How Long Does It Take to Detail a Car Exterior?

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle's appearance, car exterior detailing is one of the most effective ways to keep it looking brand new. However, many car owners wonder how long it takes to complete exterior detailing and what the process entails. Whether you're looking for a deep clean for your car or simply a routine wash, understanding the time commitment involved in automotive exterior detailing can help you plan accordingly. In this blog, we will explore what’s involved in exterior auto detailing, the factors that can influence the time it takes, and why a professional service like mobile vehicle detailing can be a convenient option.

What is Car Exterior Detailing?

Car exterior detailing refers to a thorough cleaning and reconditioning process that goes beyond the typical car wash. The goal is to restore the vehicle’s exterior to its original condition and protect it from environmental damage. Exterior detailing includes washing, drying, polishing, and waxing the car’s paintwork to eliminate contaminants, scratches, and swirl marks. It also involves cleaning and restoring areas such as the wheels, tires, trim, and windows.

The time it takes to complete automotive exterior detailing can vary depending on several factors, including the vehicle's condition, size, and the level of service you choose.

Factors That Affect the Time for Exterior Detailing

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the question, how long does it take to detail a car exterior? Several factors influence the total time required for exterior auto detailing:

1. Vehicle Size and Condition

The size of your vehicle is one of the most important factors when it comes to the time spent on car exterior detailing. A compact car will typically take less time to detail than an SUV or a truck, simply due to its smaller surface area. Similarly, a vehicle that hasn’t been cleaned or maintained for a long period of time may require more time to remove dirt, contaminants, and old wax layers.

2. Level of Detail

The level of detail you’re looking for also affects the time needed. A basic exterior detailing service might take around 1.5 to 2 hours, which typically includes washing, drying, and waxing. However, a more comprehensive automotive exterior detailing that involves clay bar treatment, paint correction, and multiple layers of wax or sealant can take up to 4-6 hours or even longer, depending on the vehicle.

3. Type of Service: Mobile vs. In-Shop Detailing

If you opt for mobile vehicle detailing, it’s important to factor in the convenience and additional time it might take for a technician to set up and transport the necessary equipment to your location. While mobile vehicle detailing is a highly convenient service, it can sometimes take a little longer because the technician needs to ensure they have everything required to complete the job. On the other hand, an in-shop detailing service might be able to work more efficiently due to access to specialized tools and equipment.

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What’s Included in Exterior Auto Detailing?

To understand why automotive exterior detailing might take a bit of time, let’s take a look at what’s included in a typical exterior auto detailing service.

1. Washing and Drying

A thorough wash is the first step in exterior detailing. This involves removing dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the vehicle’s surface. Professional detailing services use high-quality car shampoo, soft microfiber cloths, and often a two-bucket method to ensure the vehicle is cleaned without causing swirl marks. After the car is washed, it is carefully dried using a microfiber towel or a drying aid to avoid water spots.

Learn: How Much Does Exterior Car Detailing Cost in 2024?

2. Clay Bar Treatment

If the car has accumulated contaminants such as tree sap or industrial fallout, a clay bar treatment may be necessary. This process involves rubbing a special clay bar across the car's surface to remove embedded contaminants. This step can add extra time to the detailing process but is essential for a smooth, contaminant-free finish.

3. Polishing

Polishing is a key step in automotive exterior detailing that helps remove scratches, swirl marks, and other imperfections in the paint. A professional detailer will use a machine polisher or hand polish to restore the paintwork to its original shine. This step can significantly enhance the car's appearance, but it can also add several hours to the overall detailing time.

4. Waxing or Sealing

After the polishing process, the vehicle is treated with wax or a paint sealant to provide a protective layer. This layer not only enhances the shine but also helps protect the paint from UV rays, dirt, and water. Depending on the type of product used, this step can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Why Choose Mobile Vehicle Detailing?

For those looking for ultimate convenience, mobile vehicle detailing can save time and effort by bringing the detailing service directly to your location. Whether you're at home or work, a mobile detailing technician can provide professional car exterior detailing services without you having to leave your location. This service typically includes all the steps mentioned above, with the added bonus of flexibility, so you can continue with your day while your car is being expertly detailed.

One of the main advantages of mobile vehicle detailing is that it eliminates the need for you to drive to an auto detailing shop, wait for the job to be done, and drive back. In some cases, mobile vehicle detailing can even be faster since the technician can work directly on your car in a relaxed, less rushed environment.

Conclusion: How Long Does It Take to Detail a Car Exterior?

In general, exterior auto detailing will take anywhere from 1.5 to 6 hours, depending on the vehicle’s condition, the level of service, and whether the detailing is done in-shop or through mobile vehicle detailing. For routine maintenance, a basic car exterior detailing service will usually be quicker. However, for more advanced services like clay bar treatments or paint correction, you should expect a longer timeframe.

If you're looking for professional and convenient exterior detailing, Right on Detail offers expert automotive exterior detailing services that cater to all your vehicle’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a simple wash or a full exterior auto detailing package, we provide efficient and high-quality services to keep your vehicle in pristine condition.

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