When most people think about cleaning their car, the first thought is a quick run through the local car wash. While that can knock off surface dirt, it barely scratches the surface compared to a true professional detail. If you’ve ever wondered why auto detailing costs more, or why it’s worth every penny, this article breaks it down.
What a Standard Car Wash Includes (and What It Misses)
Most drive-through car washes follow the same formula: exterior soap spray, water rinse, and sometimes a blow-dry or hand towel finish. You might get a vacuum if it’s a “deluxe” wash. These washes are fast and cheap, but they don’t provide protection. In fact, those spinning brushes can leave swirl marks and micro-scratches in your paint.
What Professional Auto Detailing Covers
A professional detail is deep cleaning and preservation, not just a rinse-off. At Steel Beach Mobile Detailing, a Standard Full Detail includes:
Long-Term Benefits of Detailing vs. Washing