWash is a platform that connects you with vetted, independent car care pros who come to you, an alternative to the drive-through car wash. We are launching early access first in Montréal. Join the early-access waitlist to be first in line.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a full car detail take?

Most full details take three to six hours, depending on the size and condition of the vehicle. A neglected car with heavily soiled carpets or bonded contamination takes longer, since the decontamination and interior shampoo steps cannot be rushed. Mobile pros who come to you often complete it in a single visit.

What is the difference between a full detail and a car wash?

A car wash cleans the exterior surface, usually in minutes. A full detail is a multi-hour process that includes decontamination, paint protection, and a complete interior deep clean, work a drive-through cannot do. Think of a wash as maintenance and a full detail as a reset a few times a year.

Does a full detail include paint correction?

No. A standard full detail cleans, decontaminates, and protects the paint, but it does not remove swirl marks or scratches. That requires paint correction, a separate machine-polishing service that adds time and cost. If your paint looks hazy or hologrammed under sunlight, ask for it as an add-on.

How often should I get a full detail?

For most drivers, twice a year works well: once in spring to undo winter road salt damage and once in fall before the cold returns. Daily commuters, pet owners, or families with kids may want it quarterly. See our how-often-detail-car guide for a schedule based on how you use your car.

LuxWash is a technology platform that connects you with independent, vetted car care pros who come to you. Coming first to Montréal.