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Car detailing is a thorough cleaning and restoration process that goes far beyond a standard car wash.

Whether your vehicle needs paint enhancement, interior deep cleaning, stain removal, or ceramic coating, car detailing can help refresh its appearance and protect surfaces long-term.

For a commitment to quality and a job done right, browse car detailing companies in Sutherland with Checkatrade.

What is car detailing?

Car detailing is a deep-cleaning and restoration process designed to enhance and protect both the interior and exterior of your vehicle.

It typically includes cleaning, decontamination, polishing, and protective treatments to improve appearance and maintain condition.

Signs you might need car detailing

Wondering whether car detailing services are right for your vehicle? It could be the perfect solution if:

• Your paintwork looks dull, scratched, or oxidised
• The interior has stains, pet hair, or lingering odours
• Wheels and trims have brake dust build-up
• You want to prepare your car for sale
• You need ongoing protection such as wax or ceramic coating
• A standard wash no longer gives good results

How much does car detailing cost?

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The typical factors that affect the cost of car detailing include:

• Vehicle size (small car vs 4x4)
• Interior, exterior, or full detail
• Time required for stain removal or deep cleaning
• Paint correction needs (single or multi-stage polishing)
• Optional extras (ceramic coating, engine bay cleaning)
• Mobile vs workshop service

Car detailing vs car valeting

Car detailing and car valeting are similar services, but not exactly the same.

Car detailing:

• Includes deep-cleaning and restoration
• May involve machine polishing
• Often includes paint protection products
• Focuses on improving appearance and preserving surfaces

Car valeting:

• General cleaning inside and out
• Suitable for routine maintenance
• Usually quicker and less intensive

Car detailing is typically chosen when a deeper transformation is needed.

What’s included in car detailing?

Car detailing services vary by company, but may include:

Exterior detailing

• Snow foam and hand wash
• Decontamination (tar, iron, sap removal)
• Machine polishing or paint correction
• Waxing or ceramic coating
• Wheel and tyre cleaning
• Trim cleaning and dressing

Interior detailing

• Vacuuming and upholstery cleaning
• Dashboard and trim cleaning
• Leather cleaning and conditioning
• Odour removal
• Carpet shampooing
• Glass cleaning

Some providers also offer engine bay cleaning and headlight restoration.

How long does car detailing take?

Car detailing timescales can vary depending on the package and condition of your vehicle:

• Basic interior/exterior detail: 2–3 hours
• Full detail: 4–6 hours
• Paint correction: 6–10 hours
• Ceramic coating packages: 1–2 days (including curing time)

How long does car detailing last?

The results of car detailing typically last 1–6 months, depending on:

• Type of protection used (wax vs ceramic coating)
• Weather conditions and where the car is stored
• Washing routines and cleaning products

Ceramic coatings offer longer-term protection than wax.

Maintenance after car detailing

To keep your vehicle looking and smelling fresh after car detailing:

• Use pH-neutral car shampoo
• Avoid automatic brushes that scratch paint
• Top up wax or protective products regularly
• Keep fabric interiors dry to prevent odours
• Clean wheels frequently to reduce brake dust build-up

What should be included in your car detailing quote?

When comparing car detailing quotes in Sutherland, check for:

• Package type (interior, exterior, or full detail)
• Paint correction stages included
• Products used (wax, sealant, ceramic coating)
• Labour time
• Add-ons such as engine bay cleaning or headlight restoration
• Mobile service availability
• Estimated completion time

A clearly itemised quote helps with accurate comparisons, so you can choose the right service for your needs.

Common mistakes to avoid with car detailing

• Using strong household cleaners on car paint
• Washing the car in direct sunlight
• Using rough sponges or brushes that cause scratches
• Ignoring swirl marks that worsen over time
• Neglecting protective coatings

Tips for hiring a car detailing company in your area

Before choosing a car detailing company near you:

• Read customer reviews on Checkatrade
• Check which packages they offer
• Compare several quotes for similar detailing levels
• Ask about the products and protection types they use
• Confirm whether mobile detailing is available

To find companies offering car detailing in your area, search for car detailing in Sutherland on Checkatrade.