AppointWhat is the difference between a car wash and auto detailing?
A car wash is a quick exterior clean, automatic or by hand, sometimes with a basic interior vacuum. Auto detailing is a much more thorough, mostly hand-done service: interior shampoo and stain removal, leather care, clay bar, paint polishing and protective wax, sealant or ceramic coating. Choose a wash for regular upkeep and detailing before selling a car, after a messy season or once or twice a year.
Key facts
- Detailing takes hours rather than minutes and is priced accordingly.
- Ceramic coatings and paint correction are detailing services, not car wash services.
- AppointAuto lists car washes and detailers separately in each city.
Side by side
| Car wash | Detailing | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Minutes | Hours |
| Exterior | Wash and dry | Wash, decontaminate, polish, protect |
| Interior | Vacuum at most | Deep clean of seats, carpets, surfaces |
| Best for | Regular upkeep | Selling, restoring, protecting |
Next step
Car washes in Los AngelesAuto detailing in Los AngelesCar washes and detailers by state