Hiring a professional auto detailer can be expensive, especially when compared to a standard automatic wash. What exactly is the difference between a full service car wash and a detail? In the city of Sacramento, there are over 45 car washes offering everything from an $8.99 Good Wash at Quick Quack to a $375 Ultimate Wash at Pavillions. This begs the question: what really accounts for the difference in cost for these car washes? Let’s talk about the different options you have here in Sacramento.

1. “Cost Effective” Automatic Car Washes

While priced competitively, automatic wash services generally do more bad to your vehicle than good. I explained this in a previous post, which you can read about here. In summation, your local automatic car wash uses a combination of foam bristles and brushes, along with diluted wash products and various chemicals, to make your car appear clean. I say this lightly, but I wouldn’t dare take my car through an automatic wash- even if it was free. Scratches and swirls in the paint cause long term damage, which can lower your vehicle’s value and become an expensive fix. 

2. Full service car washes 

The “full service car wash” is a board term. Typically this means you’re paying for a full exterior wash, interior clean, and hand dry. A standard full service wash generally costs between $40-$100. Some full service washes utilize an automatic wash, so the risk of damage is still present. Moreover, full service washes that use a hand wash system have been known to damage paint, since many of these large companies focus on high output rather than attention to detail. 4-5 people may work on your car, using low-quality scrub mitts and low-pile microfiber towels in places they simply do not belong. Although not incredibly noticeable at a first glance, water marks, scratches, and missed sections are not out of the ordinary at even the “best” full service washes. 

3. Hiring a Professional Auto Detail Company 

Let's talk about what a professional can do for your car and what “car detailing” really means. While there is no clear definition for detailing, it can be explained  in simple terms as spending a significant amount of time to clean a vehicle. This includes taking extra precaution to washing the car, working around nooks, and implementing a gentle, yet incredibly well developed system. 

Since detailers are not created equal, this process will differ depending on the company you choose to work with. There is no “best” method to detailing, so it is important to address your concerns with your detail technician and ask questions if you need clarification. Have a ceramic coated car and need your vehicle washed with a pH balanced soap? Ask your local detailer. Looking to apply a new coat of wax and looking for a decontamination wash? Ask your local detailer what services they offer. We understand how important cars are to our customers, so we always encourage them to ask questions. Ask us anything here.

Larry, the owner of AMMO NYC, shows his detailing process for this Porsche Macan GTS. He is well regarded in the industry.