If you own an SUV that you love, you can preserve its value by getting it detailed. Because SUVs come in a variety of sizes, detailing prices can vary. I’ll go over where to find a detailer, the cost, and what to expect from a service. I’ll also share my experience with the place that does SUV detailing near me.
Map of SUV Detailing Near Me
If you are looking for “SUV Detailing Near Me”, see the map below…
What is SUV Detailing?
Auto detailing is the process of cleaning and protecting all parts of a vehicle – both inside and out – to keep it looking its best. This includes everything from washing and waxing the exterior to shampooing the carpets and polishing the chrome.
Detailers use a variety of carefully selected Autocare products to treat both the exterior and interior of your vehicle. These specialized items will make sure your paint job shines, is protected from wear and tear, and that your interior smells pleasant while also being shielded from damage.
Why Get Your SUV Detailed by a Pro
Not only will regular detailing help preserve your SUV’s value, but it will also keep it looking great and feeling like new. After all, you want to enjoy driving your vehicle, not be ashamed of how it looks!
Detailed vehicles are not just for looks, there are the functional benefits of detailing. This includes increased vision at night by having your headlights cleaned and reduced glare on your windshield by reducing fog.
Having your vehicle detailed 2 to three times a year, means you just need to do basic cleaning in between detail jobs for up keep.
What to Expect on the Exterior and Interior of your SUV
Before you search for SUV detailing near me, you should know what you can expect. These services are typical on an SUV auto detail:
Exterior Detailing
- Hand Wash and Dry: This removes any dirt or debris from the exterior. They’ll use high-end soap and soft sponges to clean your car without scratching it. To protect the paint and remove all moisture spots, they’ll air-dry it using a soft cloth.
- Clay Bar Treatment: After your vehicle finishes the hand wash, they will work to remove any tiny pieces of debris that were missed before. They do this by using a clay bar over the entire exterior.
- Sealant: Depending on your preferences, they will use either liquid or paste wax, you may even have alternative options like ceramic coating (for a higher cost). Sealants create a protective layer on the exterior from dirt, debris, and contaminants.
- Windows and Mirrors Cleaning: They will clean and remove any haze from all glass surfaces using a top-of-the-line glass cleaner. It will be streak-free. For better vision while driving, some places may apply a water repellent to your windscreen. Products like Rain-X are typically at an upgraded cost.
- Chrome Polishing: Your chrome trims will then be polished and made to sparkle using a dedicated metal polish specifically for chromes.
- Rubber Seal Conditioning: They will clean and treat your SUV’s rubber seals by applying a rubber conditioner to protect them from aging and cracking.
- Tire Dressing: They will clean your tires and apply a special chemical to make them black and glossy. They’ll also degrease the rims and polish them. If you have disk brakes or calipers that show, they will be cleaned as well.
Interior Detailing
- Cabin Vacuuming: They’ll vacuum the entire cabin including all rows and storage areas thoroughly before wiping down all non-textile surfaces with an interior car cleaner. They use an air compressor to blow out difficult-to-reach areas like under the seats.
- Floor Mat Shampooing: Floor mats will be taken out, washed, and dried.
- Carpet and Upholstery Shampooing: You can choose to have shampood carpets and upholstery. They open all the doors to let it air dry once they’re finished.
- Vent dusting: A vent duster tool is applied to safely and effectively eliminate dust, debris, allergens, and environmental contaminants from your vents.
- Windows Cleaning: They will clean your SUVs windows inside and out until they are streak-free and provide optimal visibility while driving.
- Leather protection: A protectant will be used on any leather or vinyl surface to ensure it is protected from spills.
- Upholstery protection: Spills and stains will be prevented with a protective solution that is sprayed on carpets and upholstery.
- Deodorizing: All ashtrays will be cleaned and the whole cabin will be deodorized.
How Much Does SUV Detailing Near Me Cost?
The answer to this question is dependent on multiple variables, some of which are:
- The condition of your SUV
- The age of your SUV
- The size of your SUV
The cost to detail an SUV or something of similar size like a van, on average is between $250 and $400. The bigger the SUV, the more money you should expect to spend. While some may consider a Jeep Wrangler to be an SUV, the cost of that compared to lets say a Lincoln Navigator is much less.
This also applies to the condition, if it is caked in mud, has seats covered in dog hair, or has cereal mashed into the backset from kids, expect to spend more.
You may also want to look into add-on services like pet hair removal, upgraded products, or protectants like ceramic coating. Many people opt to only have one portion of their SUV detailed, for example just the interior or a hand wash of the exterior. Doing fewer services will take less time and cost considerably less money.
Mobile SUV Detailing Might Cost Less…
Sometimes I find that the mobile detailing near me, is cheaper than visiting a full car wash and detailing shop. A mobile service doesn’t have the same costs.
If saving time and money is a priority for you, look into companies that will come to your location to wash your SUV. Generally, you can get the same level of quality service for slightly less cost. On average I would estimate a mobile detailer charges $10 to $35 less.
How to Choose SUV Detailing Near Me
You want to be frugal with your money, and that’s admirable. When it comes to finding an SUV detailer, ensure you get bang for your buck by doing proper research.
Reading reviews is always the best place to start when you’re looking for someone to detail your SUV. I like to use Google Business and Yelp. Look for reviews that include before-and-after photos.
You want to find a reputable business that has been around for a while, offers good communication, and does great work. Depending on what level of service you need, the price may also be a factor.
Lastly, take into account their availability: do they provide mobile services? Are they open on the weekends?
Calling a few car detail shops is the next step after you finish your research. Make sure to ask them questions during the call, so you can get an idea of their customer base, process, and prices. This will ensure that they know what they’re talking about.
SUV Detailing Near Me – Final Thoughts…
Nothing beats a clean vehicle. A detailing service not only gets the best out of your SUV, but it also helps to preserve it. People who have their vehicles detailed have cars that endure longer and have greater resale values. Choosing a place you like and trust is important, though. This is what I’ve learned after visiting several locations that offer SUV detailing near me.