# What 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 Angeles](https://appointauto.com/ca/los-angeles/car-wash/) · [Auto detailing in Los Angeles](https://appointauto.com/ca/los-angeles/auto-detailing/) · [Car washes and detailers by state](https://appointauto.com/us/)

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Source: https://appointauto.com/answers/car-wash-vs-detailing/ · Last updated 2026-10-26. Station details are compiled from public listings and can change; call the shop to confirm hours and prices before you go.