Detailing
Detailing Packages Explained: Express vs Full Detail
Blackout Window Tinting
7 min read
Understand detailing package options from quick washes to full restorations. Learn what's included in each level and when you need each service.
Walk into any detail shop and you'll see a menu of packages—Express, Premium, Elite, Signature, Ultimate. What do these actually include, and how do you know which one you need?
Let's demystify detailing packages.
The Four Main Service Levels
Level 1: Express/Quick Detail
Time: 30-60 minutes
Cost: $30-75
Best for: Monthly maintenance, before events
Typically includes:
- Exterior hand wash
- Window cleaning (exterior only)
- Tire dressing
- Quick interior vacuum
- Dashboard wipe-down
Does NOT include:
- Wax or sealant
- Deep interior cleaning
- Leather conditioning
- Paint correction
- Engine bay
Level 2: Standard/Full Detail
Time: 2-4 hours
Cost: $125-250
Best for: Quarterly maintenance, seasonal prep
Typically includes:
Exterior:
- Hand wash with foam cannon
- Clay bar (light decontamination)
- Hand wax or spray sealant
- Wheel cleaning and dressing
- Tire shining
- Trim restoration
- Glass cleaning (inside and out)
Interior:
- Full vacuum (seats, carpets, trunk)
- Dashboard/console cleaning
- Door panels and jambs
- Cup holder cleaning
- Interior glass
- Air freshener
Level 3: Premium/Deep Clean
Time: 4-8 hours
Cost: $250-450
Best for: Semi-annual deep clean, pre-sale prep
Includes everything in Standard, plus:
Exterior:
- Iron decontamination treatment
- Full clay bar treatment
- One-stage polish (removes light swirls)
- Long-term sealant application
- Exhaust tip polish
- Trim ceramic coating
Interior:
- Steam cleaning
- Carpet shampooing
- Leather cleaning and conditioning
- Fabric extraction if needed
- Vent cleaning
- Detailed crevice work
- Headliner cleaning (if needed)
Level 4: Restoration/Show Prep
Time: 8-20+ hours
Cost: $500-1,500+
Best for: Neglected vehicles, show cars, new car prep
Includes everything in Premium, plus:
Exterior:
- Multi-stage paint correction
- Wet sanding if needed
- Ceramic coating application
- PPF preparation
- Complete exterior restoration
Interior:
- Leather repair (minor)
- Ozone treatment
- Complete fabric restoration
- Plastic restoration
- Complete sanitization
Package Comparison Table
| Feature | Express | Standard | Premium | Restoration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand wash | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior vacuum | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wax/sealant | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clay bar | ✗ | Light | Full | Full |
| Paint correction | ✗ | ✗ | 1-stage | Multi-stage |
| Steam cleaning | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather conditioning | ✗ | ✓ | Deep | + Repair |
| Fabric extraction | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine bay | ✗ | ✗ | Optional | ✓ |
| Headliner | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ceramic coating | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | Optional |
Add-On Services
Most shops offer these additions to any package:
| Add-On | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Engine bay detail | $50-100 | 30-60 min |
| Headlight restoration | $75-150 | 45-90 min |
| Odor elimination | $50-200 | 1-4 hours |
| Ceramic coating | $500-1,500 | 4-24 hours |
| Pet hair removal | $50-100 | 30-60 min |
| Seat extraction | $75-150 | 1-2 hours |
| Wheel ceramic coating | $100-200 | 1-2 hours |
How to Choose Your Package
Choose Express If:
- You detail regularly (bi-weekly or monthly)
- Car is relatively clean
- You just need freshening up
- Time or budget is limited
- Maintaining existing protection
Choose Standard If:
- Detail 4-6 times per year
- Light to moderate dirt/grime
- Want comprehensive cleaning
- No major paint issues
- Maintaining good condition
Choose Premium If:
- Detail 2-3 times per year
- Moderate to heavy contamination
- Light paint swirls visible
- Selling car soon
- Want thorough restoration
Choose Restoration If:
- First detail in over a year
- Purchased used/neglected vehicle
- Significant paint defects
- Preparing for sale or show
- Applying ceramic coating
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Daily Driver, Monthly Maintenance
Situation: 2022 SUV, decent condition, detailed monthly
Need: Express Detail ($50)
Upgrade at: Every 4th detail → Standard Detail
Scenario 2: Family Vehicle, Quarterly Care
Situation: 2019 minivan, kids, pets, driven hard
Need: Standard Detail ($175)
Add: Pet hair removal, fabric extraction
Scenario 3: Enthusiast Car, Weekend Driver
Situation: 2020 sports car, garaged, low miles
Need: Premium Detail twice yearly ($350)
Add: Ceramic maintenance topper
Scenario 4: Just Purchased Used Vehicle
Situation: 2018 sedan, bought from private seller
Need: Restoration Detail ($750)
Add: Headlights, engine bay, odor treatment
Red Flags in Package Deals
Watch out for:
- "Full detail" under $100 — Corners being cut
- 8-hour detail in 2 hours — Not actually complete
- No itemized breakdown — Hidden fees incoming
- Pressure to upgrade — Honest shops give recommendations, not sales tactics
- No portfolio of work — Unverified quality
Questions to Ask Any Shop
- What exactly is included in this package?
- How long will my vehicle be in service?
- What products do you use?
- Can I see examples of your work?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- What's your satisfaction guarantee?
Our Detailing Packages
We offer clearly defined packages with transparent pricing:
- Express Detail: Maintenance refresh
- Standard Detail: Complete clean
- Premium Detail: Deep restoration
- Show Prep: Concours-level work
📍 Visit our Gilroy shop — see our facilities.
