What Is Included in a Full Detail?
A step-by-step breakdown, including what is not included.
"Full detail" means different things at different businesses, which is why comparing quotes is confusing. Here is what the term covers in practice for us.
Just as usefully, here is what it does not cover, so nothing is a surprise.
Exterior steps
- Wheels, tires, and wheel wells cleaned first with dedicated tools
- Pre-rinse and foam with dwell time
- Two-bucket contact wash
- Chemical decontamination and clay where needed
- Bug, sap, and dropping spot treatment
- Dry, then apply wax or sealant protection
- Exterior glass, tire dressing, and door jambs
Interior steps
- Full vacuum including trunk, seat rails, and crevices
- Fabric extraction or steam where soiling requires it
- Leather cleaned and conditioned
- All hard surfaces cleaned and finished matte
- Vents, seams, and cup holders detailed
- Interior glass cleaned last
Not included
Machine paint correction, ceramic coating, headlight restoration, engine bay cleaning, and heavy pet hair or odor work are quoted separately because each adds significant time.
Frequently asked questions
Is a full detail the same as a deep clean?
No. A full detail covers inside and out at a thorough standard. A deep interior clean goes further inside but does not include exterior work.
Does a full detail remove scratches?
No. It cleans, decontaminates, and protects. Defect removal is correction work.