Our cars say a lot about us and what we care about. They show our style, status, and mood. So when our cars start looking worn out, it can bother us more than we realize. From road trips and spills to kids and everyday life, many things can make our cars dirty. Older cars often have scratches and tar damage, while water stains and food smudges are common in all cars.
Most of us don’t have the time or tools to clean our cars as thoroughly as we’d like. While regular car washes help with small messes like crumbs or dirt, they can’t clean as deeply as our cars may need.
That’s why car detailing is important for both cherished vehicles and daily drivers. Car detailing offers Australians the chance to restore their cars to their former glory with interior, exterior, and full-service options. Before you look for a detailer near you, it’s smart to understand the costs involved. Let’s take a look at the average cost of car detailing in Australia, including interior and exterior expenses, and how much you might spend on servicing other vehicles.
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What does car detailing involve?
Car detailing is a professional process aimed at restoring your car to its original showroom condition, both inside and out. It goes beyond a basic automated car wash, involving meticulous hand cleaning, polishing, and protection of every nook and cranny, including hard-to-reach spots like trunk jambs and wheel wells.
While a regular car wash focuses solely on the exterior, car detailing is all about preserving your car’s value. It can tackle stains, odours, and imperfections, rejuvenate interiors, restore paint, and shield it from everyday wear and tear.
What’s included in car detailing?
When you opt for car detailing, you can choose from various services offered by professional detailers. Most commonly, they provide interior detailing and full-detailing packages covering both interior and exterior.
Interior detailing services typically include:
- Thorough vacuuming of mats, footwells, seats, and trunk
- Cleaning and conditioning of leather seats
- Upholstery Cleaning
- Dashboard and internal trims cleaning and conditioning
- Interior glass cleaning to remove streaks and smears
Exterior detailing services usually involve:
- Cleaning of wheels
- Applying tyre shine
- Clay bar treatment and buffing for restoration
- Applying protective wax polish for cleaning and enhancing paint
- Conditioning external trims
- Cleaning exterior glass
Additional services like premium paint protection may also be offered by some detailers.
Car detailing price breakdown
Service Estimated cost
| Service | Estimated cost |
| Basic car detailing | $70 to $135 |
| Full car detailing | $205 to $310 |
| Interior car detailing | $65 to $225 |
| Exterior car detailing | $110 to $225 |
| Luxury detail | $310 to $900 |
| Tyre cleaning | $60 to $80 |
| Cut and polish | $195 to $300 |
| Headlight restoration | $95 |
| Carpets shampoo | $80 |
| Mat shampoo | $17 |
| Upholstery shampoo | $63 |
| Seat shampoo | $70 |
| Paint protection | Starts at $300 |
Car detailers offer various packages to meet your car detailing needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
Basic: A basic car detailing service typically includes washing, tyre cleaning, waxing, mirror cleaning, window cleaning, interior polishing and disinfecting, and spray coating. Prices range from $70 to $135, depending on your car’s size and the complexity of the job.
Full: For comprehensive cleaning, a full-detail car wash costs $205 to $310. This includes interior vacuuming and deodorizing, paint protection, engine cleaning, and additional services. Some providers may offer weekday discounts to help you save money.
Interior: Interior car detailing involves:
- Vacuuming and shampooing mats, carpets, and upholstery
- Cleaning window seals, dashboards, and air vents
- Treating leather
- Removing fabric odours Interior treatment is crucial due to heat and UV exposure.
Prices typically range from $65 to $225.
Exterior: Exterior car detailing costs $110 to $225 and includes:
Window cleaning and treatment (rain repellent) Tyre cleaning Alloy wheel cleaning Contaminant and tar removal Waxing Regular exterior detailing helps prevent damage, corrosion, and costly repairs in the long run. However, specialized services may come with higher prices.
Factors Influencing Car Detailing Costs in Australia
Several factors contribute to the average cost of car detailing. Here are the key ones:
Location: Car detailing prices vary depending on where you live. In larger cities, prices tend to be higher due to increased demand and operational expenses. Here’s a breakdown of average detailing prices across different cities:
- Brisbane: $75 to $280
- Gold Coast: $45 to $280
- North Sydney: $50 to $500
- Melbourne: $50 to $650
- Perth: $80 to $285
- Adelaide: $100 to $280
- Canberra: $100 to $280
Car Size: The size of your vehicle directly impacts detailing costs. Basic detailing for small cars and hatchbacks typically ranges from $65, while larger SUVs may require $20 to $50 or more, depending on the specialist. Vans and trucks usually incur special quotes due to their larger size.
Car Type: Vintage and recreational vehicles require specialized care and handling, leading to higher costs compared to standard cars.
Service Type: Car detailing specialists offer various services to meet different needs. For instance, if your car has accumulated swirls and scratches over time, you may benefit from a cut-and-polish or paint protection service. A cut-and-polish service typically costs between $200 to $300, while paint protection services start at $400.
Other services offered by car detailers
Some car detailing professionals provide additional options, such as premium products, specialized treatments, or advanced car care services. You can also opt for a standalone service if your car is in good condition overall but needs improvement in specific areas. Here are some of the available options:
- Tyre protection
- Engine and bay detailing
- Shampooing of carpets, mats, and upholstery
- Removal of fabric odours
- Headlight restoration
Why consider booking a car detailing service?
Car detailing can seem costly, especially if you’re new to it. While it may appear similar to a regular car wash, it involves comprehensive cleaning from top to bottom. If you’re tempted to tackle it yourself to save money, here are some reasons to reconsider:
- Professional car detailing addresses accumulated damage and helps prevent future issues. Detailers can also connect you with trusted specialists, such as auto electricians or mechanics, for any necessary repairs.
- It maximizes your investment in your vehicle by improving its overall appearance and potentially increasing its resale value.
- You won’t need to purchase specialized products and equipment that you’ll only use occasionally throughout the year.
- Car detailing is a time-consuming and physically demanding task. Hiring a service allows you to relax and spend time with loved ones instead.
- It reduces the risk of injury from improper handling of tools and chemicals.
